OUR NATURAL RESOURCES

BY ANNE MUELLER

How much do you know about snowmobiling? Take this quiz to find out. 1.The first motorized vehicle that could travel on runners over snow was built: a. about 35 years ago b. about 55 years ago c. about 75 years ago 2. How many people did the first snowmobiles seat? a. 12 b.4 c.1 3. What was the key factor to snowmobiling taking off as a sport? a. motorcyclists adopting snowmobiling as their winter activity b. heavy snowfall for several consecutive winters in much of the United States and Canada c. design of lightweight chassis and smaller gasoline engines

4. Most snowmobilers are:
a. single males, age 16-24
b. single 20-29 year-olds
c. married with children

5. In Illinois, there are approximately:
a. 35,000 registered snowmobiles
b. 58,000 registered snowmobiles
c. 102,000 registered snowmobiles

6. In Illinois, a 12-year-old:
a. cannot legally operate a snowmobile at all
b. can operate a snowmobile, but only if accompanied on the snowmobile by an adult
c. can legally operate a snowmobile alone after taking a Snowmobile Safety Education class

7. In Illinois, snowmobiling is allowed:
a. on frozen lakes and streams with a minimum of 4 inches of ice
b. on all public and private lands
c. on private lands with permission, designated trails on some public and private lands, and alongside some roads

8. At full throttle and at a distance of 50 feet, a factory delivered snowmobile today has a decibel level of:
a. 78 (loud music)
b. 90 (heavy traffic)
c. 102 (a plane at takeoff)

9. The proper way to cross a highway while riding a snowmobile is to:
a. slow down, look both ways for oncoming traffic and proceed with caution
b. come to a complete stop and then cross at a 90-degree angle to the road
c. travel until you come to a road perpendicular to the highway, cross at intersection

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10. The leading cause of snowmobile accidents in Illinois has been attributable to:
a. operator under the influence of alcohol or drugs
b. collisions
c. inexperienced operators

11. As of Jan. 1, at what blood alcohol level is a snowmobiler in Illinois considered legally intoxicated? a. 1.0
b. .10
c. .08

12. In Illinois, snowmobiles are registered with:
a. the Department of Natural Resources
b. the Secretary of State
c. no state agency

13. State law requires snowmobile operators involved in a non-fatal accident to file a report with the Department of Natural Resources within:
a. 24 hours of the accident occurring
b. five days of the accident occurring
c. two weeks of the accident occurring

14. For dull or dark days, lenses on a snowmobiler's face shield or goggles should be:
a. clear
b. yellow
c. dark green, gray or brown

15.Snowmobilers who see animals on the side of the trail should:
a. stop their machines and wait for the animals to move away
b. turn their snowmobiles around and travel in the opposite direction
c. proceed slowly and stay seated

Answers

1-c. A machine that traveled on runners over snow was first built more than 75 years ago, in the early 1920s.

2-a. The first snowmobile, with skis on the front and a tracked system in back, made its appearance in 1935. Because it could seat 12, taxi companies and loggers were the first in line to purchase one. Other buyers included doctors, ambulance services and veterinarians.

3-c. Snowmobiles with smaller gasoline engines and a lightweight chassis seating one or two passengers were marketed in the late 1950s, and by the '60s several manufacturers were selling affordably priced snowmobiles.

4-c. According to a 1996 survey conducted by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, snowmobiling is a family sport involving an average of three individuals per family. Sixty percent of snowmobilers are male, 40 percent female. Among owners, the median age is 37, but among snowmobilers as a group, the sport appeals to a wide age spectrum from youngsters to seniors.

5-b. More than 58,000 snowmobiles are registered in Illinois.

6-c. Children under the age of 10 cannot legally operate a snowmobile at all. Ten- and 11-year-olds may operate a snowmobile only if they are accompanied on the sled by a parent or guardian or a person at least 18 years of age designated by a parent or guardian. Youngsters are 12-16 can operate a snowmobile alone, but must first successfully complete a free snowmobile safety class offered by the Department of Natural Resources. Safe snowmobile operation, basic maintenance, first aid and state snowmobiling laws are among the topics covered in the eight-hour class. New snowmobiler owners and adults who want to brush up on their skills also are encouraged to take the safety course. For details on classes in your area, call 1.800.832.2599.

