Policy and Advocacy Resources
This section is home to a growing list of resources pertinent to both individual recreationists as well as our Grassroots Groups, including: trends and the economic impact of winter backcountry recreation, winter recreation opportunities on public lands, the environmental impacts of winter over-snow vehicles and other tools to help get you informed and effectively engage in the issues that matter your group or favorite backcountry area.
We are currently in the process of building out these resources, so if you don’t see what you are looking for a particular resource please Contact Us.
Guide to Commenting in Land Management Processes
What the Science Says About Winter Recreation
Winter Recreation Management On National Forests
- Winter Recreation Planning Case Studies, June 2014
- Snowmobile Best Management Practices for Forest Service Travel Planning: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Recommendations for Management – Introduction to Snowmobile Management and Policy
- Snowmobile Best Management Practices for Forest Service Travel Planning: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Recommendations for Management –
Water Quality, Soils, and Vegetation - Snowmobile Best Management Practices for Forest Service Travel Planning: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Recommendations for Management – Wildlife
- Snowmobile Best Management Practices for Forest Service Travel Planning: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Recommendations for Management – Winter Recreational Use Conflict
Trends & Economic Contribution of Human-Powered Snowsports
Teton-West Yellowstone Region Backcountry Winter Recreation Economic Impact Analysis, 2013:
Winter Recreation on Western National Forest Lands: A Comprehensive Analysis of Motorized and Non-Motorized Opportunity and Access
Leave No Trace Ethics for Backcountry Snowsports
(adapted in conjunction with Winter Wildlands Alliance and Vermont Backcountry Alliance, partners of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics)
From the Resort to the Backcountry – 10 tips for being safe and responsible in and out of bounds
Memorandum of Understanding
Current Efforts
The Environmental Impacts of Winter RecreationJune 1, 2021 - 8:54 amWe break down the latest science on winter recreation’s impact on wildlife, soundscapes, snowpack, air and water quality, and more.
- An Update on Chugach National Forest PlanningMay 19, 2021 - 3:42 pm
The new Forest Plan in effect and a new report on the Nellie Juan-College Fiord Wilderness Study Area.
- Custer Gallatin Forest Planning: Getting Close to the Finish LineMay 5, 2021 - 5:00 pm
The CGNF forest plan revision is a good example of forest planning but we’re not finished yet! Read more about why it’s been such a success and what next steps are.
Winter Wildlands Alliance is a national nonprofit organization promoting and
preserving winter wildlands and a quality human-powered snowsports
experience on public lands.
