'It's a privilege': Snowmobilers pledge to keep Gros Morne 'pristine'

Gros Morne National Park is a pristine winter wonderland this time of year, and snowmobilerson the island's west coast have pledged to do their part to keep it that way.

The park, along with the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations and theNewfoundland & Labrador Snowmobile Federation,havedeclared Februarythe province's National Snowmobiling Environment Month.

• Snowmobilers fined for riding in restricted area in Gros Morne National Park

Tom Humphrey, provincial federation chair,saidthe groupwants to convey the message that snowmobilers are willing and able to do their partto minimize any impact on the environment.

It's a privilegeso let's not give it any reason to lose it.- Tom Humphrey

"When the snow melts, there should be no sign that any snowmobiles have passed through the pristine park," he toldCBC Radio'sCorner Brook Morning Show.

"A lot of people don't realize here in Newfoundland thatGrosMorneis about the only place in the country that you're permitted to snowmobile to the extent it does. It's a privilegeso let's not give it any reason to lose it."

Respect the wildlife

Riders are also asked to respect the parkand itswildlife, Humphrey said, by keeping a safe distance from animals who are especially vulnerable during the winter months.

"There are areas that are marked, and they're known to be protected for a reason whether it's the habitat, or whether it's environmentally-sensitive, or it's an area where animals have their quarters," he said.

"Leave tracks, not trash is another ethic whatever you're able to take into the country, you should certainly be able to bring it out."

Humphreysaid severe and unpredictable weather in the park is possible, especially in higher-terrain areas. He advises snowmobilers to be prepared for any emergency.

"Be safety conscious wear a helmet. Then do your part as a snowmobiler, and spread the word of stewardship throughout the snowmobiling industry," said Humphrey.

Proper permits necessary

If a rider is caught in the park without the necessary permits, Humphrey said there are severe fines to pay.

"To snowmobile in the park,make sure you have a park permit and a snowmobiler's permit. Be sure you're going into an area that you're permitted to snowmobile in,"he said.

"We just hope that more and more people become more conscientious. Snowmobilers, for the most part, really respect the fact that they have great terrain herein Newfoundland. They respect the fact that this is a nationally-known parkand it's world-renowned."