As many of you in the community know, there has been significant debate regarding the proposed bill to increase snowmobile trail pass and registration fees. Recently, I was contacted by a representative from the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC) who wanted to discuss my opposition to this bill and my decision to contact state representatives about it.
I’ve always believed that if we want a strong, sustainable future for our trails, we need two things: transparency and consistency. Unfortunately, my recent discussions have highlighted a lack of both.
Conflicting Information and the Need for Clarity
My initial hesitation didn’t stem from a refusal to support the trails, but rather from the contradictory information I was receiving. I’ve spoken with multiple AWSC representatives, including county presidents, and the stories simply didn’t align.
One of the primary arguments presented was that these fee increases are necessary for trail safety. However, when I asked for a specific explanation of how higher fees equate to safer riding, I received no clear answer. Safety is paramount, but it requires a plan, not just a price tag.
Equipment and Fundraising
There has also been confusion regarding equipment costs. While it was suggested that the fee increase is needed for AWSC to purchase grooming equipment, it was later clarified that individual clubs and grooming groups are actually responsible for these purchases.
This raises an important point: some counties are successfully using innovative fundraising to maintain brand-new, reliable equipment. Rather than a blanket fee increase, perhaps we should be looking at how to scale these successful fundraising models across the state. If some clubs are thriving under the current system, there is a wealth of knowledge there that could benefit everyone.
Addressing the Cost of Operation
The argument was made that diesel costs have risen significantly since the last increase in 2012. However, a look at federal data shows that current diesel prices are relatively comparable to 2012 levels, despite a spike in 2022. Using outdated or inaccurate data to justify a 100% increase on certain registrations doesn’t build trust with the riding community.
A Focus on Real Safety
In my view, trail safety is best improved through better patrolling and the removal of reckless or intoxicated drivers. While I was told that alcohol-related fatalities are down, that doesn’t necessarily mean the presence of impaired drivers has decreased. Safety is about prevention and enforcement, and that should be our primary focus.
Moving Forward with Transparency
I’ve been criticized for being “anal” about the details or for “stopping the bill” by contacting my representatives. I don’t see it that way. I see it as being an informed and engaged member of this community. When we are asked to pay up to double for our passes, we deserve to know exactly where that money is going and why.
I am not inherently against a bill that supports our trails. I am, however, against a lack of transparency. If the AWSC and the DNR can provide a consistent, data-driven, and clear explanation for these increases, I—and many others—would be much more likely to support the path forward.
Until then, I will continue to advocate for clarity and accountability. Our trails are a vital part of our community, and they deserve a strategy that is as robust as the people who ride them.