Just sent my 2 cents to the lrct.org
 

Has anyone talked to a media outlet about this story??? I think it would make a great topic, maybe for the Sunday paper so that all the tourists can see what these "conservationists" are doing to the travel and tourism industry.

Lrct
 

Ive written letters to several papers, nhsa, snomobile mags, lrct..
It cant hurt ..start writing
The squeaky wheel gets the grease ! Let LRCT know how displeased you are with what they have done ...

Editorial
 

This editorial has appeared in the 12/2/04 edition of the Granite State News (Grunter) in Wolfeboro.

Other Voices
Snowmobilers want to see the land too
By MICHAEL HIGGINS
Gilford
Recently an organization by the name of Lakes Region Conservation Trust has acquired 5,400 acres in Moultonborough known as the Castle In the Clouds property. This organization touted as conservation minded non-profit group has led a campaign to acquire the property after it became available in 2001.
The tax liability of this property had put it out of reach for most individuals. And, as the property would be a prime area for development, residents of New Hampshire, especially of the Lakes Region, rejoiced at the idea of conserving such a wonderful peace of land. LRCT was able to acquire the funds to purchase the property through donations and purchased the property in January of 2004.
Many locals were excited to see this area preserved for generations to come.
Unfortunately this ultra conservative group has managed to shut the gate on a large part of the local culture, “snowmobilers.”
We all want to see these beautiful areas preserved, but in the same sense we want to “SEE” these areas.
There are few people who are capable of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing to the top of Mt. Shaw on snow covered trails.
The same idea was attempted in Yellowstone National Park. Only to be reversed, as it had a detrimental effect on the local economy. Conclusive studies showed no detrimental effects on the land or wildlife.
During LRCT’s campaign to raise funds for the purchase the property, its ultimate goal to close trails to snowmobiles was never mentioned. The Moultonborough snowmobile club has done a fine job for many years marking and maintaining the loop trails onto the property.
Now in an effort to protect the land for the people, LRCT has managed to keep the land from the people.
The opinions expressed in Other Voices do not reflect the views of the Granite State News.
Click for link

Hmm
 

Hmm didnt know they would print my name..

Noise is the problem
 

Here's trying to put some sense into Ossipee trails.

First, some snowmobilers at the Forum have complained about snowmobile noise, and how it would result in restrictions. http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...?p=207#post207

Now there are restrictions enacted this past Friday in Canada, by Quebeçois:

Entire news story at: http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/natio...bec041203.html

I've read that most Quebec snowmobilers are American visitors, followed by European snowmobile renters, then Quebekers.


http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/photos/snow_mobile041203.jpg

There is no denying it...
 

It is an ongoing battle to protect our snowmobile trails. I understand the gripe with the loud sleds, there is no real good reason for them on the trails. Keep the noise for the race tracks. I am not preaching, I myself in my younger days had those louds pipes, but now would prefer to run rather quiet and undetected. I like going out for a late night run and I don't want to wake those people who are nice enough to let us pass over their land. Its a full time job trying to save this sport.... :(

For a number of years we lived in the Northern Heights complex on 11B. Directly behind our unit was a snowmobile trail. On winter evenings we would build a fire in the fireplace and sit on the couch facing the sliding glass doors overlooking the trail. All the lights off, and just the fireplace for illumination. We absolutely loved watching the snowmobile lights winding over the hills and curves of the trail right in front of us. Of the hundreds of snowmobiles we watched travel behind us, only a very few were ever audible. This added to the overall experience, making it somewhat mystical - silent lights in the night, if you will. Of those that did have loud or excessively whiny engines - those were the ones that usually raced up and down the edge of 11B like maniacs, and a few were ticketed by the PD for their infractions. The point of my post is this: the vast majority of the snowmobilers are law-abiding, outdoors loving, peaceful travelers. It is the very few that give a bad name to the many - just as it is with most things (like motorcycles for instance). I sincerely hope that a resolution to the trail issue in Ossippee, and in Canada, can be found. I would hate to see so many loose their opportunity to enjoy mother nature in their favorite way!

