Park Alert - Earthroots - Snowmobiles/ATVs

Though 90% of Crown Land is available for snowmobile trails, snowmobile clubs are asking for access in new Protected Areas. Snowmobilers are applying for permits to build new trails through protected areas. Jevins and Silver Lake Conservation Reserve, near Bracebridge is currently at risk to trail expansion.

There are 49,000 km of snowmobile trails in Ontario - more than it would take to circle the entire Earth! First glance at an Ontario snowmobile trail map and you would think it is a regular road map. This is not enough for powerful snowmobile lobby groups who now want access in some of Ontario's most pristine wilderness areas.

Environmental Damage

Threats to wildlife

Noise pollution can often disturb denning and calving sites -- Art Wolfe

Research has shown that snowmobiling has a negative impact on wildlife. Many of the hiking trails running through Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves were first created by wild animals. These wildlife corridors are what snowmobilers want access to. The increased human presence and noise pollution may displace animals from critical habitat and denning areas. This has been observed by researchers in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks.

Snowmobiling can have a significant impact on the population distribution and predator-prey dynamics of large roaming animals like wolves, lynx, bears, wolverines, deer and elk. Predators don't fare well chasing prey on compacted snowmobile trails.

Wildlife harassment is another concern. Countless numbers of animals have been brutally killed due to illegal and irresponsible snowmobile use. Some animals die of sheer exhaustion and energy deprivation from the chase after diverting their much needed energy to initiate a flight response.

The accumulation of toxic and acidic compounds in the snow also has its impact on these animals.

Ground and Water Pollution
Acidic and toxic compounds from snowmobile exhaust accumulate in the snow. When spring comes along and the toxic snow melts, these harmful chemicals leache into surrounding waterbodies. The bioaccumulation of these compounds in the aquatic food chain can take its toll on a variety of aquatic life.

Snowmobile in Bob Lake Conservation Reserve, Temagami -- Richard Brooks

Trail Expansion and Degradation
The more a trail is used the more risk there is to the surrounding vegetation especially when accessed by mechanized vehicles; the trail eventually gets bigger and bigger.

Noise pollution
The noise from snowmobiling disrupts the wilderness experience for other park visitors and scares away wildlife.

Air pollution
Two-stroke engines common to snowmobiles discharge 30% of their fuel mixture, unburned directly into the environment. Airborne toxic emissions include: nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, ozone, particulate matter, aldehydes, 1.3 butadiene, benzenes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Risks to human safety
Snowmobiling is a danger to other park users. It has been estimated that 95 Canadians die each year due to snowmobile-related accidents. 400-500 Ontarians end up in the hospital every year.