MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – We’re learning new details about how the lack of snowfall this winter has impacted the number of snowmobilers throughout Michigan.
According to the DNR, last winter’s snowmobile permit sales were just over 121,000. The DNR says this winter’s sales have dropped about 40%.
At $52 a pass, the drop could cost the state over $2.5 million dollars in revenue. Which would have gone directly back to trail maintenance.
“The department, we will not have the funding to put into the trails we would hope to have, but we will get through this. My concern is for the businesses that rely heavily on the sport of snowmobiling,” remarked Ron Yesney, the Upper Peninsula Trail Coordinator for the DNR.
The DNR says despite the limited winter season, trail crews are grateful to the U.P. snowmobile clubs that help maintain the trail systems.
