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Course Outline

Snowmobiles have minimal environmental impact when used properly.

  • Impact on grasses and other ground cover is minimal when vegetation is covered by at least four inches of snow. Since a snowmobile distributes its weight over a wide area, the pressure (weight per square inch) is much lower than the pressure created by a person on foot.
  • Snowmobiles are built to federally mandated noise control standards. Engine noise has little or no effect on humans when trails are properly located away from residential or business areas.
  • Scientific studies indicate that compaction of snow by snowmobiles has no negative effect on crops such as winter wheat or alfalfa.
    • Compaction often eliminates snow mold and increases yields.
    • Compaction may decrease soil erosion.
Ten snowmobiles and riders stacked on top of one another equal the same ground pressure as one person on foot.

Ten snowmobiles and riders stacked on top of one another equal the same ground pressure as one person on foot.

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