Have a Safe and Enjoyable Fourth of July – Thank you to those who have worked to secure the Freedoms we all enjoy.
House Bill 544 which deals with landowner protection was committed out of committee. However, it still has a long way to go until it is voted on in the House and Senate. Continue calling your State Representatives and Senators. This bill is very important to our trail system. Thank you to all those who made the first calls. We need to continue the calls and emails and show our Representatives that HB 544 is very important to us.
Last month I mentioned the mapping project for phase three of the gps/signage program. I am happy to report that representatives from Region 1, Region 4 and 11 have completed their training. This program permits clubs to manage their trails/make changes on the PSSA sponsored trail mapping website. Access to make changes is limited to a secure password to be used by a designated person from the club. It is a work in progress and will be evaluated after these clubs have experience using the new site.
Plan to attend the Annual PowerSport Show October 27 -5pm – October 29 – 3:30 pm
Features include: Friday night (weather permitting) the “Tough Trucks”. The Tractor Pulls will return for the Saturday event. An Antique Car Show is being planned for the Sunday event. This show has something for everyone. The Show will have our vendors, used sled corral, auction, used clothing booth, ticket sales and PSSA clothing as always. The trailer and ATV drawing will be held at 3:30 pm. Plan to be there. Help support your Association!
Volunteers are needed. If you can help in any way contact Travis Mathna the PowerSport Chair at (1-717-677-8089).
Year Two planning of the “Snow Trails” video project is almost complete.
Year Two will feature the Poconos and Huntingdon County plus Erie County and the PA Wild’s. We are in need of sponsors from the PA Wilds – Benezette/Clearfield/ St. Mary’s area. One may have the good fortune to see an Elk during a snowmobile ride in these areas! Any business, tourism bureau or person can help sponsor an area. This is a great opportunity for your trails to be given national attention thru his TV show. The “Snow Trails” TV program is currently changing to Sunday morning at 8am. Contact Lori Elliott, Grant Administrator for further information. (717-236-2050 ext 127 or grants@pasnow.org )
Three bridges in the Allegheny National Forest area are now complete. Two bridges connect trails in the ANF and are used by other recreation groups. The third bridge connect s trails between Kinzua Bridge State Park -Mt. Jewett and the ANF. This bridge can also be used to connect trails to the east thru Smethport , Clermont and Potter County.. I extend many Kudos to all those who worked or planned these bridges. They are an important part of our trail system.
Since the current fee of $10 has been the rate for many years most members recognize the situation as in need of a sizable increase. If we want the trails to continue we will need to embrace a sizeable increase in the next year or two. You should plan ahead for an increase.
Is the glass half-full or half empty? I think it is important to keep a perspective on this fee. What does $25 – $50 buy today? (Haircut, good dinner, case of beer, nice blouse/shirt, DVR) What did the sled cost that you are riding? The clothing and equipment that you purchased?
It is important to note that Nothing has been finalized and discussions will continue with DCNR. As of this writing I am waiting for more information. We need facts before we can discuss anything.
Meanwhile, we have sleds which are not registered or carry insurance. Clubs need to work with the local State Police and establish a Safety Check Program for their area. The Snowmobile Fund needs every sled to be registered. Clubs need to insist on this at their events. Why increase the fee if we are not going to have law enforcement on our trails. It is up to each one of us to promote trails in Pennsylvania.
Clubs will receive information concerning the next round of grants in the near future.
PSSA lost two champions of snowmobiling in Pennsylvania. Don Clouser passed away several weeks before the Membership Meeting. He was on the Board and worked with the PowerSport Show. Ray Walker passed away at age 105. He provided lively commentary at some of the PSSA Membership Meetings. Ray has been a “Friend” of PSSA for many years. They will be missed.
Tickets for chances on the two trailers donated by Blizzard and an ATV donated by the dealers will be in your mailbox shortly. Please be generous. All proceeds are used to support PSSA programs.
Think Snow! (Let’s do a SNOW dance!)
Liz Krug, President
- PowerSport Show – Starts Friday October 27 at 5pm and ends Sunday October 29 with drawings at 3:30 pm.
