REMEMBER TO VOTE! HAPPY VETERANS’ DAY HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I hope clubs took advantage of the grant opportunity provided by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers’ Association to advertise/promote snowmobile recreation in your area. Presque Isle Snowmobile Club (PISC) from Region One (Erie) did. The club held an Open House hosted by the Board. Groomers, drags, vendors, maps, shirts, plenty of tickets and FREE food were available. People came from NY, Ohio and parts of PA. Among those attending were two of the Founding Members of PISC – Kaye and Joe Majerik. They marveled at the work done to improve the trails and to update the current club house. Their meetings in the “good old days” were held in barns and garages. One of the Supervisors of Greene Township- Joy Biebel and her husband Randy who is the Chair of the Township Planning Committee were also present. Both are members of and support the PISC club events. (See pictures)The attendance was very good and all ages were represented. Thanks to the work of Daryl Busch and his committee the event was fantastic and helps spread enthusiasm for snowmobile recreation. Events like this renew my spirit of volunteerism. As one person on the committee said “everyone has his/her nitch! Come and have some fun”. Did any other clubs hold an event? We would like to hear from you.
Thank you to Ed Klim, President of the International Snowmobile Manufacturers’ Association for the generous support of this event.
Cindy Barrick, Region Ten Director, recently organized a meeting with DCNR to discuss potential winter problems such a plowing etc. The best course of action for snowmobilers is to get involved at the local level. Have a few of your members attend local meetings, volunteer your time to help, be proactive. The solution to a problem is a whole lot easier when people work together and understand the situation.
The PSSA Board recently sent a proposal to DCNR concerning the establishment of a trail app called “Map Gears”. This app would allow clubs to update their trail conditions, provide safety for snowmobilers, locate trails, restaurants, etc. DCNR did reply to the proposal. The Trail Committee is presently preparing an answer to their comments. Stay tuned.
More clubs are asking the local State Police to patrol major road intersections on their trails to check for registrations and insurance. This is a major safety issue. Every rider of an unregistered sled is riding the trails FREE while others are paying their share. Clubs are encouraged to check with their local State Police for assistance. Check both the PSSA website and DCNR website for current rules/fines.
Again PSSA is trying to hold a meeting with club representatives as we did last year. We need to know your thoughts on what is happening relative to snowmobile recreation across the state. Attendance is lessened by Holidays and Hunting season. We will keep trying to find an acceptable date.
Jennifer Rodgers, Project Manager for the DCNR Catawissa Project (5,541 acres) gave a presentation to the Board concerning ideas, plans for future use of this area. Please check the DCNR website for more information on the site.
Lori Elliott, PSSA Mini-grant Administrator, presented a grant request for Round 28.1 for clubs. Hopefully DCNR will provide funding for $10,000 – $15,000 per club for grooming and trail maintenance.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Think Snow
Liz Krug, President PSSA