Well
 

There are NO homes on the castle property ! This was a land grab !
Another "Legacy" ya a legacy of shutting people out ...

Lrct
 

I would think everyone who is not happy with LRCT should get ask for their money back! Hit them in the pockets! :eek:

I have it on good information that the NHSA is in discussion with the powers that be concerning this whole mess however they (NHSA) is under a gag order to not release any details at the moment. So I have no idea what is being talked about, but it's good to hear that discussions are underway. Hopefully we all will be happy with the results.

Thats good news
 

Hopefully they can work it out.. It seems it would be win win if they allowed some access..

I have an idea
 

Why don't we all load up our sleds and meet in the LRCT parking lot...lol :laugh:

Lol
 

Im in ..no trailer though.. :D :D

Bonding w/ the woods.
 

Everyone knows about the Waterville Valley snowboard and ski area. What nobody seems to use any more is the WV cross country ski area. It has 105 kilometers of trails on beginner, intermediate and challenging terrain and a small Bombardier diesel powered $80k xc trail grooming vehicle. On the Forest Service sign on Route 49 on the way to WV, it says 'no snowmobile trails available in WV.' For all you city people who don't want to share their xc trail with any flourescent green, 100mph, two-stroke smelly oil, high pitched whiney, high revvin sno-mos, the 105 km of WV xc trails are basically, always totally empty. It ain't like the old days when Tom Corcoran was running WV from 1965-1993. How do you say the xc trails here are very quiet?

Well
 

I have never once heard a snowmobiler say they did not want to share the trails with xc or snowshoers ..And for the most part the groomed interconnecting trail system in new hampshire exist due to the efforts of snomobile clubs and there members.. The bridges over the brooks , clearing of the downed limbs etc is all done by snowmobilers ..Now there is federal money available to maintain these trails also (grant in aid ) because of snomobilers ..
The only thing you ever hear from the xc skiiers and snowshoers is that they want to share the trails :confused: :confused:

Bonding w/ da woods
 

Like, think about it, if you are beating your lungs out, trying to get up some steep snowy trail on xc skis; does anyone want to share that w/ a noisey, stinky, speedy sno-mobile? Plus, most all sno-mos are still the two-stroke type so they leave behind their stinky oiley odor. Do walkers want share their sidewalk with a car or a truck? Do swimmers want to share their lake with a big fast boat? I think that George Bush is really a closet tree-hugger so won't all you Snow-Mo Bush voters be in for a big surprise when W comes out of his closet, sees the light, and totally bans two-stroke engines from the world. The next war will be US vs. Two-Stroke engines, just like in California.

Well said ... :rolleye2:

Expecting nothing in return, here...
 

Take a drive down 171 sometime. The homes -- such as they are -- are going in.

It's good lake- (and land-) management to keep bulldozers out of the Winnipesaukee Basin area.

I contribute $100 each year to LRCT, fully expecting no Entitlements.

No you cant stop progress ..And yes its nice to see some land kept undeveloped around the lake.
Snowmobiles are a recreational vehicle not a bulldozer
Its bad management to lose their patronage to the area..

I agree HUH
 

It is bad management to not allow snow mobile activity in this recently purchased land tract by the LRCT. I also contribute yearly to their cause, this will make me reconsider future funding if not resolved in favor of the snow mobile folks.

I spend a lot of time in the woods. Usually with a backpack on my back. Some of the best hiking around is on the SNOW MOBILE TRAILS! Thanks groomers.

I have donated to LRCT for years. I helped to save Five Mile Island, Red Hill and Castle in the Clouds. Saved from what? Development? All human activity?

The decision to close the CC lands to snowmobilers must have been made by a small group within the LRCT who had a personal adgenda. Well the LRCT is not a few decision makers. It is members. Members who donate. Well I'm voting with my feet and they have seen the last dime from me.

Let's hit 'em in the wallet.

