Advertisement State makes thousands on 'Hike Safe Cards' Share Shares Copy Link Copy

New Hampshire's Fish and Game Department says at least 4,175 Hike Safe Cards have been issued in the second year of the program, bringing in nearly $120,000 for the department's search and rescue fund. Card sales help ensure that conservation officers trained in wilderness rescue can come to a person's aid. The card also makes the holder exempt from liability for repaying search and rescue costs due to negligence. The cards cost $25 for an individual or $35 for a family and are good for the calendar year ending Dec. 31, 2017. Cards must be renewed annually. From 2006 to 2014, the department has conducted an average of 180 search and rescue missions each year. In addition to Hike Safe Card revenues, the search and rescue fund is supported by a $1 fee collected for each boat, snowmobile and off-highway recreational vehicle registered in the state. From 2006 through 2014, the department recouped over $69,600 in rescue cost reimbursements. "People seem to appreciate having a way to contribute to our Search and Rescue readiness, at the same time they get the peace of mind that if an incident occurs, reimbursement costs are covered," said Col. Kevin Jordan of the department. "The Hike Safe Card is making a difference for us."