Grants from this program typically finance the grooming of over 4,000 miles of snowmobile trails annually. The Montana Snowmobile Program also funds other related projects, such as plowing of roads and parking areas, groomer repairs, purchase supplemental equipment that improves grooming, brushing and marking trails, construction of snowmobile unloading areas, shelters, restrooms, and groomer maintenance buildings. FWP, in cooperation with volunteer instructors, provides safety and ethics education for all snowmobilers. Finally, FWP game wardens enforce state snowmobile laws on public lands throughout Montana.

The expenditure of snowmobile funds is a team effort involving both private and public sectors. A Snowmobile Program Advisory Committee meets no less than annually to recommend to FWP the use of all snowmobile funds. This committee includes private citizens, public land managers and program administrators.

1. In Fiscal Year 2003, grants from the Montana Snowmobile Program financed the grooming.



2. In Fiscal Year 2003, there were 23,240 snowmobiles registered in the state of Montana.



3. Examples of eligible projects include trail grooming, plowing of roads and parking areas, brushing and marking trails, and construction of snowmobile unloading areas.



4. Other eligible projects include parking, shelters, sanitary facilities, and groomer tractor maintenance buildings.



5. Parking areas are maintained for use by snowmobilers and other winter recreationists. Specific information about the location of trails and parking areas can be obtained from local snowmobile clubs and snowmobile dealers, or from the Montana Winter Guide available at all FWP offices.



6. FWP, in cooperation with volunteer instructors, ensures that safety and ethics educational programs are available for all Montana snowmobilers.



7. Snowmobile safety education courses, which provide hands-on training, are offered throughout Montana. Last year, 117 students were certified through participation in this training program.



8. Snowmobile Safety and You , a home study manual, is available from any FWP office or snowmobile club safety officer. Films, videos and brochures concerning safe snowmobiling, avalanche awareness, and winter survival are also available for viewing.



9. Snowmobile trail maps are also provided by FWP through local snowmobile clubs.