Stanislaus National Forest

News Release

USDA Forest Service
Stanislaus National Forest

Illegal Snowmobile Use Cited in Wilderness

Sonora, CA (February 21, 2008) ...  The Forest Service today announced that on February 16, 2008, two Stanislaus National Forest (NF) Protection Officers observed two snowmobiles cross the posted Wilderness boundary near Highland Lakes on the Calaveras Ranger District and illegally enter the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness with their motorized vehicles. The officers issued one of the over-snow vehicle operators a Violation Notice for operating a motorized vehicle within a designated wilderness, a violation of federal regulation.

Operating motorize vehicles within any National Forest designated Wilderness is prohibited to protect Wilderness values. Illegally operating a motorized vehicle in Wilderness is a serious offense, and can result in costly fines and even jail time. The Eastern District Court has set the bail for operating a motorized vehicle in Wilderness at $400. The maximum punishment for a violation is up to $5,000, or imprisonment for not more than six months or both for an individual.

“Forest Service officers on the National Forests in the Sierras have noticed an increase in the number and frequency of motorized over-snow vehicles illegally venturing into Wilderness,” said Stanislaus NF Patrol Captain Jay Power. He pointed out that federal regulations specifically prohibit operating mechanized vehicles of any kind, including motorized snow machines, within a designated Wilderness.

Each winter, Stanislaus NF law enforcement officers conduct an active program to detect snow machine operation in Wilderness. In an effort to inform the public, the Forest Service personnel have placed brightly colored signs along all of the common Wilderness entry points. In addition, trailheads are posted with a map depicting the Wilderness area boundaries. Three Wilderness areas on the Stanislaus - the Mokelumne, the Carson-Iceberg and the Emigrant - comprise 212,000 acres that offer visitors solitude and a primitive outdoor experience.

Visitors are encouraged to stop at any Forest Service office and pick up a free brochure showing areas where snow mobile enthusiasts can legally ride over-snow vehicles on the Calaveras and Summit Ranger Districts. Comprising 898,000 acres, the Stanislaus National Forest offers a wide range of opportunities for all kinds of outdoor winter recreation.