7-c. More than 20 state parks, 16 of which are located in the northern half of the state, are open to snowmobiling when there's 4 or more inches of snow on the ground. Snowmobilers must first check in with the park office prior to snowmobiling. Nearly 25 snowmobiling sites are administered locally by park districts, forest preserve districts and conservation districts in the snowbelt region of northern Illinois. Open scramble areas are available on frozen water areas of state and county-owned lands when ice is at least 8 inches thick; however the safest form of snowmobiling is to avoid the frozen surfaces of lakes, rivers or streams as drowning is one cause of snowmobile fatalities. Local snowmobile clubs using state grant assistance have made more than 1,000 miles of trails on private lands available for public use. Club efforts involve obtaining landowner permission and marking and grooming trails. For information about locating a club in your area, contact the Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs at 815.795.2021. Although it

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is illegal to operate a snowmobile on public roads, operators can use a snowmobile along state and county right-of-way if they stay at least 10 feet away from the pavement. However, it is illegal to operate a snowmobile alongside interstates or limited access highways.

8-a. Early snowmobiles were noisy. Models built in the 1960s emitted sound levels as high as 102 decibels, or the equivalent of the sound produced by an airplane at take-off. Snowmobiles produced after 1975, and certified by the Snowmobile Safety and Certification Committee's independent testing company, emit no more than 78 decibels from a distance of 50 feet while traveling at full throttle.

9-b. On highways other than tollways, interstates and access-controlled highways, snowmobiles may make a direct crossing provided the crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing. The snowmobile must also be brought to a complete stop before crossing a roadway and the operator must yield the right of way to oncoming traffic constituting a hazard. In making the decision to cross, operators must remember that snowmobiles are not designed to operate on bare pavement.

10-b. Colliding with a fixed object, such as a tree, stump, fence, rock or culvert, is the main cause of snowmobile accidents in Illinois. Often, contributing factors to collisions are excessive speed and/or alcohol consumption by a snowmobile operator. Nationwide, drinking has contributed to the majority of fatal snowmobile accidents. However, until two years ago, snowmobilers in Illinois who were involved in accidents were not compelled to undergo the same "implied consent" field sobriety tests as automobile drivers and boat operators. Consequently, spotty information exists about the number of snowmobile accidents attributable to OUI-operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Most information on blood alcohol content came from coroners' examinations. Since 1995, OUI laws have applied to snowmobilers in Illinois. Because alcohol affects all the skills a snowmobiler needs to ride safely, operators are advised to save the alcohol until the riding is over.

11-c. This year the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill that Gov. Edgar signed into law tying OUI requirements for snowmobilers to the DUI law for motorists. The level at which an individual is considered legally drunk in Illinois was changed from .10 to .08 effective this coming Jan. 1.

12-a. Snowmobiles must be registered with the Department of Natural Resources. To register a snowmobile for three years, an owner must submit a fee of $12, required documents (such as a statement of origin from the manufacturer if purchased new or a bill of sale if purchased used) and a snowmobile application. Applications are available from DNR regional offices, Conservation Police Officers and snowmobile dealers. The Department will issue the snowmobile owner two numbered registration expiration decals to apply to each side of the snowmobile's cowling. In addition, a registration certificate must be carried on the machine at all times.

13-b. Snowmobile operators have five days to file an accident report with the Department of Natural Resources if an accident results in an incapacitating injury or in property damage in excess of $100. Reports in death cases must be submitted within 48 hours. For a form, contact the DNR office nearest you, or phone DNR's Safety Education Section at 217.524.9505.

14-b. Face shields or goggles not only protect eyes against branches, snow and cold, but from snow blindness which can occur when bright light reflects off the snow. Green, gray or brown lenses are used for bright days, while yellow lenses should be worn only on dull or dark days. For night driving, snowmobilers should use clear lenses so shadows can be seen.

15-c. One of the benefits of snowmobiling is to see wildlife while on the trail. Snowmobilers should never chase animals because it forces wildlife to run and use up their fat reserves, which provides them with needed energy through spring. Neither should snowmobilers stop to get a better look-this could disturb the animals and move them away from the trail where other snowmobilers won't get to enjoy seeing them. When coming across animals on the trail, whether wild or domestic, snowmobilers should keep their vehicles running and stay seated. Always give animals the right of way.

Scoring

Give yourself 1 point for each correct answer.

0-5: You likely live south of Illinois' "snowbelt" and haven't had the opportunity to experience the fun of snowmobiling in winter. However, if you ever want to try out snowmobiling on a trip up north, first take a free snowmobile safety education course.

6-12: You know something about the sport, but have room to learn more. Sign up for a free snowmobile safety education class by calling 1.800.832.2599.

13-15: Congratulations! Snowmobilers with your sense of responsibility are a credit to the sport. Maybe you should consider volunteering your time as a DNR volunteer safety instructor. Call 1.800.832.2599 to find out more. 

ANNE MUELLER
is a staff writer for Outdoorlllinois. a publication of the Illinois Deportment of Natural Resources. This article is reprinted with permission from the December 1997 issue of Outdoorllinois.

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OUR NATURAL RESOURCES NEWS BRIEFS

Gov. Jim Edgar has announced the dedications of five new and expanded nature preserves in Cook, Lake and Ogle counties, protecting nearly 240 acres of natural lands.

