Many of New Hampshire’s private landowners willingly allow access for snowmobiling. The New Hampshire Snowmobile Association cherish our relationship with landowners and appreciate their generosity. NH Landowners Make Snowmobiling Possible! Please respect the rights of the landowners and remember to say thank you.
Public use of private land is a privilege. It has been a tradition throughout New Hampshire for landowners to allow use of their land for the recreational pursuits of others. Trail users recognize they must do their part in caring for the lands they enjoy in order to protect this privilege. This is why the NHSA has joined the NH Bureau of Trails and NH Fish and Game to make our laws even better.
Snowmobile Trails for Winter Use Only
Permission to use snowmobile trails does not extend to ATVs, four-wheelers, motorbikes, mountain bikes, hiking or other uses, unless specifically authorized by the landowner. A snowmobile trail is a trail only during the snow season, any other use can be considered trespassing.
Landowner Liability Insurance Policy
The NH State Bureau of Trails, are the entity that actually acquires and provides the Landowner Liability Insurance Policy to landowners, which allow public snowmobile trail use of their property. Learn more by reading the Landowner Partnership Brochure, which outlines the statutory protections and insurance coverage.
Law Protects Landowners
New Hampshire property owners should be aware of the State of New Hampshire Laws. The RSA’s (Revised Statutes Annotated) cover diverse uses of property ranging from collecting firewood to Off Highway Recreational Vehicles.
These laws have been challenged in the courts and to date remain intact, affording the landowner liability protection under state statutes.
Highlights of Landowner Protections
Read RSA 212:34 and RSA 508:14 for details
RSA 508:14 Landowner Liability Limited
I. An owner, occupant, or lessee of land, including the state or any political subdivision, who without charge permits any person to use land for recreational purposes or as a spectator of recreational activity, shall not be liable for personal injury or property damage in the absence of intentionally caused injury or damage.
II. Any individual, corporation, or other nonprofit legal entity, or any individual who performs services for a nonprofit entity, that constructs, maintains, or improves trails for public recreational use shall not be liable for personal injury or property damage in the absence of gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
III. An owner of land who permits another person to gather the produce of the land under pick-your-own or cut-your-own arrangements, provided said person is not an employee of the landowner and notwithstanding that the person picking or cutting the produce may make remuneration for the produce to the landowner, shall not be liable for personal injury or property damage to any person in the absence of willful, wanton, or reckless conduct by such owner.
Contact the NHSA if you have questions.
Contact the NHSA Office
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