U.S. Forest Service officials in Vermont warn they are implementing and enforcing a closure order limiting “over snow vehicle” (OSV) speed on the more than 400,000-acre Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF).
The new order, which took effect in January, states that the maximum speed allowed for an OSV within the Green Mountain National Forest is 35 miles per hour.
“This regulatory measure is consistent with Vermont state law and speed regulations for OSV travel on Vermont state lands,” reads a state press release.
All snowmobile trails within the Green Mountain National Forest are multiple-use trails open to cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and dog sledding, and excessive OSV speed is cited as an increased risk to other forest users.
The Forest Service also said that the severity of injuries (including death) as a result of OSV accidents is directly correlated with higher speed.
The GMNF and Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) work together to maintain more than 400 miles of national forest system trails that are part of the statewide snowmobile trail system. Citing excessive and unsafe speeds as being a frequent and contributing factor to OSV accidents and injury, Forest Service officials noted:
• Most of the OSV trails on the GMNF are winding, narrow, mountainous, and non-linear by nature, and thereby have limited sight-lines resulting in reduced reaction times.
• OSV trails attract users of all abilities from novice to expert, and children as young as 8 are lawfully permitted to operate OSVs on VAST trails.
• In recent years, snowmobiles have gotten faster and more powerful and have a greater power-to-weight ratio than other land vehicles.
• The state of Vermont prohibits OSV speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour statewide on state lands. Having consistency between federal and non-federal public lands provides consistent and clear expectations for GMNF users as well as state, town, and county law enforcement officials.
In the coming months, Forest Service officials will post additional information at trailheads.
Moreover, Vermont has a tough “snowmobiling while intoxicated” law, covering alcohol as well as drugs; snowmobiles must be legally registered and have liability insurance; operators must purchase a VAST Trails Maintenance Assessment decal; and helmet use is required.
Forest Service officials encourage winter trail users to pack a flashlight, cell phone, food, and extra warm clothing in case of an emergency.