New law for snowmobilers
 

Just in case any are involved with skimming, beware. Benson signed into law this summer that skimming is illegal in NH unless it is an organized, sanctioned event. The law goes into effect January 1, 2005.

Enforceable????
 

Unfortunately, it will probably end up being one of the "unenforceable" rules/laws, like 150 inch, I mean foot rule in boating. :(

The first step, in the right direction.
 

May not be able to catch e'm all, just a few for starters would be nice. Then word will get around................. I think it's better than Lawlessness.


PS. Great point, upthesaukee! :)

"Skimming" law...RSA 215-A:5-b
 

Below is the text of the "anti" skimming law as brought up in this thread by Bubba. As stated, the law becomes effective on January 1st.

TITLE XVIII
FISH AND GAME
CHAPTER 215-A
OFF HIGHWAY RECREATIONAL VEHICLES AND TRAILS
Section 215-A:5-b


[RSA 215-A:5-b effective January 1, 2005.]
215-A:5-b Operation on Open Water Prohibited. –
No person shall knowingly operate a snow traveling vehicle on open water, also known as skimming. For the purpose of this section, "open water" means any area of an inland water body that is free of ice and snow. This section shall not apply to events as permitted pursuant to RSA 215-A:30.
Source. 2004, 53:1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005.

Fines???
 

Skip, as usual, you have provided us with the actual text wording of the new law.

Any idea as to amount of fine, forfeiture of vehicle, etc.???? Or is that up to the "discretion" of da Judge???

Who will enforce this, and how will they do it?
 

I'm with Upthesaukee, this anti-skimming law IMHO will be very hard to enforce. By the way Upthesaukee, some offshore boaters told me that their safe passage was a 150 millimeter rule :laugh:

Will the Marine Patrol add snowmobiles and a few extra officers this winter to watch for and catch skimming offenders? Or will the local police be on this patrol and try to catch the skimming law breakers?

I've enjoyed (in awe) watching daredevil skimmers during the winter. The skimmers I have observed could easily zip off over the frozen lake in the opposite direction of any approaching police. Do the authorities have an enforcement plan in place? How much resources (manpower and money) will they devote to try to enforce this law? The law might keep a few from skimming but it won't stop skimming. I think it is just a reason to issue a citation to those that fall in the lake. In other words, it will allow for a legal penalty for skimmers that do NOT successfully skim. At least that's how I envision the implementation. Successful skimmers will skim/snowmobile away while those unfortunate ones who fall in kinda lose their transportation and therefore will be the majority of those who get caught.

Do you think that this law will significantly deter skimming? Other thoughts/comments?

Unlucky get two fines
 

I don't know to what method is planned for enforcement. However, you are correct in that the unsuccessful skimmer will get a fine for skimming. That will be in addition to the one they get from the DES for everyday their snowmobile is in the water.

Let the unsuccessful skimmer fend for themselves after they go into the drink. :rolleye1: That would be enough of a penalty! :eek:

Aid for peer presure?
 

I think the law will be something a sledder can cling to and avoid be talked into "trying" it. I think Darwin's Law can deal with the rest......

What about wash outs?
 

Does that mean if you cross a wash out you will get fined? How about when you have to cross a stream or part of the trail that isn't frozen I see problems with this law already!

The intent of the law is to stop the practice of "skimming". The water depth is sufficiently deep that the sled will not hit the bottom. When you are crossing a wash or unfrozen stream you are definitely on the bottom of the streambed.

"Well said ZEE, you have the right picture!"

I'm a believer in "Live and let live" but skimming presents a danger to others as well.Many people ,especially tourists on rentals,who don't know the area,follow the tracks of others thinking they'll be safe on the lake.Imagine a family driving right into open water thinking they were on a safe trail.

PFD required?
 

Is skimming allowable as long as you wear a Coast Guard Approved PFD? :rolleye2:

So far, so good
 

The law seems to be working. I haven't seen fool-tracks through the narrows where the skimmers usually go. Has anyone seen skimming tracks anywhere? Hopefully, skimming has lost its cool factor.

Skimming
 

So much for the new law. The snowmobilers started on the lake here in the Bear Island channel today and already several have skimmed across the open water by our ice eaters. No way to catch them on film as they come at so fast a speed no time to get a picture.

new tracks
 

Looks like there are tracks on the Wiers web cam, so looks like someone's still doing it.

Ouch!!!!!!!
 

Check out this story in the Granite State times:

http://www.granitestatenews.com/

Good thing he was wearing a helmut...Good thing those kids were there...Can't wait to see the fine... let's see if they have a "smiley" for this one http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/26/26_14_3v.gif (at least this could be called "an accident")

Skimming at Governor's Island Bridge
 

Took this picture last weekend - couldn't resist.... too funny.