Minister seeks public views on potential exemptions
from mandatory groomed snowmobile trail use permits

Paul Shelley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and Minister responsible for Labrador Affairs, today released a discussion document seeking the public�s views on potential exemptions from mandatory groomed snowmobile trail use permits. The document follows a commitment made by the minister following the passing of an amendment to the Motorized Snow Vehicles and All Terrain Vehicles Act in the House of Assembly last December which requires all users of groomed snowmobile trails to purchase and display a mandatory trail user sticker while using the trail network.

�Following the passage of legislation last fall, I committed to evaluate the implementation of mandatory trail use permits throughout the snowmobiling season, and to review potential exemptions for cabin owners, wood cutters and commercial trappers,� said Minister Shelley. �This discussion document attempts to provide the appropriate information needed to help the public make an informed opinion about potential exemptions and I look forward to using feedback received in the formulation of a final decision on this issue.�

Minister Shelley reiterated that the discussion document provides the opportunity for the public to provide feedback on potential exemptions for specific user groups of groomed snowmobile trails and in no way revisits the issue of mandatory trail use permits in general. The document is located on the department�s Web site at www.gov.nl.ca/tcr/consultation. Comments are requested by no later than September 30, 2005.

�It is clear from the results of last year�s snowmobiling season that implementing mandatory trail use permits has helped to secure the future viability of the groomed snowmobiling trail system,� said Minister Shelley. �This approach is consistent with most other provinces in Canada which have established a mandatory trail user fee system whereby those that use the trails pay for their maintenance. The sustainable management of these trails will ensure that this infrastructure will continue to be available for recreational snowmobilers for many years to come.�

In December 2004, government amended the Motorized Snow Vehicles and All Terrain Vehicles Act and Regulations, requiring snowmobile operators to purchase and display trail use stickers while operating snowmobiles on groomed trails maintained by the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation (NLSF) and Labrador Winter Trails Inc. (LWT). NLSF is the parent organization for the snowmobile clubs on the island; LWT is the parent organization in Labrador.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-0928, 685-1741, tansymundon@gov.nl.ca

2005 09 01                2:00 p.m.