Enjoy nature!
Today was a gorgeous day to get out of the house and enjoy nature. Many Pennsylvanians did just that this past spring and summer. Hopefully this trend will continue into the fall and winter. Pennsylvania is an “all seasons state”. DCNR has also reported an increase in numbers of people taking advantage of the state parks and forests.
This situation presents an opportunity for clubs to advertise the benefits of snowmobiling and enjoy the friendships developed in belonging to a club. If you do not belong to a club check out the PSSA website: www.pasnow.org for the list of PSSA snowmobile clubs and JOIN one. They are listed under the DIRECTORY tab across the top of the home page. If you are not inclined to join a club your donation to a club(s) where you ride will help.
Thank you to all those who have returned their PSSA membership and raffle tickets. Both help PSSA continue to promote snowmobile recreation across the state.
The current mini-grant budget has a small amount of money to be used by clubs. Lisa Vallimont, mini-grant coordinator, sent e-mails to all club grant contacts this past weekend. These funds are for emergency use and have the same conditions as all mini-grants. Deadline for completed applications is October 15, 2021 5pm. No late or incomplete applications will be accepted. This round completion date is December 1, 2021 5pm. Clubs have been encouraged to think ahead and have a plan for future projects. This will make applications much easier and quicker to complete.
The current 25.1 grant deadline is November 1, 2021.
Club grant contact persons are unsung heroes for their clubs. Much time and research is involved in completing these applications. Thank them for their research and writing skills.
Clubs are asked to advertise their coming events in the Keystone Snowmobiler. Contact Kathy Woolever for information. Pictures of events, work parties and other activities are also welcome.
I am going to repeat the information concerning the DCNR ATV Pilot project. It is important that snowmobilers express ideas pro/con to DCNR.
“At the request of the State Legislature DCNR implemented an ATV Pilot project. The 2021 ATV Regional Trail Connector Pilot area spans Potter and Tioga counties, but does not include the entirety of both counties. This project includes many townships, municipalities, state forest, joint-use roads, private property and limited snowmobile trails etc. As the size suggests this is a mammoth undertaking. Many meetings, research and forming partnerships with a diverse group of stakeholders was implemented by DCNR personnel. The project provides for comments from stakeholders and a report is due in 2023.
ATV riding opportunities within this pilot area are as follows:
208 miles of township roads currently open to ATV use
12 miles of PennDOT-administered roads newly open to ATV use
14 miles of state forest roads and trails newly open to ATV use
Please visit the ATV Pilot website for further information: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Recreation/WhatToDo/ATVRiding/ATVRegionalTrailConnectorPilot/Pages/default.aspx “
A similar smaller scale format has been followed by clubs for many years. Now PSSA in cooperation with clubs and private landowners needs to go BIG. There are two areas in Northwestern and Central PA which could potentially benefit the smaller communities. Once the connections are made a snowmobiler could ride and connect with trails in NY, Ohio and PA trails.
Possible projects could include the following:
v Connect the ANF trails with the Kinzua Bridge trail, Lantz Corners, Smethport, Elk State Forest and beyond. The equestrian riders under the leadership of Carolyn Stroup have made it possible for snowmobilers to use the Kinzua trail. They deserve many thanks
.
v Connect Western PA trails with the ANF trails and Elk State Forest thru Tidioute. The Corry Snowmobile Club has done extensive work in extending the trails in southern Erie and Crawford Counties. Thank you for your hard and dedicated work.
We now need to pressure the Legislature and DCNR to provide more funding and expertise to make these connections happen.
Take time and refresh your soul. Get out and enjoy nature.
Remember: Raffle tickets, PSSA memberships make great gifts.
Liz Krug, President PSSA
Note: All ticket returns should be sent to the Palmyra Office.
