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Common sense and respect for
others are the way to ensure
a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone using
Copake Lake. |
The CLCS is not an enforcement agency. It is our mission to provide
education to promote safety and conservation.
Concerns about speed, noise or safe handling of any motorized craft
on the lake should be directed to the Columbia County Sheriff’s
Department at 518-828-3344.
As the boats are stored, the docks are removed, and the days get
shorter, it is time for winter fun on Copake Lake. By late December,
Copake Lake will freeze and ice fisherman, ice skaters, cross
country skiers, snowmobilers and many others will be out enjoying
our frozen tundra.
Snowmobiling is a popular sport in our community. However, as with
any motorized vehicle, New York State has enacted rules and
regulations which are enforceable by the local police, Sheriff’s
office, and others.
Please be aware that there is no official monitoring of ice
thickness, therefore participation in winter activities on the lake
is at your own risk.
Registration
·
If you use
a snowmobile on Copake Lake, the snowmobile must be legally
registered. In New York, one must register the snowmobile on a
yearly basis. Yearly registration validation stickers must be
displayed in the upper left hand corner of the DMV-provided
registration number decals, or to the left of the owner-provided
registration numbers.
·
There are
several snowmobile clubs in the area including the Columbia County Sno-Drifters
Snowmobile Club here
at Copake Lake. Their President is Buddy Sinisi, who operates The
Lighthouse Marine. Members of a snowmobile club are eligible for
reduced fees on their snowmobile registration.
Insurance
·
All
snowmobiles which are not being operated solely on private property
must be covered by minimum liability insurance. Since Copake Lake is
not an individual’s private land, anyone operating a snowmobile on
Copake Lake must have minimum insurance. Proof of insurance must be
carried by the snowmobile operator and must be displayed on request
of any magistrate, law enforcement officer, or anyone who has
suffered personal injury or property damage as a result of the
snowmobile operator’s actions.
Equipment
·
New York
State requires an individual to wear an approved safety helmet while
operating a snowmobile.
·
The
snowmobile must also have a working muffler, a head light and tail
light.
Safety
It is unlawful to operate a snowmobile:
·
At a speed
greater than reasonable or prudent under the surrounding conditions
or at a speed greater than 55 mph.
·
In any
unsafe or reckless manner or in any way that harasses other people
or wildlife.
·
While
intoxicated or otherwise impaired.
·
Within one
hundred feet of a skater, ice fisherman, ice fishing house, or other
person on a frozen body of water not on a snowmobile except at the
minimum speed required to maintain forward motion.
·
Within one
hundred feet of a dwelling between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 AM at a
speed greater than the minimum speed required to maintain a forward
motion.
Events
·
If a group
sponsors a special snowmobile event, such as a festival or organized
racing competition, the sponsoring group must obtain a special event
permit from the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation (OPRHP)
www.nysparks.state.ny.us .
Snowmobiling is a fun sport. However, as with boating, safety is of
utmost importance. Have fun but remember that all law enforcement
officers, including Sheriffs, local and State Police, State Park
Police, Environmental Conservation Officers, and Forest Rangers are
authorized to enforce snowmobile laws and regulations. For further
information on the rules and regulations of snowmobiling in New
York, please check out the New York State Snowmobile Association
website at
www.nyssnowassoc.org or
www.nysparks.state.ny.us
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