Misty Blue

Controversy makes the pages of the Union Leader
 

From this morning's Union Leader, interesting reading.....things may not be anywhere near as bad as suspected;

http://www.theunionleader.com/articl...?article=48067

But...but...

"IT'S A LAND GRAB!"

I saw it on the Internet!

Castle Trails
 

the article is out in todays union leader.

to maxum who is your inside source at nhsa? they have had no involement in the negociations. read on and you will see what i was told by nhsa. ask for sargent shultz. i know nathing!!!!!

not responcable for spelling or gramatical errors (no spell checker).

geezer,

my name is george higgins. i have been trying since 10-09-04 to get an answer to the castle trails situation. no one will talk. lrct has asked for a "gag" order between them and ohrv. nhsa is not involved in any of the negociations. i have sent out over 30 e-mails in the past 6 weeks with only 2 replys. there is an artical coming out in tomorrows union leader by carol carter wich i have contributed to. i am inserting some of the e-mails i have sent to give you a picture of what i have run up against.

i wish i had known about this forun earlier. i just signed up and do not have posting privilages. could you post this for me.

george


to lrct

to: lrct@metrocast.net

gentlemen,

can you tell me if snow shoeing and cross country skiing will be available in the castle in the clouds? we really enjoyed the hiking trails that were open this summer.

thanks,

#1

gentlemen,

i have been trying for a month and a half to get the "truth" about the castle trails for this upcoming season. i presume your aware of the stories floating around about lrct closing all but the corridor trail "15" over the castle and opening the remainder of the trails to "snowshoeing and cross country skiing". i have sent out numerous e-mails to every body in nhsa, ohrv, fish and game and lrct with only two replies. one from lucy ford who told me to contact gail hanson at nsha and major tim acerno from fish&game who replied the f&s does not get involved in trail acquisitions, only law enforcement.

nhsa has been asked by ohrv not comment on the issue. gail's answer today was we don't know nuthin. maybe she (nsha) should! i also talked to ohrv, gail sowles, who would only say they were in negotiations with lrct and had agreed not speak (gag order) of the issue.

another issue that has not been mentioned is the castle parking lot being available to connect to the wolfeboro power line trail or to be able to park an unload there.

in my e-mails to nhsa cris runnals and tom willand were included twice, still waiting to hear from either of them.

there was a letter to the editor in last weeks meredith new with regards to closing the castle trails. i have been contacted by the union leader and have relayed my experiences with this situation.

there is more but this should give the basic idea of what is happening.


thanks for listening,


george higgins

member moultonboro smc

#2
jeff balch

i sent out an e-mail on 11-22-04 to multiple groups and individual questioning the status of the castle in the clouds trails this coming season. to data i have received only one reply, major tim acerno. there is a story out there that the lakes regional conservation trust is only going to open up corridor 15 and all other trials would be used for snowshoeing and cross country skiing. the worst part of this story is that the lrct has placed a "gag" order on every one involved so as to avoid any adverse publicity. nhsa seams to be avoiding this issue. i asked for a correct e-mail address for chris runnels on the 22nd and have yet to get a reply from them. i did get it out of the snow traveler.

can some one tell me what is going on.

thanks,

george higgins

#3
original message -----
from: george higgins
to: crunnals@wmconnect.com ; jb.balch@valley.net ; execdir@nhsa.com ; reg2@nhfgd.org
cc: lflemoine@msn.com ; nhtrails@dred.state.nh.us ; cabanas@worldpath.net ; lrs@jackwilleys.com ; prwent1320@aolcom ; ljpolk@juno.com ; info@wildlife.state.nh.us
sent: monday, november 22, 2004 4:14 pm
subject: castle trail situation?????????????????????


gentlemen,

i hope this e-mail is not too confusing. we have been trying to get the full and accurate story about the trail status of the castle in the clouds. the local clubs have worked hard in the past to maintain these trails. the castle has become a "destination" ride for many snowmobilers every year. it adds to the economy of the area. if it is now relegated to just passage way between tamworth and moultonboro all this will be lost.