"One of my goals throughout this administration has been to preserve and expand on our states natural areas for the enjoyment of future generations," the Governor said.

"By working in dose partnership with landowners, we arc protecting new areas, expanding areas already established and providing needed habitat for native species that are threatened or endangered."

Additions in Cook County include the Kennicott's Grove Nature Preserve, the Old Plank Road Prairie Nature Preserve and the Dewey Helmick Nature Preserve. In Lake County, the Skokie River Nature Preserve is being expanded as is the Jarrett Prairie Nature Preserve in Ogle County.

Department of Natural Resources director Brent Manning said the main purpose of a nature preserve is to provide habitat for the plants and animals of a particular natural community, such as a high-quality forest or a wetland.

"The dedication of land as a nature preserve provides permanent protection, even if the property is conveyed to another owner," Manning said. "Owners retain custody of the land, but they voluntarily give up development rights on the areas, assuring their protection for generations to come."

Nature preserves are dedicated with the approval of the nine-member Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, the director of the Department of Natural Resources and the Governor.

The five new areas include:

Kennicotts Grove Nature Preserve, Cook County: Sixty acres of woodlands and high-quality wetlands owned by the Glenview Park District. The area provides habitat for the red-shouldered hawk, a state endangered species, and the state threatened Kirtlands snake. Three state endangered plants exist there as well, including two wild species of orchid and the swollen sedge.

Old Plank Road Prairie Nature Preserve, Cook County: This 9.83-acre tract is one of the few remaining high-quality railroad prairie remnants in northeastern Illinois. The prairie will be protected, while the right-of-way is being developed into a hiking and hiking trail. The mesic prairie, south of Illinois Route 30 in Matteson Township, is on the states natural areas inventory and is owned by IDNR.

Demey Helmick Nature Preserve, Cook County: This 2.49 acres adjoins the Old Plank Road Nature Preserve, creating a long corridor of native vegetation and providing habitat for birds, insects and other animals. The site contains native prairie and is owned by Rich Township.

Skokie River Nature Preserve, Lake County: Dedication of an additional 9 acres on the south end brings this preserve to 135 acres. The dedication was sought by the Lake Forest Open Lands Association.

Jarrett Prairie Nature Preserve, Ogle County: About 156 acres were added to this site, more than doubling its size to about 297 acres. This dedication adds to the primarily dry and dry-mesic dolomite prairie, dedicated in 1992, and also incorporates three small wooded areas and several abandoned crop fields where prairie restoration efforts have been initiated. The property is owned by the Byron Forest Preserve District.

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Eleven local municipalities and agencies have been honored for their exemplary work in development of new park and recreation facilities with presentations of the new "Award of Excellence" by the Department of Natural Resources.

"The communities receiving the Awards of Excellence provide noteworthy examples of how strong citizen involvement can help turn a dream into reality by improving recreational opportunities and a hometown's quality of life," said Brent Manning, IDNR director.

"Each of these award-winning agencies looked to the community for innovative ideas to meet their diverse recreational needs."

The Department administers a variety of grant programs to assist local communities with providing outdoor recreation facilities, including the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) program, the Bike Path, Snowmobile Trail and Boat Access Area programs and the federally funded Land and Water Conservation Fund program (LWCF).

"Recipients were selected for recognition from among more than 100 local grant projects completed within the past year," said Ron Hallberg, chief of the IDNR Division of Grant Administration.

"Competition in our grant programs is intense, so any project awarded a state assistance grant is outstanding. Those receiving the Award of Excellence were exceptionally innovative and efficient in their approaches to project planning and administration."

l.City of Bloomington and the town of Normal (McLean Co.) for their Constitution Trail project. The city of Bloomington received a $200,000 bike trail grant in 1993 for a 4.4 mile expansion of the then 5.2-mile Constitution Trail, a hiking, hiking and jogging trail connecting Bloomington and Normal. The town of Normal received a $125,700 OSLAD grant in 1995 to acquire an additional 3.75 miles of railroad right-of-way to extend the trail, and a $200,000 bike trail grant to develop the newly-acquired right-of-way. The development of the Constitution Trail, with extensive intergovernmental cooperation and participation by citizen groups and activists, is a model for similar efforts in other communities. (Contacts: Keith Rich, Bloomington at 309.434.2260 and Ron Blemner, Normal at 309.454.9540).

2. Bolingbrook Park District (Will Co.) for its Indian Chase Meadows Park project. A $200,000 OSLAD grant assisted in the development of a 20-acre neighborhood park, complete with tennis and basketball courts, baseball, soccer and football fields, a natural ice rink, gazebo, accessible playground, pathway, a retention pond for fishing and a parking lot. (Contact: Ray Ochromowicz at 630.739.0272).

