Local communities would dry up and die without snowmobiling. Local people need to know
what winter recreation means to their town.
Centennial should do some advertising in other states like Nebraska and Colorado. It
could become as much a ski town as it is a snowmobile town now. Skiers generally have more
money to spend (because they're not paying off trucks, trailers, and sleds). Also, skiers
clean up their messes.
Taxes from what snomobilers spend are vital to this community. Don't forget the revenue
and jobs.
Closing down snowmobiling on Snowy Range would devastate local Laramie businesses. Don't
do it! Open up new terrain for skiers such as Libby Creek Ski Area and Silver Run. Also,
develop new backcountry trails on Pole Mountain.
As a resident of Centennial, the winter months have become a zoo. Often times there are
snowmobiles driving through people's property in town. A map should be designed to
inform out-of-staters where they should and should not drive / ride and should be enforced
by local residents and members of ski and snowmobile clubs who use the area regularly.
Have cross-country skiers and snowshoers pay a use fee, and then designate a number of
trails only for them. The trails could cross one another but all would have to stop at
intersection. Then whatever open area is left then all will be able to use it. That way
everyone has enough space to recreate how they enjoy.
Educate / Clearly mark users maps of private property. Every parking lot needs patrolled
every weekend. Check permits, vehicles and snow machines for exhaust and permits!
Communities should care more about their future citizens than the "rights" of
businesses to do whatever they feel proper. The so-called "freedoms" of land
users are infringing on the freedom of future generations.
Perhaps more signage or fencing of private property.
We are privileged to live near the National Forest but that does not make us the sole
owners. The land is for everyone no matter where they reside. There is too much
prejudice against out-of-state visitors. We should all the hospitable and welcome others
who would like to enjoy our beautiful lands.
Open meetings
Tolerance
Respect
This should be a "community building" process that strengthens not tears down
the area.
Possible north entrance on road 111 at Arlington - O Trail. Problems: no gas,
needs grooming, etc.
The same tolerance shown to other carrying choices should be used in this area. Good
manners! Respect of other peoples rights to their choice.
Education and the of trust by the USFS and the federal government and a collaborative
process will help people feel there is not a concerted effort to close off access to
public land. But then there will be many people who will never trust the government and
there's nothing you can do about them.
Ecotourism
Comprehensive study of snow, water and dirt samples near the gap lakes or other areas
heavily impacted. The study should be well set up and designed and use previous studies
for Baseline data. (Contact Tim Drever 1985-1988 studies)
Restrict snowmobile traffic around private cabins.
Motorized recreationists support local communities economically. This should be a factor
in any planning.
People from Colorado are overrunning the Snowy Range w/ motorized vehicles. They believe
they can do all the destructive things in the WY NF that they are not permitted to do in
the National Forests of CO. Special permits. Emphasis on law enforcement and pamphlets
plus other educational efforts should be directed at vehicles from Colorado.
If the ski areas that promote winter use of the national forest are limited by law
as to the time frame in which their guests may ski (usually T-giving to Easter) why are
the snowmobilers allowed to tear it up from Sep. to May. Suggestion: seasonal and/or
snowpack considerations for the snowmobilers also.