i am hearing some very disturbing comments with regards to the lrct wanting every thin hushed up about this situation. i thing this bothers me the most. as for keeping it quite, i doubt that will happen. i think it would be better if we knew the "truth" about the situation before things get out of hand.

another key point is will the parking lot be open to snowmobiles? this is an access point to the castle trails, wolfeboro trials and the moultonboro trails.

right now i would suspect there may be some mis-information out there. just looking for an honest answer.

thanks for listening,

george higgins


below is some recent correspondence i have sent out.

questions ask of both nhsa and fish & game

fish&game question

----- original message -----
from: george higgins <mailto:ghiggins@durhamcompany.com>
to: nhtrails@dred.state.nh.us
sent: tuesday, november 09, 2004 4:43 pm
subject: castle in the clouds trail closings

gentlemen,

do you have any information as to the lakes regional conservation trust closing all but corridor 15 over the castle between moultonboro and tamworth. there are several ugly stories going around already. one being fish and game is being "gagged" by "lrct" not to make this public in order to avoid adverse publicity over this mater. i talked to "nsha" yesterday and got the distinct impression they were avoiding issue.

george higgins

nhsa question

from: "george higgins" <ghiggins@durhamcompany.com>
to: <execdir@nhsa.com>
cc: <nhsaoffice@nhsa.com>
subject: fw: castle in the clouds trail closings
date: tuesday, november 09, 2004 4:55 pm

gail hanson

can you tell me what nhsa position is in this matter?

thank you.


----- original message -----
from: george higgins
to: nhtrails@dred.state.nh.us
sent: tuesday, november 09, 2004 4:43 pm
subject: castle in the clouds trail closings


gentlemen,

do you have any information as to the lakes regional conservation trust closing all but corridor 15 over the castle between moultonboro and tamworth. there are several ugly stories going around already. one being fish and game is being "gagged" by "lrct" not to make this public in order to avoid adverse publicity over this mater. i talked to "nsha" yesterday and got the distinct impression they were avoiding issue.

george higgins


reply fish&game

from: "margaret morrison" <mmorrison@dred.state.nh.us>
to: "george higgins" <ghiggins@durhamcompany.com>
subject: re: castle in the clouds trail closings
date: monday, november 15, 2004 2:35 pm



as soon as the chief returns from vacation we can answer you. at the moment i have no info.

-----original message-----
from: george higgins [mailto:ghiggins@durhamcompany.com]
sent: monday, november 15, 2004 1:31 pm
to: margaret morrison
subject: fw: castle in the clouds trail closings


still waiting for comment?


----- original message -----
from: george higgins <mailto:ghiggins@durhamcompany.com>
to: nhtrails@dred.state.nh.us
sent: tuesday, november 09, 2004 4:43 pm
subject: castle in the clouds trail closings

gentlemen,

do you have any information as to the lakes regional conservation trust closing all but corridor 15 over the castle between moultonboro and tamworth. there are several ugly stories going around already. one being fish and game is being "gagged" by "lrct" not to make this public in order to avoid adverse publicity over this mater. i talked to "nsha" yesterday and got the distinct impression they were avoiding issue.

george higgins








reply from lucy ford, nhsa

from: "dennis and lucy ford" <thefords@metrocast.net>
to: <ghiggins@durhamcompany.com>
cc: "gail hanson" <execdir@nhsa.com>
subject: castle
date: wednesday, november 10, 2004 8:40 pm



george,
the bot is working with the castle to come up with the trails that will be
used for this year, to date i don't think that they have finalized anything.
when you called the nhsa who did you speech with? if you have more interest
or comments please call and talk with gail hanson our ex director.
thanks
lucy ford
president
nhsa

