Snowmobiling on the Reservation

On the Flathead Indian Reservation, Tribal land is private land. What may be true on federal or state owned land may be different on Tribal land.

For example, non-tribal recreationists who ride on Tribal land can only use snowmobiles in designated areas within the Reservation as long as they possess a valid Tribal recreation permit.

"The most popular spot on the Reservation is the Boulder area. The Boulder drainage also has a parking and unloading area to stage for a day of snowmobiling," said Tom McDonald, Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation. According to McDonald, most of the Tribal land base is closed to snowmobiling to reduce environmental and human conflicts and for safety precautions, especially in areas of high avalanche danger.

"Most people adhere to the regulations, but we do get riders causing problems every year," said McDonald.

"The biggest problem with snowmobiles on the Reservation is snowmobilers go where they are not supposed to," said Frank Gillin, Chief of Tribal Fish and Game. "In the past, we've caught people trespassing in the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness, a sensitive area for natural and cultural resources and an extremely dangerous avalanche area."

"Hellroaring is not a legal snowmobiling area. Snowmobile staging areas are patrolled and citations have recently been written by Game Wardens," said Gillin. Wildlife biologists say that snowmobiles can harm wildlife by causing stress and displacement during the winter month when animals are already struggling to stay warm and find enough food. Furthermore, snowmobiles compact the snow, which can crush or suffocate animals that live and travel under the snow surface, damage plants, and increase soil erosion.

Snowmobilers need to remember how vulnerable animals are during the winter and avoid approaching wildlife while recreating in areas open to snowmobiling. It is illegal to use snowmobiles for the purpose of photographing, pursuing, or harassing wildlife.

According to Les Bigcrane, Wildland Recreation Program Manager, "The Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness is closed to snowmobiling. Snowmobilers need to be aware of areas where snowmobile use is allowed.

Fishing, Hunting and Recreation Regulations provide information on legally operating a snowmobile on Tribal lands. The 2007-2008 Regulations are available at the Natural Resources Department office in Polson.

For more information on avalanche safety go to www.avalanche.org

For more information on snowmobiling on the Reservation, contact Germaine White, Tribal Information and Education Specialist or Frank Gillin, Chief of Tribal Fish and Game at 675-2700.