Approximately 450 snowmobilers from around the globe registered for the 42nd annual International Snowmobile Congress hosted by the Iowa State Snowmobile Association in
Coralville,
Iowa
June 8-12, 2010.
The Congress includes the International Association of Snowmobile Administrators, (IASA), the American Council of Snowmobile Associations, (ACSA),
The Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations, (CCSO), the Swedish Federation of Snowmobilers, (Sno-Fed), the International Manufacturers Association, (ISMA),
the International Tourism Association, (
ISTA), the International Snowmobile Media Council, (ISMC), the Friends of Snowmobiling PAC, Iron Dog Brigade,(an honorary society) and the Thirsty Dogs.
The days began with a
7:00 AM breakfast with speakers and updates.
ISMA’s Ed Klim presented updates on EPA requirements, what’s happening in
Washington,
DC, and North American snowmobile statistics.
The Administrators had four full days of meetings with three full days scheduled for ACSA, CCSO that included regional chapter meetings and workshops.
The ISC full session voted to resume the full four-day session starting next year in
Calgary.
It has proven impossible to get everything accomplished in three day.
IASA will continue their four-day sessions.
Also at the full session,
Russia was voted in as a member of the ISC and the Russian delegate was seated at the table. The Russians have attended previous congresses and expressed interest in becoming a member.
Ed Klim, ISMA, stated that recreational sales, including snowmobiles, are down worldwide.
Snowmobile sales are down significantly in
Europe,
Canada and the
United States.
Registrations are 1.5 million, down from 1.6 million.
Most impact in the
United States is in
Michigan with a loss of population due to unemployment.
The economy is down, the currency exchange is an issue as well as price and availability of related goods (gas and snow for example) have an effect.
Regulatory actions are driving the price.
Most sales for snowmobiles, boats and RV’s are resales.
Ed continued that the price increases of new sleds is driven by the requirement to build new engines, and the standards continue to get tougher.
In the US and Canada the largest snowmobile population is the 45 to 63 age bracket at 85 million, traveling an average 1,500 miles a season.
60% are club members.
Ed described the clubs as being close to the people on a social level and the state associations as the horse power.
Some of the main reasons for snowmobiling are the scenery, to be with friends and to “get away”.
Ed Klim spends a lot of time in
Washington,
DC with visits to the congressional offices and the various agencies including the EPA.
The EPA is in phase 2 and will implement phase 3 in 2012.
Much of the EPA “testing” is using stationary vehicles and not moving vehicles. The DOE will list snowmobiles for the E-15 fuel.
The current administration is pushing this product into the marketplace and it is not known if it will work.
The draft EIS on the proposed
USFS rule is due out in the spring of 2011 and the Winter Rule in October, 2011.
James Bidwell,
USFS, said the economic impact of snowmobile recreation on the
Forest is huge.
Christopher Dauwes, Federal Highway Administration, expressed pleasure that the Transportation Budget was extended.
What that means for snowmobilers is the Recreational Trails Program (
RTP) will continue for the next 9 months.
Other presentations during Congress included Survival Training for Mountain Riders, Raising Money for Diabetes Research, Pink Ribbon Riders (money for cancer victims) and the Rossman Group session on social media, advising keep your messaging consistent, honest and relevant.
Think before you speak and be careful what you say and how you say it.
A tour of the John Deere factory and the Muddy Creek Winery were part of the pre Congress events available and well as the FOSPAC scavenger hunt to raise money for the Political Action Committee. The auction of the Western Chapter belt buckle that funds the Western Chapter scholarship was held at the off-site event on Thursday evening.
The
USFS representatives discussed the new Planning Rule proposed by the Forest Service.
The Forest Service held 4 National Roundtables in
Washington,
DC and 8 meetings held across the
United States.
Snowmobilers attended these critical meetings.
OSSA attended the one in the Northwest held in
Portland,
Oregon and the National Roundtable in
Washington,
DC. that coincided with the annual ACSA Fly-in.
Peggy Spieger