I cannot reveal any names here, but what I can say is that the response that I got falls along the same lines you are getting, which is any conversations being conducted are subject to this "gag" order. I figured this to be something imposed by some legal stipulation or there was some impending court battle going on. Either way it was my understanding that the NHSA is aware of what is going on an I got the impression that some folks there were at least in the know, but what thier direct involvement is in the whole mess is again an unknown factor. It's my bad for assuming that they were directly involved, although I find that really hard to believe, why else would they not be able to comment on the matter? I just don't understand why no information can be let out. Like I had said before I hope that in the end some sort of reasonable solution can be agreed to, seems a bit rash to close everything but one main corridor trail. If I do hear of anything further I'll be sure to post it, but as of now we are all stuck talking to a bunch of clams :liplick:

Nhsa Involvement?????????
 

iformation was give out indicating there was a court ordered "gag" order about takling about the castle. when asked in what court the case was being heared, the reply was i don't know.
a simple call to the clerck of coursts revield there was no case?

when i talked to gail hanson and questioned her as to wether nhsa should be an advocate in the matter i got an answer that whent of in a tangent as to the local clubs jumping on the bandwagon to donate to the lrct for the purchase and not involving nhsa more.

there was to be a directors meeting last night and the subject was to be on the adgender. i hope to here tonight what happend.

winnocturn

Link to Article in "The Union Leader"
 

Editorial from the Granite State News - 12-9-2004
 

The Grunter’ • Est. 1859
RICHARD PIATT, Publisher
MARY SALIBA, Editor
Editorials, while unsigned, represent a consensus of the views of the
editorial board of the Granite State News and Carroll County Independent.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Let’s trust the Trust
Last week we received and printed a letter to the editor from a concerned Moultonborough resident in regards to the closing of snowmobile trails by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust on the historic Castle in the Clouds property in Moultonborough.
According to the writer, the trust’s goal all along when they raised money to purchase the property for conservation was to close the area to snowmobilers:
“Many locals were excited to see this area preserved for generations to come. Unfortunately, this ultra conservative group has managed to shut the gate on a large part of the local culture, snowmobilers. We all want to see these beautiful areas preserved, but in the same sense we want to see these areas. There are few people who are capable of snowshoeing or cross country skiing to the top of Mt. Shaw on snow covered trails,” stated the letter writer.
Since the first day we heard that the LRCT was in the process of raising funds to purchase the property, we have agreed with those (mainly the Moultonborough Snowmobile Club) who were keenly interested in making sure that the trails on the property be kept open to snowmobilers and since the first day the LRCT has maintained that it will indeed work to keep the trails open to members of the public.
Snowmobiling, when done on well-marked and cared-for trails by responsible individuals allows many people access to beautiful parts of our state that would otherwise be inaccessible during winter. In the case of the Castle property, these trails are well established and have been fantastically maintained by the Moultonborough Snowmobile Club.
Since we published the letter last week we have heard from the LRCT that closing the trails is not what they have in mind at all (see Tom Curren’s letter in this issue) as the letter writer asserted. What is happening at the current time is that the Trust is in the process of working with the Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED) to provide access to snowmobile trails on the property without charge.
In the process of purchasing the property, the LRCT decided it needed a permanent management plan to effectively conserve the property and in order to establish that plan an overview of the property would need to be conducted.
“The Trust commissioned several studies on the property: a biological inventory of the entire 5,500-acre parcel (identifying all species of wildlife on the land), a trail analysis (identifying and mapping what proved to be roughly 35 miles of trails), a study of the historical uses of Ossipees, an analysis of the hydrogeology of the water sources on the property, and analyses of future financial obligations, including liability coverage, on the possible future uses of the property,” states Curren in his letter.
Curren goes on to state that the trust will be releasing its management plan in the coming weeks and that not everyone will “get everything he or she would want out of this plan.”
We understand the difficulties the Trust is facing in developing a plan that will satisfy everyone. We also understand the concern and frustration of those who have maintained and used the snowmobile trails on the property for years.
The rerouting and closure of some trails to avoid environmentally sensitive areas may be a necessary component of the plan and may cause limited snowmobiling access to the property. We hope that, if this does indeed prove to be the case, the arguments made as to why this needs to be done are valid and limiting access to certain areas is absolutely necessary.
By the same token, we hope that people who may feel that the plan is unfairly limiting access to the property understand that there is a proper way to voice your complaints and that ultimately the Trust (and those that support it financially) is now the owner of the property.Meredith News

Editor’s Note: The letter discussed in this editorial was printed in both the Meredith News and the Granite State News last week, and Mr. Curren’s response may be read in both papers this week.

