Sheriff Maciol Hosts Annual Snowmobile Press Conference…

Sheriff Maciol Hosts Annual Snowmobile Press Conference

This morning, Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol held the Sheriff’s annual Snowmobile Safety Press Conference at the Westmoreland Fire Department, hosted by the E-Z Riders Snowmobile Club of Westmoreland as the snowmobile season prepares to kick off.

In addition to members of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Snowmobile Patrol Unit, Sheriff Maciol was joined by the NYS DEC / NYS Forest Rangers, the New York State Police, NYS Park Police, Oneida County Tourism officials, the Oneida County Association of Snowmobile Clubs, the NYS Snowmobile Association, the Westmoreland Fire Department, and the E-Z Riders Snowmobile Club of Westmoreland.

At the press conference, numerous safety tips were discussed along with areas of concern that law enforcement will again be focusing on this year. Some of the laws that will be strictly enforced include operating a snowmobile while intoxicated, speeding violations, registration violations, and exhaust modifications.

All of New York’s laws and regulations regarding snowmobiling can be found at https://parks.ny.gov/documents/recreation/snowmobiles/SnowmobilersGuide.pdf.

“We cannot stress the fact that nearly all of the 650 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in Oneida County are on private land, so riders must do all they can to respect the property owners including staying on the marked trails, slowing down near residential areas, and not littering”, according to Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol.

“Snowmobiling is a major component of the tourism income generated in Oneida County,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “Thousands of people come each year to enjoy the natural beauty of our area, and in turn, purchase fuel and equipment, eat in our restaurants, shop in our stores and stay in our hotels. We are grateful for the opportunity to host these visitors, and it is of the utmost importance that we ensure their safety, and that of our local snowmobilers whenever they hit the trails. I want to thank Sheriff Maciol and all of the law enforcement agencies, first responders, and snowmobile associations who do an excellent job working together to make that happen.”

“Snowmobiling is a significant driver of winter tourism, bringing visitors to our trails, local businesses, and communities. Safety is key to ensuring that everyone—residents and visitors alike—can enjoy our beautiful trails responsibly, supporting both our economy and the natural assets of our region”, according to Sarah Foster Calero, Oneida County Tourism President.

Also, in New York State, youth ages 14 through 17 years old may operate a snowmobile, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed, without adult or other supervision if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York. If youth ages 14 through 17 years have not completed the training course, they may operate a snowmobile if accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age. Youth ages 10 through 13 may operate a snowmobile, on lands upon which snowmobiling is allowed, if they have completed a snowmobile safety training course recognized by the State of New York and are accompanied by (within 500 feet of) a person who is at least 18 years of age. Children less than 10 years old or less than age 14 without a safety certificate may operate a snowmobile only on lands owned or leased by their parent or guardian. If you are in need of, or interested in taking a snowmobiler education class, please check the NYS DEC link (https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/safety-courses.aspx?cnty=Oneida&sort=1#form) for upcoming classes in Oneida County.