Law would allow more snowmobilers to visit
AUGUSTA, Maine — A measure introduced by Rep. Roland “Danny” Martin to encourage registered snowmobilers from Canada to sled in Maine became law this week without the governor’s signature.
“I am so pleased that my bill has become law,” said Martin, D-Sinclair. “Snowmobiling is an important economic driver in our area and encouraging residents of New Brunswick and Quebec to come to Aroostook County will only help our local economy.”
Currently, snowmobilers who are registered in Vermont and New Hampshire may operate their sleds in Maine for three consecutive days without being registered in Maine. The new law will extend this provision to snowmobilers registered in the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec.
Bob Meyers, executive director of the Maine Snowmobile Association, said the bill could attract more regular visitors to the state.
“It makes sense to have the same provision for our Canadian neighbors that we extend to states to our west,” said Meyers. “Maine offers a great value for Canadian snowmobilers and we think if they give us a try they will become regular visitors.”
Meyers testified that the economic value of snowmobiling in Maine is estimated to be in excess of $300 million.
Bill Swan, director of Licensing and Registration at the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, testified in support of the legislation at its public hearing in April.
“Current law allows this same arrangement between Maine and other states and over the last few years, we have designed a three-day weekend each winter where people from New Hampshire and Vermont can ride in Maine and vice-versa,” Swan said. “These weekends have worked well for all involved and we have seen very few problems as a result. The Department can see no problem in extending this opportunity to the provinces of New Brunswick and Quebec as long as they will do the same for Maine registered snowmobiles in their provinces.”
