DNR snowmobile safety team to help in Jefferson County

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DNR snowmobile safety team to help in Jefferson County
News Release Published: February 9, 2011 by the Central Office

Contact(s): DNR Conservation Warden Gary Eddy, 608-267-7455

MADISON – Dedicated to ensuring safety and fun for all enjoying the state’s snowmobile trails, a team of conservation wardens will be coming to Jefferson County this weekend.

DNR Conservation Warden Gary Eddy, who also serves as the agency’s snowmobile safety administrator, credits the efforts of the Recreational Safety and Enforcement Team – or RSET – for the state’s strides toward safe outings for all.

“Wisconsin has experienced a reduction in snowmobile fatalities for the last five years,” Eddy said. “This is a trend we’d like to see continue with the help of the special team.”

The Recreational Safety and Enforcement Team was created in 2005 following the second deadliest winter on record for snowmobile accidents in Wisconsin, when 38 snowmobilers lost their lives. During the last fiscal years, the Wisconsin Legislature provided funds for this purposes. Jefferson County has the highest snowmobile fatality rate in the southern two-thirds of the state.

“The team’s top goal is to support snowmobiling for what it is – a terrific outdoor activity all ages can enjoy,” Eddy said. “The public wants us to makes sure everyone follows the snowmobile safety laws.

Eddy says the team works collaboratively with the local authorities. "Many local sheriff's departments are tight on time and resources to have their own snowmobile patrol."

The DNR helps the local officials by sending the team of wardens to offer a visible presence on the trail system. Wardens focus on enforcement of the most serious safety violations, such as excessive speed, careless operation and operating while intoxicated. These factors are often associated with our fatal crashes and greatly affect the safety and enjoyment of others.

“We also concentrate on registration and trespass violations which hurts the future procurement and maintenance of trails,” Eddy said. “We want people to come to Wisconsin because they know we are patrolling the trails. The law abiding, snowmobile public loves to see us and we often receive thanks.”

Eddy says the problems often are with a few snowmobilers who choose to ride recklessly and pose risks to others. “They are the one’s we educate or remove from the trails so responsible snowmobilers can enjoy their outing.”

Safety team members include six conservation wardens, six marked snowmobiles and two marked enclosed trailers. The team will patrol high snowmobile use areas or areas that experience high numbers of fatalities around the state this winter.

Additional snowmobile safety tips can be found on the DNR Web site.