3. Village of Cornell (Livingston Co.) for its community park improvement project. An OSLAD grant of $75,000 allowed improvements to a ballfield, basketball court and tennis courts on a site formerly owned by the local school district. The project also involved construction of a new concession stand/restroom building. (Contact; Dale Simpson at 815.358.2679).

4. Village of Elmwood Park (Cook Co.) for its Central Park Project. A grant of $140,500 in OSLAD funds allowed development of a 1-acre site including volleyball courts, a picnic area, walking path, gazebo, spray fountain and lighting. (Contact: John "Jay" Dalicandro at 708.452.7300).

5. Glenview Park District (Cook Co.) for its Grove Nature Preserve

The Morion Grove Park District was the first agency to receive the "Award of Excellence" recognition. The award was presented on May}5, 1997, for Morton Grove's exemplary efforts in securing and utilizing grant monies toward the Harrer Park Redevelopment project.

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project. A $400,000 LWCF grant allowed acquisition of 5.33 acres, while a $400,000 OSLAD grant allowed acquisition of another 14 acres adjacent to the Grove National Historic Landmark, part of the original Kennicott Grove Farm, recognized for its ecological, historical and cultural significance. Preservation of the parcel protects habitat for four rare and endangered species, the Cooper's hawk, red-shouldered hawk, Kirkland's snake and the Eastern Prairie fringed orchid. (Contact: Tom Richardson at 847.724.5670)

6. Morton Grove Park District (Cook Co.) for its Harrer Park project. A $200,000 OSLAD grant allowed development of the last phase of the 22-acre Harrer Park, the district's oldest and largest facility. Pool improvements were made, while new facilities were constructed including a playground, outdoor classroom, hard surface play area and walking paths. (Contact: Gary Balling at 847.965.1200)

7. River Trails Park District (Cook Co.) for its Woodland Trails Community Park project (Mt. Prospect/Prospect Heights area). The $200,000 OSLAD grant increased recreational opportunities at the park by adding volleyball and handball courts, a jogging path, playground, shelter, warming house, teen activity area, ice and roller rink, a nature center, interpretive area and habitat restoration. The park also includes a pool, community center, athletic field, miniature golf and maintenance facility for the district. (Contact: Debbie Carlson at 847.788.0551)

8. City of Robinson (Crawford Co.) for its City Park Bath House project. A $75,000 OSLAD grant issued in construction of a new swimming pool bath house and first aid/ticket office in the Robinson City Park. The project enabled the city to meet health/safety and accessibility standards. (Contact: Mike Shimer at 618.544.7616)

9. City of Waverly (Morgan Co.) for its Salter Park and Waverly Lake projects. A $36,900 OSLAD grant was used to renovate the existing 6.13-acre Salter Park with new playground equipment, park benches and trash receptacles. A new pathway system was built to connect existing site facilities and new sidewalks were installed to access the picnic shelter and band shelter. A $50,000 boat access grant replaced the existing boat ramp, constructed a new board dock and piers and installed security lighting at Lake Waverly. Local funds were used to construct a vehicle turnaround and to stabilize the lake shore with tree plantings. (Contact: Ernest Cleveland at 217.435.4611)

10. Winfield Park District (DuPage Co.) for its Winfield Estates Park project. Using a LWCF grant of $82,200, the district developed a 2.45-acre neighborhood park with a basketball court, two playgrounds, sand play surface, benches, interior paths and a connection to the Illinois Prairie Path. (Contact: Mark Pawlowski at 630.653.3811)

For information about the Departments outdoor recreation grant programs, contact the IDNR, Div. of Grant Admin., 524 S. Second St., Springfield, Ill. 62701-1787, or phone 217.782.7481.

Illinois residents spend a lot of time outdoors and value the outdoor recreation areas and facilities available to them, according to a survey conducted for the IDNR. The survey found nearly 80 percent of respondents said outdoor recreation is important to them, the number of those saying they visit parks and recreation areas has increased by 30 percent since 1987 and 90 percent of respondents were satisfied with public outdoor recreation facilities in the state.

The most popular forms of outdoor recreation cited were walking, driving and sightseeing, attending outdoor sporting events, picnicking, swimming, bicycling and observing wildlife.

Among visitors to state parks, more than half said they preferred nature-oriented parks with limited facilities, while nearly one-third preferred parks with highly developed facilities. Almost all respondents said they visited state parks to observe nature, while nearly three-fourths said they used a trail in a state park, most for a short walk or hike. Picnicking, playing ball or other games, camping and fishing were also popular.

The survey of 1,000 randomly selected Illinois adult residents was conducted in 1996 and results were analyzed and published in 1997 by the Survey Research Laboratory of the University of Illinois-Chicago. For more Information, contact the IDNR. 

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