The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has named Joseph Shimota the 2025 volunteer snowmobile safety instructor of the year.
Shimota, a snowmobile enthusiast who has been actively riding for more than 60 years, is also the president of the Sno Skippers Snowmobile Club. He has been a lead instructor since 1993, holding classes at the Willmar Community Center, and has helped more than 1,700 students earn their snowmobile safety certification.
“Joe is well known in the Kandiyohi County area for his commitment to safety education,” said DNR Conservation Officer Shane Vernier, who is stationed in Willmar. “His dedication to the next generation of riders ensures our trails remain safe and enjoyable for all. His deep knowledge of the snowmobile industry offers students a unique, hands-on perspective when it comes to machine maintenance and responsible operation.”
Shimota’s duties as president of the Sno-Skippers include extensive involvement in maintaining about 160 miles of groomed trails and hosting snowmobile races and other community events. Shimota is also a volunteer instructor for all-terrain vehicles, having certified more than 560 students since 2015.
More than 1,000 volunteer instructors teach DNR snowmobile safety classes across Minnesota and are essential to helping riders understand the importance of snowmobile safety.
Minnesota residents born after Dec. 31, 1976, are required to have a snowmobile safety certificate to ride, but DNR safety officials recommend all people who ride a snowmobile complete a safety training course. Information about all the DNR’s safety training is available on the DNR website.