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YouTube: Snowmobile Safety, Iowa DNR (0:31)
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DNR Spot
Snowmobilers: Brush up on Rules, trail maps Before Snow Arrives
Winter is officially here and for the snowmobilers, all that is lacking for them to hit the trails is, well, snow.
Before the inevitable flakes fall, snowmobilers are encouraged to brush up on the rules, have their machines tuned up, and to make sure their registrations are current.
“One of the most important rules snowmobilers can follow is to stay on marked trails,” said Rhonda Fowler, Snowmobile Education Coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. “Once they leave the trail, they could be trespassing on private property and with snowmobiles, the evidence is pretty obvious – they leave tracks everywhere they go. Trespassing on private property is the number one way to lose trails and we want to keep as many trails open as we can.”
Iowa has 5,000 miles of trails, mostly north of Hwy. 20. Fowler said most of the trails are marked and maintained by local clubs.
“Local clubs are good resources for trail and local ordinance information and are major sponsors for education courses,” she said.
Riders age 12 through 17 are required to successfully complete a certified education course. Most of the hands-on courses take place in November and December. In cooperation with a certifying vendor, the DNR also offers an online course for youth age 12 and older. There is a vendor fee of $34.95 for the six-hour online course that includes the certification and card.
Iowa has an agreement with neighboring states that allows recognition of approved safety certification courses.
Snowmobilers should check with their city and county for local ordinances for operating a snowmobile in town. One common misconception is that snowmobiles are allowed on any and all public land, which is not the case.
“Only a few public areas are open to snowmobiles,” she said. “If snowmobiles are allowed on public land, there will be signs posted.”
One major concern for DNR conservation officers is chasing and harassing wildlife with motorized vehicles, such as a snowmobile. While these may be isolated incidents, the impact is great and the violators are subject to prosecution.
There are 29,000 snowmobiles registered in Iowa.
Safety Check List
- Wear proper gear for the conditions - boots, a snowmobile suit, helmet, gloves and layered clothing
- Don’t ride alone
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will return
- Carry a basic tool kit and know how to use it
- Carry a cell phone
- Do not use alcohol or drugs before or during the ride
- Make sure the sled is in proper working condition
- At night, slow down and do not over-drive your headlights
Riding on Ice
- Ice is not uniform on any body of water. Be sure to have at a minimum at least five inches of good, clear ice before operating a snowmobile [six inches or more if on a river]
- If riding on a lake, be aware if it has an aeration system and plan to avoid riding in the area
- Watch for ice anglers
- River ice is 15 percent weaker than lake ice because the moving water hinders ice growth
Online Resources
The state snowmobile association website with links to local clubs and to trail maps: http://www.iowasnowmobiler.com/
Operator Guidelines
- Under Age 12 must be accompanied by a responsible person who is at least 18 years of age and who possesses a valid driver’s license or a snowmobile education certificate
- Age 12 through 15 must have a valid snowmobile education certificate to operate a snowmobile and must be under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or another adult authorized by the parent or guardian who is experienced in snowmobile operation and possesses a valid driver’s license or a snowmobile education certificate
- Age 16 through 17 must have a valid snowmobile education certificate in their possession
- Age 18 and older may operate without an education certificate unless the individual’s privilege to operate a motor vehicle has been suspended, barred or revoked
Groomer Operator Training to be held in Coulter
A groomer operator training class has been scheduled for January 4, 2012, at the Coulter Community Center in Coulter, Iowa. This class is designed as an introductory training for anyone interested in becoming a certified groomer operator. This class is not a recertification training for anyone who is already certified as a groomer operator.
Requirements for becoming a certified groomer operator:
- Must be 18 years of age with a valid state-issued driver's license
- Sponsored by a club
- Able to complete the required training
- Pass a background check, which includes criminal history and conservation violation checks
DATE: January 4, 2012
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Coulter Community Center
109 Main Street
Coulter, Iowa 50431
COST: $10
To preregister for the course or for more information, please contact Rhonda Fowler at 515-281-3208 or Rhonda.Fowler@dnr.iowa.gov
Iowa Snowmobile Rules and Regulations
Iowa's Snowmobile Rules and Regulations
Join the Snowmobile List Serve
To receive information from the IDNR Snowmobile Program, join the program's list serve: join-dnrsnowmobile@lists.ia.gov.
Special Event Permits
The Iowa DNR is authorized to approve a club or individual to hold an organized special events (an organized race, exhibition, or demonstration of limited duration which is conducted accourding to a prearranged schedule and in which general public interest is manifested) within the state if the event is scheduled to be held on public land or public ice. The DNR shall designate the equipment and facilities necessary for the safe operation of vehicles and for the safety of operators, participants, and observers.
Residents participating in a special event must display a current registration on their vehicles. Nonresidents must display a valid, Iowa nonresident user permit on their vehicles.
At least 30 days before the scheduled date of a special event, an application must be filed with the DNR using the Special Events web-based application found at https://programs.iowadnr.gov/specialevents/.
For more information, contact the Snowmobile Program Manager (David.Downing@dnr.iowa.gov) or call 515-281-3449.
Special Events Calendar
When individuals and groups want to use public land and water for events, they must apply for use of that land through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. These events are compiled by the Special Events System and are displayed on a calendar of events. These events can be searched by type, location, and date.
To find events which may be of interest to you, please go to https://programs.iowadnr.gov/specialevents/.
Our Mission:
To provide sustainable, responsible recreation opportunities for owners of registered snowmobiles.