HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Many things have happened in 2020. It is easy to have negative thoughts about all that has happened to family, friends or snowmobile recreation. When we are down we need to count our blessings (Family, friends, clubs, volunteers, PSSA)! Spending time outdoors refreshes the soul!
Pennsylvania recently experienced two huge snow events – parts of the state received 15- 23 or more inches of snow. However we must remember that conditions have to be right for groomers to be out. Most importantly trails need a solid base – preferably frozen ground and snow. Special thanks to the volunteer groomers who are up at 4am or 11pm to groom trails. Well groomed trails make for an enjoyable ride. Please send pictures of your “groomer group” to the Keystone Snowmobiler.
The Word of snow travels fast. Even before the first storm passed the area I received at least 20 calls from snowmobilers from Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and New York. This was also true for the second storm. The number one question was “where can we ride” followed by “where can we buy a map” and “where can we park?” These questions demonstrate the importance of club information being current on the PSSA website: www.pasnow.org
Even though our website contains much information it may be difficult for the unfamiliar to navigate it. If you are one of these people then the easy way to find club information is to click on the DIRECTORY TAB across the top on the HOME screen. Click on “Pennsylvania Snowmobile Clubs” on the drop down menu. A map of PA appears. Click on the area you have an interest in riding. Club information populates below the map. It may help to check with the club whose trails you are going to ride before you go on that ride.
PSSA provides the website: www.pasnow.org and Facebook page: “Pennsylvania Snowmobiling” at www.facebook.com/pasnow
Pennsylvania has Reciprocal agreements with many states. One exception is New York. Check with your state if you are from out of state. PA has a Registration Fee but no Trail Permit. Contact the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) at: www.dcnr.pa.gov/Recreation or call 717-783-7941 for further information.
If you are interested in riding on trails on state land refer to the DCNR website listed above. Also contact the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) at: www.fs.usda.gov for trails there. Volunteer clubs help groom and maintain much of these trails. Contact individual clubs in Region Four as noted on our website: www.pasnow.org
Don’t forget to Join a club and join PSSA.
Unfortunately during these storms several roads were plowed to the ground. These were in high traffic snowmobile areas. Word is that this was done by subcontractors. This is no excuse. Their contracts are supposed to contain a clause directing them to leave several inches of snow on the ground. If you witness this in an area call DCNR for state trails, ANF for Federal trails and individual clubs for trail on private land. Contact information is on their websites. In addition call the local elected officials. This plowing activity hurts the local economy.
Also renegade snowmobilers have been riding on private property and ignoring closed trail signs in/around Clinton County. This is an unsafe situation for landowners and causes problems with landowners. This illegal riding has to STOP. Stay on the marked trail and ride Safe.
If necessary call the State Police and report illegal riding.
Reminders:
The Allegheny National Forest is working with the clubs in that region to install snow cameras. Although PSSA has several cameras on its website we need more coverage of snow conditions across the state. Information concerning Club Snow Cameras appears below the PSSA cameras on the HOME page of the website. If a club has a snowcam that you would like PSSA to add to the website contact member@pasnow.org
You can help PSSA by asking Businesses to give a 10% discount to PSSA members. This discount can help reduce the bill significantly for those who take weekend trips / buy accessories. Contact Arline LaTourette (arlinedutton@hotmail.com) for more information.
Thank you to those who took the time to answer our Survey. The PSSA Survey is on the website and Facebook. Please take the time to complete it. Your voice counts.
The Board will be discussing and analyzing your responses and moving forward with viable suggestions.
At this time of year members are looking for ways to help others. The Snow Angel Medical Fund is available for donations. The money donated is used to help defray expenses of children under 18. Contact Loretta Hayes (mshazey15101@yahoo.com) or Kelly Watkins (kimwatkins69@gmail.com) for more info concerning how to apply for a grant. Donations should be sent to the Palmyra Office. Thank you.
It is also a great time to donate to your organization PSSA. Contact the Palmyra office for details.
PSSA is in need of several Regional Directors. Regional Directors are our voice in their area and represent the clubs. Directors are needed for Region Six – Carbon County area, Region Seven – Potter and Tioga County area and Region Ten – Clinton County area. Contact Rich Hayes, Vice-President (rahazey@yahoo.com) or myself (ottilia@roadrunner.com) if you are interested or know of someone who would be a help to the clubs in the area and PSSA. Your help is appreciated.
The PSSA Board continues to meet by way of ZOOM.
Ride Safe and Respect Landowner Property.
MANY BLESSINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR!
Liz Krug, President
