HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Everyone is waiting for the first good snowfall to ride. Ride Safe and Stay on the Trails!
Trails open in different parts of the state at different times. Check with the location where you intend to ride before you ride. It is best to check with the local club, Allegheny National Forest, Game Commission and the State depending on where you will ride before you go. Follow local, state and federal guidelines. Other states have regulations that may affect where/when you can ride. Ride, Enjoy and Be Safe!
Many clubs received a mini-grant via PSSA Mini-Grant Program to be used to maintain, upgrade and improve trails and grooming. It takes much work and dedication to make our trails top notch and enjoyable to ride. Without their dedication and spirit of volunteerism we would not enjoy the trails we have today. If you haven’t thanked them already please do so. Join a club and join PSSA.
Several clubs have their Safety Course listed on the website. Please check it out. Information for clubs to list their course is also available there.
The Allegheny National Forest now has four snow cameras in the budget. They will be installed as soon as the weather permits. Although PSSA has several cameras on its website we need more coverage of snow conditions across the state. PSSA club snow cameras are welcome on the PSSA website. Contact member@pasnow.org
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 medical/transportation expenses of children under 18. Contact Loretta Hayes or Kelly Watkins for more info concerning how to apply for a grant. Donations should be sent to the Palmyra Office. Thank you.
Clubs – if you have not done so already please send your updated club and contact information to Kathy Woolever at: member@pasnow.org
PLAN AHEAD – TWO IMPORTANT MEETINGS –
DCNR recently presented their income/expenses to the Board on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. This information will be shared with the membership during a future meeting. Hopefully Meeting #2 will include DCNR personnel.
Meeting #1 –Wednesday, January 19, 2022 7pm PSSA Information Meeting –has not forgotten about your responses to our past survey. Yes, we are very interested in member comments, ideas etc. Committees– have been hard at work for the benefit of all snowmobilers. The Trail and Registration Committees have been having discussions concerning relevant issues which involve clubs, DCNR and PSSA. What does PSSA do? The Registration Fee Committee is doing in-depth research of funding and fee structures of other states. The Website Committee is continually updating the website, Keystone Snowmobiler and Facebook. General information concerning PSSA will also be noted. Please join us for a Zoom meeting on January 19, 2022 at 7pm. (You will also be able to participate in the meeting by phone) You must register to receive your personal information to attend.
Meeting #2 – DCNR– PSSA plans to schedule a meeting with DCNR personnel in the next several months. We need all members to attend this meeting. Income/Expenses of running a snowmobile program across the state will be presented. Club should prepare for this meeting. Clubs are asked to review your last several years of income/expenses. Realistically, in a good snowmobile season what does it cost to maintain your trails/trailhead? Do you have a groomer / equipment replacement fund? How many hours/miles does your club groom? Maintain trails? What does a club do which does not groom? PSSA needs this kind of data from clubs to support/justify a position on registration fee increases and ultimately have fair/equitable distribution of registration funds. Without pertinent data we have little to prove what PSSA and club expenses and needs are. Meeting information will be distributed as it becomes available.
In Case you missed the last issue:
The following are DCNR meetings that several Board members attend and represent PSSA.
SAAC – Snowmobile ATV Advisory Committee
CNRAC – Conservation and Natural Resources Council
PTAC – PA Trails Advisory Committee
One can find the minutes of the above meetings on the DCNR website: www.dcnr@pa.gov
In addition to the above PSSA is also represented on the following:
- USA – United Snowmobile Alliance – Composed of Presidents of North East Snowmobile States plus representatives of Colorado and California.
- ACSA – American Council of Snowmobile Associations – represents State Associations
ACSA calendars which help support ACSA are available now. 365 chances to win over $14,500 in prizes – Price $20 – make check to ACSA: Send to PSSA, PO Box 10126, Erie, PA 16514 (Two winners from PA in the December drawing!)
Also:
Ed Klim of the International Snowmobile Manufactures Association (ISMA) keeps all Associations up-to-date with major trends which can effect snowmobile recreation.
More Information
The ATV Pilot project is being closely monitored both by DCNR, Penn Dot, Municipalities and members of the PTAC. If you have comments positive/negative send them to DCNR.
Ride Command – see advertisement – PSSA does not have an official stance on this technology. Clubs are advised to use caution, check liability issues and have everything in writing.
MOA – Maryland training for pilots – Maryland –check with your representatives – these training sessions involve low fly overs of designated areas in Pennsylvania. There is concern about the effect of noise and disturbance of wild life in these areas.
New to DCNR – SOLAR PANELS for parking on Presque Isle State Park. CHARGING STATIONS at designated parks. (Will they accommodate electric sleds??)
HB 478 is related to MOTORCYCLES and their use in the state.
SAFETY CLASSES- Please check the website and the Keystone Snowmobiler for future dates.
Trespass issues continue. Encourage fellow riders to take the pledge.
Please take the snowmobile pledge –
Remember to Take the Pledge at https://snowmobilerspledge.com
May you have good health and many blessings throughout the year!
Think Snow!
Liz Krug, President PSSA
PS – “SPAM’ IS ON THE LOOSE. LEAVE A MESSAGE IF I DO NOT ANSWER YOUR CALL.
