Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) – ACSA Project Update

Cooperative Agreement for Snowmobile Safety and Access

Education

FHWA Project Update

• We’re in the last 4 months of this 4-year Cooperative Agreement (CA) which expires on September 30, 2015 – so all work must be complete by that date

• No other funding for future special projects is currently assured; while we’re looking for options, they’re definitely limited with RTP currently only being extended through July

Snowmobileinfo.orgYour best source for snowmobile

safety & access information

• FHWA funding for operation of Snowmobileinfo.org will expire September 30; need to ensure info is current, also making changes to eliminate tasks/costs: specific class listings will be discontinued; professional’s forum has already been removed due to no use

Recap of Special Projects Completed Years 1-3

1. Developed ‘Research Studies Related to Snowmobiling Impacts’

2. Developed the on-line Library of Research Studies Related to Snowmobiling Impacts

3. Additional Tool Kit materials: Wintering Wildlife & Wilderness4. On-line Safe Riders! Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program

was updated5. ‘Knowledge is Powder’ avalanche education awareness video;

part of partnership with Utah Avalanche Center 6. ‘Facts and Myths About Snowmobiling and Winter Trails’ update7. Assessment of Tracked OHV Use on Groomed Snowmobile Trails8. Developed ‘Speed and Alcohol Awareness’ snowmobile safety

PSAs

‘Year-4’ Special Projects

Update on 4 Approved Current Projects

Supplemental Assessment of Tracked OHV Use on Groomed Snowmobile Trails

• Builds from the 2014 report• Attempts to answer a few more questions

about on-trail operation, also tried to capture information about off-trail operation

• Polaris provided a tracked RZR thru ‘Rider X’ that was operated in 4 locations during February; also had a tracked ATV for one test and observed tracked motorcycles

Tracked OHV Impacts: It’s ALL About Width

• 2014 Polaris RZR 570 (50” wheeled width)

• 61” tracked width

• 2014 Yamaha Grizzly 700 (46.5” wheeled width)

• 54” tracked width

Maximum Observed Widths

Other general observations:• Low PSI results in only OHV track tread

impressions on groomed trail surface• Not enough power to ‘spin’ 4 tracks• 1/3 reduction in vehicle speed with tracks

versus wheels (45 mph is actually 30 mph)

Modern Snowmobile

Tracked ATVYamahaGrizzly

Tracked UTVPolaris RZR

Tracked UTVPolaris Ranger

Tracked UTVJohn Deere

Gator

48” 52”-54” 61” 67.5”-68.5” 70.5”

Other Current Approved Projects

3. Supplemental Grooming Education A) develop condensed Best Management Practices with focus on Adaptive Management B) may also include a condensed operator training Power Point

4. Access Guide updates needed: US Forest Service planning rule & OSV travel rule for sure; also need to review other public agency info for potential updates & changes

Other Potential Future Projects, If Funds Allow

A. OSV Travel Rule: training materials or training program?

B. Trail Signing education: reflecting the new ‘less is better’ philosophy?

C. Fat Tire Bicycle (Snow Bikes): white paper on issues & potential Best Management Practices to consider?

D. Other?

QUESTIONS?