An area lawmaker has reintroduced legislation calling for greater oversight of how roughly $3 million in annual snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) revenue is spent by the state, in a move reportedly meant to boost transparency and tourism at once.
State Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, said House Bill 970 proposes greater controls on how the revenue gathered on snowmobile and ATV registrations, fines and penalties is collected and spent by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). In conjunction, he promotes more of that money being spent on the creation of new trail and riding opportunities across the state and region.
“I want to see more trails built, particularly in our area where we have a significant amount of state-owned land and very few trails,” Causer explained, citing associated economic benefits.
He points to Cameron County, where 60 percent of its territory belongs to state landowners but where, Causer says, no state snowmobile and ATV riding trails currently exist.
He is joined by area lawmakers like state Rep. Matt Gabler, R-DuBois, and Rep. Matthew Baker, R-Wellsboro.
In a statement to The Era, Baker said he supports Causer’s plan and its goal of separating snowmobile and ATV revenue funds from the combined pot — worth about $3 million annually — as it currently exists.
“I believe separating the accounts will help with a better perspective of accountability and transparency and help assure that equitable distribution of funds takes place,” Baker said.
“I believe (Causer’s) concerns were to ascertain and make more clear whether funds are being expended proportionally between the user groups (snowmobile and ATV riders).”
In addition, Causer says he also wants more frequent and extensive audits of the funds and accounts where the revenue is held, as well as more members of a state snowmobile and ATV advisory committee touting economic and tourism backgrounds.
This is because, boiled down, Causer said the issue at hand is one of economics.
“We’re missing out on an opportunity, particularly in our area. We could have more people coming in and riding on different trails,” Causer said. “It’s all about riding opportunities.”
But further down lie concerns about a traditional lack of oversight and accountability in how the state agency has been spending millions in revenue drawn from the public annually.
“This is a transparency method whereby we’ll know exactly what is coming in and where it’s going,” Causer said. “I want to know where the revenue is coming from and where it’s going.”
At DCNR, deputy press secretary Terrence Brady said the money — $2.8 million collected last year alone — is typically spent on the upkeep of approved state forest trails “as they all are very heavily used;” policing those trails with DCNR rangers; trail-head parking; connector trails; registration staffing; and the construction of two ATV parks. The location of those parks was not immediately clear, but a state website shows “state forest ATV trails” in nearly 10 counties, including Potter County.
The revenue gathered from their users consists of $20 paid every other year for “active” registrations; $20 for one time “limited” registrations, as well as fines and penalties imposed by law enforcement.
As for Causer’s proposal and some of the concerns it raises, Brady said DCNR does not comment on pending legislation.
But Causer said he’s troubled by audits of DCNR snowmobile and ATV revenue funds being conducted internally, by the agency itself. Also of concern, Causer said, is the state snowmobile and ATV advisory committee dedicated to the subject once went four years without meeting.
In response, his bill calls for improvements, namely that fiscal and performance audits of the funds be conducted by a state auditor, at least every two years, and posted for public view. It also sets about requiring the advisory committee to meet at least once a year, while adding new members in hopes their economic and tourism expertise will translate to a new focus for the funds.
Locally, tourism officials are welcoming that possibility, stressing the need to develop outdoor recreational opportunities in an area long defined by them.
At the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, executive director Linda Devlin called motorized recreation “very important” to many of the local businesses in McKean County, saying, “ATV riders visit year-round, with many staying at local hotels or campgrounds, visiting local restaurants and shopping at local retailers.” Snowmobilers are seen as adding to or supplementing that economic impact during the winter months.
Overall, Devlin said legislation strengthening the ability to build new trails would be helpful.
Meanwhile, Causer said he believes HB 970 has a good chance as it heads to an eventual vote in the House, citing support from constituents and colleagues alike.
In summing up that support, he points to the current system in place and a belief that “we can do better.”
Causer said he will also continue to press DCNR for the creation of Cameron County’s first state ATV trail going forward.
