Project SNO
 Seasonal Non-compliance Observers


Late season use and stuck in Beaver Creek prime Bonneville Cutthroat habitat (April 2006)

What is Project SNO?
More photos

BRWC has just launched Project SNO our newest endeavor. It is an attempt at providing data and observations concerning winter motorized impacts to the Bear River Mountains. We expect bugs and questions to arise as we proceed but with a steady forward approach we expect to be collecting the much needed data. Project SNO is a grassroots and volunteer based data collection and monitoring project for winter motorized impacts to the Wasatch-Cache National Forest (WCNF) in northern Utah. Project SNO identifies motorized user impacts and utilizes the data to engage the public and the local ranger districts. These observations will provide baseline data for current winter motorized use and be invaluable for future observations and comparisons. It has been clear that the impacts from winter motorized use is growing substantially over the last 15 years. The impacts include excessive noise which can disturb wildlife and the quiet user, soil compaction and or erosion, air and water quality. The urgency of this problem has been a profound wake-up-call to collect the much needed data for the 2005-2006 season.SNO will have two types of volunteer observers. Casual Observer
•  Takes a digital camera while on an outing or drive up the canyon.
•  Looks for infractions or specific issues like clouds of exhaust smoke. Dedicated Observer
•  Carries a digital camera
•  Carries a GPS unit
•  Has specific goals or destination
•  Trained in soil, water, and air sample acquisition Why be a SNO Observer?
•  It's an easy way to help provide much needed information to the Forest Service.
•  The information you collect will be important to future decisions. Such as, allocation of areas set aside for non-motorized recreation including groomed ski trails, backcountry yurts and plowed parking.
•  Dedicated Observers will get free weekday stays at a yurt while collecting data.
•  Doing your part by adding another voice. You can help NOW! As a Casual Observer you can begin by taking photos and notes of your personal winter experiences. Below is a preliminary list of impacts we would like you to observe and document. NEW! Download our first draft Project SNO data form (PDF). If you would like to help please contact us at Dmill235(at)aol.com

Early fall season and late spring season impacts include soil and vegetation disturbance like the following photos.

 

 

 

First Three Images November 2005

 
10/2006
  
     
 
4/2007
  
     

     
       
  Just like clockwork, every spring on Tony Grove Creek as soon as the upper road is bare of snow and below the creek crossing, snowmobiles are driven right up the creek. It is so narrow, it is impossible to stay out of the creek bottom. (April 30, 2001)  
       
     

SNO
Data points
(take photos if possible and note location)

Boundary Violations: Wilderness, Non-motorized, Wildlife

Safety: Avalanche, Proximity to pedestrians, Blind and high speed maneuvers

Early and Late Season Impacts: Soil, Vegetation, Snow Depth

Air and Water Quality: Stream crossing, Soil samples*, Snow samples*, Run-off water samples*, Exhaust clouds present

Other Resource Impacts: Wildlife harassment or disturbance

Parking Lot Numbers: How many vehicles (trailers), Sleds, When, Parking lot capacity consumed

Social Conflict: Abusive Language,Obscene gestures, Close pass-by, Excessive noise (modified exhaust, or revving)

*Dedicated Observer