September 2018
Congratulations to the winners of the recent Voucher Raffle. The Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association (PSSA) uses these funds to help promote snowmobile recreation in Pennsylvania. We thank you for your participation. The winners are announced elsewhere in the Keystone Snowmobiler.
PSSA lost a good friend to all snowmobilers with the passing of Representative “Flo” Fabrizio of Erie. He and his wife took the time to visit the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club and take a ride. Flo also helped with initiating contact with the Legislature to start work on a proposal to increase the Registration Fee. This project is now being researched by Representative Ryan Bizzarro of Erie.
Recently PSSA announced a small amount of money remaining from two previous mini-grant rounds. Several clubs applied for these mini-grant funds. The Mini-grant Committee met and reviewed requests. Unfortunately the requests far exceeded the money available. Priorities were given to trail maintenance and grooming requests. The Board recently approved the recommendations of the Mini-grant Committee. We are now waiting for approval from DCNR to proceed with the projects. Clubs who did not receive the full grant amount may apply again in a future round.
Last week I was approached by a club to change the Region for which the club was designated years ago. Since their trails have changed they are more closely aligned with another region. Consequently, the Board is now reviewing the possibility of making changes in the Regions of PSSA. These Regions were drawn many years ago. Some clubs and locations have changed. Rich Hayes, a member of the Executive Board, was appointed to Chair a committee to review the Regions and make recommendations to the Board. If you have any suggestions send them to Rich (rahazey@yahoo.com).
Clubs who are making plans to purchase a groomer/drag or other equipment which use steel/aluminum should contact their local DCNR representative. There are strict requirements for steel/aluminum content as well as location of assembly.
One of the few events that PSSA sponsors each year is the “Clean Snowmobile Challenge”. It is a competition held among college/university students at Michigan Tech on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan each March. The goal is to lower sound, reduce emissions, and increase fuel economy etc. thru research and testing of snowmobile engines and components. This competition is the result of the need to improve the above and meet strict standards for snowmobile use in Yellowstone. Many of our club members benefitted from this competition by being able to ride in Yellowstone this past winter. Thank you for the sponsors and volunteers who help with this event.
Clubs have been working during the hot summer months to improve, expand and maintain our trail system. Volunteers have donated thousands of hours and dollars to make trails safe and available to the general public. Please support our clubs and business partners.
The planning for the PowerSport Show the last weekend of October continues. Please volunteer your time to help. See the ad in the Keystone Snowmobiler.
You can HELP – Spread the word – we need to increase our membership in PSSA.
Liz Krug, President – Think Snow (for next winter)
Plan Ahead:
PowerSport Show – October 26, 27, 28 Lebanon Expo Center – same as last year.
Membership Meeting – April 27, 2019 – 9am – Ramada Golf and Conference Center – University Park – same as this year.
