94-SMU-051
 

This Master Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is made and entered into between the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, hereinafter referred to as FS, and the International Association of Snowmobile Administrators (IASA), International Snowmobile Tourism Council (ISTC), International Snowmobile Media Council (ISMC), International Snowmobile Counci (ISC), and the International Snowmobile Industry Association (ISIA), hereinafter referred to by their initials or collectively as "cooperators".

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this MOU is to establish a general framework of cooperation upon which mulually beneficial programs, work projects, and snowmobile activities may be planned and accomplished on National Forest lands. Such programs, projects, and activities complement the FS mission and are in the best interests of the public.

II. INTRODUCTION

The FS is a land management organization dedicated to the wise management of the Nation's natural resources for a variety of uses and activities, including outdoor recreation, and is interested in provicing snowmobile opportunities that are environmentally sensitive, educational, enjoyable and provide economic stimulus.

The cooperators represent the organized snowmobiling public/industry and are the recognized leaders in establishing snowmobile ethics, safety standards, volunteerism, and fostering appropriate land use management on Federal and non-Federal lands. The cooperators may desire to use the National Forest for recreational purposes, provide support, and volunteer labor to the FS for accomplishment of mutually beneficial projects or activities.

In consideration of the above premises, the parties agree as follows:

Ill. THE FS WILL:
 

1. Provide the cooperators information regarding the development and presentation of training materials related to snowmobile safety and ethics, and the availability of snowmobiling opportunities on National Forest Lands in accordance wrth the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 522 et seq.).

2. Encourage local FS officials to participate with snowmobile clubs and associations in the develop ment of mutually beneficial work projects, educational activities, and snowmobile opportunities.

3. Make National Forest system lands available for the furtherance of this MOU, subject to applicable Federal laws, regulations, Forest plans, other management direction.

1. Provide technical assistance to the land managers and communities involved in work projects,educational activities, and snowmobile opportunities.

2. Encourage its members to work with local PS officials to discuss and identify opportunities for cooperative work on mutually beneficial projects or activities.

3. Promote Tread Lightly ethics by providing training and instruction to its members.

4. Use the name "USDA Forest Service" when referring to the Forest Service and submit to the Forest Service for approval, prior to production, the final layout of all promotional materials which use the Forest Service's name and insignia, as requested by the Trails Coordinator. Recreation, Cultural Resources, and Wilderness Management staff.

  V. IT IS MUTUALLY AGREED AND UNDERSTOOD BY AND BETWEEN THE SAID PARTIES THAT:  

1. This MOU is neither a fiscal nor a funds obligation document. Any endeavor involving reimbursement or contribution of funds between the Parties of this MOU will be handled in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and procedures including those for Government procurement and printing. Such endeavors will be outlined in separate agreements that shall be made in writing by representatives of the Parties and shall be independently authorized by appropriate statutory authority. This MOU does not provide such authority. Specifically, this MOU does not establish authority for noncompetitive award to the cooperators of any contract or other agreement. Any contract or agreement for training or other services must fully comply with all applicable requirements for competition.

2. The local contact persons for FS are District Rangers, who have sufficient authority to develop agreements and special use permits of the type envisioned by this Memorandum.

3. This MOU in no way restricts the Forest Service from participating in similar activities or arrange ments with other public or private agencies, organizations, or individuals.

4. Nothing in this memorandum shall obligate the Forest Service to the cooperators to expend appropriations or to enter in any contract or other obliaations.

5. This MOU may be modified or amended upon written consent of both parties or may be terminated with 30-day written notice of either party. Unless terminated, this MOU will remain in full force and effect until September 30, 1998, at which time it will be subject to review, renewal, or expiration.

6. The principal contacts for this agreement are:

This document was prepared by Wild Wilderness. To learn more about ongoing industry-backed congressional efforts to motorize, commercialize, and privatize America's public lands, contact:

Scott Silver, Executive Director,
Wild Wilderness
248 NW Wilmington Avenue,  Bend  OR 97701
Phone (541) 385-5261    E-mail: ssilver@wildwilderness.org