BOATING

BOATING
PFD loaner sites sought
Now through Feb. 20, the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety Clean Water is looking for new locations to become lending sites for its free "Life Jacket Loaner Program."
The program loans out children's life jackets -- from readily accessible sites such as marinas, boat clubs and other waterfront businesses -- to boaters who have a temporary need for a kid's life jacket for the day or weekend. There is no cost to become a loaner site; funding comes from BoatU.S. member donations.
Presently, over 300 clubs and businesses participate as Life Jacket Loaner Program sites, which have loaned out life jackets over 50,000 times since the program began in 1997. The loaner life jackets come in kits of 12 jackets, and include signage and an easy-to-use sign-out sheet to track usage. Three sizes are included for kids up to 90 pounds.
For information on the laws in your state and to download an application to become a Life Jacket Loaner Program site, please visit www.BoatUS.com/Foundation/LJLP Approved applications will be announced in spring 2004.
PENNSYLVANIA
OHV season in progress
WARREN, Pa. -- Winter season for the off-highway vehicle trails is now open on the Allegheny National Forest. This winter trail use includes ATVs and snowmobiles. Trail users should call in advance or check the ANF's web site for updated information on trail conditions.
Seasons: Trail conditions permitting, the Allegheny snowmobile loop is open now through April 1. Rocky Gap and Timberline All Terrain Vehicle /Bike trails and the ATV portion of the Marienville ATV/Bike trail also open for the winter ATV season now.
Exceptions to this season opening are as follows: State Game Lands 29 --Route No. 4, opens Jan. 18, 2004; The Willow Creek ATV/Bike Trail and the Marienville Bike Trail remain closed.
Rules and Regulations: ANF riders must comply with state and Federal regulations for OHV use, snowmobile and ATV operators must have a current registration from Pennsylvania or from a state with reciprocal registration, and carry proof of liability insurance.
Although some forest roads open to the public serve as snowmobile trail sections, ATV travel on all forest roads is illegal. ATV's and motorcycles using the ATV trail system are required to have a valid ANF trail-use permit.
Riding any OHV on National Forest System lands other than on a designated trail, and riding on designated trails when they are closed, is not permitted. Riders are reminded that use of OHV's on the frozen surface of the Allegheny Reservoir is illegal. Violations of state and federal regulations are subject to citation and fine. Contact the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Snowmobile/ATV Unit at P.O. Box 8553, Harrisburg, Pa., 17105-8553, or call PA DCNR toll-free (866) 545-2476 for current regulations and information on registering your OHV.
Snowmobile Trail Conditions: Trail conditions are updated as they change on the ANF's auto-attendant phone (814-723-5180, ext. 901) and on our website (www.fs.fed.us/r9/allegheny/recreation/snow_page.html.) The snowmobile toll-free PA DCNR hotline (877-766-6253) updates trail conditions Tuesdays and Fridays.
Snowmobile Trail Update: At this time the Allegheny Snowmobile Loop and connector trails have been cleared of trees and debris. Riders should exercise caution when riding the trails.
Excessive rainfall this summer and fall has saturated the soil leaving standing trees susceptible to high winds, thus the potential exists for trees to fall across the trail. Riders are encouraged to operate their sleds at a speed that is reasonable under these conditions.
Please report any hazardous trail conditions to: Supervisors Office, Warren, PA, (814) 723-5150.
Information: Trail maps are available at all forest service offices or by calling (814) 723-5150.