News release

Snowmobile Trails Designated on Crown Land

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

New regulations, announced today, March 14, will allow recreational snowmobilers to enjoy designated trails on Crown land.

"Designation of these trails is essential to manage Crown land access for snowmobilers, and encourage Nova Scotians to enjoy the benefits of the Nova Scotia outdoors in winter," said Minister of Natural Resources David Morse. "I want the people of this province to recognize that Nova Scotia has so much to offer throughout the year, and that winter can be just as enjoyable as summertime."

The Department of Natural Resources is authorizing the Snowmobilers Association of Nova Scotia to sell the permits needed to ride on designated snowmobile trails throughout the province.

Based on experience and knowledge about costs associated with managing and maintaining trails, the Department of Natural Resources has accepted the association's fee schedule.

"The Snowmobilers Association of Nova Scotia thank Premier Rodney MacDonald and Minister of Natural Resources David Morse for helping to bring organized snowmobiling in Nova Scotia in line with virtually every other province in Canada," said association president Steve McLelan.

Today's announcement and the eventual designation of an expanded comprehensive snowmobile trail system ensure that snowmobilers contribute to the development, operation and maintenance of Nova Scotia's largest recreational trails system.

Trails designation will also ensure the long-term sustainability of organized snowmobiling and snowmobile tourism, which contributes $36 million annually to the Nova Scotia economy.

Permits to use these designated trails will cost $125 per year. Snowmobilers using the trails without a permit may be subject to a fine of $250 for the first offence.

Information about purchasing a permit and about the trails is available at www.snowmobilersns.com