[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 2]
[House]
[Page 2530]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1215
        NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM LANDS FOR SNOWMOBILES IN MICHIGAN

  (Mr. KILDEE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I want to thank the House of 
Representatives for passing my amendment yesterday, which will help 
preserve access to the National Forest System lands for snowmobiles in 
Michigan and across the Nation, the same access that has long been 
granted for responsible snowmobilers.
  In Michigan, snowmobiling has long been an important part of our 
State's heritage. Half of my home State's 6,300 miles of snowmobile 
trails are on public land. Each year, families in my district head into 
the woods to partake in this winter recreational activity.
  Snowmobiling supports our economy, particularly in northern Michigan. 
Each year, snowmobiling pumps over $200 million into my State's 
economy, supporting thousands and thousands of jobs. Nationally, it is 
even greater: $26 billion in economic activity annually, and over 
100,000 jobs directly related to the snowmobile industry and the over 
225,000 miles of groomed trails that people ride on.
  My amendment supports these jobs, promotes conservation, and ensures 
snowmobilers that they will be able to continue to enjoy our incredible 
winters while preserving the natural beauty of our national forests.

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