...Wasn't it a Gilford resident?

Spin Doctors...
 

Mr. Curren can twist the words anyway he wants, you watch the result will be the same. Ultra conservative "tree huggers" are making areas off limits due to "endangered flora and fauna". It reads to me: tree huggers vs. snowmobilers...the saga continues. Obviously the LRCT is reading this site, so to them I say hello!

Yup
 

Sounds like the LRCT is on the defensive .. I dont buy it ..sounds like they are trying to " butter up" some people to keep them quiet..
Not here !
And yes im a Gilford resident :D :D

Well
 

Its mid december .. :confused:

Snowmobilers worry about NH trails
By CAROL CARTER
Union Leader Correspondent



MOULTONBOROUGH - An updated Castle in the Clouds snowmobile trail lease shouldn't pose a problem for sledders despite widespread fear that "tree huggers" will close many trails, the director of the state Department of Parks and Recreation said yesterday.

"I'm not aware of any problem with this. We're charged by law to find a place for snowmobilers to recreate and I would be concerned about an extensive loss of trails at the castle," said director Rich McLeod.

Officials have been tight-lipped during negotiations with Lakes Region Conservation Trust, sparking rumors that miles of scenic trails will be replaced with a single corridor into Tamworth. The new lease negotiated between LRCT and the Bureau of Trails is now under review by the state Attorney General's Office, McLeod said.

But snowmobilers airing fears on www.winnipesaukeeforum.com insist "tree huggers" will close all trails except Corridor 15 into Tamworth. Irritated snowmobilers threaten a letter-writing campaign and suggest loading up their sleds for a mass protest in the LRCT parking lot.

LRCT President Tom Curren insists fears are unfounded. "There's been a lot of misinformation out there that we expect to clear up in the next week or two," Curren said.

George Higgins, a member and former director of the 710-member Moultonborough Snowmobile Club, said members were told by club officers in October that trails in the 5,200-acre estate will be off limits this winter. Members, many of whom donated to LRCT for the purchase, are concerned they're now getting the boot in favor of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing interests, he added.

Seeking answers from state officials or the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association during the past six weeks was futile, according to Higgins. "I've contacted everybody involved and nobody responds," he said.

Yesterday, Gail Hanson, executive director of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association, referred media questions to LRCT, saying her association isn't involved in those negotiations.

The LRCT raised $5.5 million to buy the popular tourist attraction and keep the landmark open to the public. Potential buyers of the vast estate on Mount Shaw also included a large hotel chain and a wealthy investor who wanted the estate for his personal use.

But during negotiations, former owner J. Paul Sticht lowered the price for LRCT on condition they maintain public access. The LRCT embraced Sticht's request and promised a multiple-use plan catering to all outdoor enthusiasts.

"With 85 miles of trails, we're confident we can accommodate a number of different uses up there," said Curren during an interview three years ago. The trust also signaled plans to reconfigure trails to protect rare plants and trees.

Higgins said he doesn't object to alternate trails bypassing those endangered species but wants the castle to remain a destination riding facility.

"This has always been a destination. It's a nice little day trip where we can have a bite to eat and a nice warm place before going back out on the trail," said Higgins, who estimates as many as 400 snowmobilers visit the Castle's Carriage House snack bar on a good snow day.

In fact, snowmobilers have enjoyed a good relationship with LRCT over the years, Higgins said. The trust sanctioned trail-building on their Red Hill property in Moultonborough, including a major connector from Route 25 to the back of Squam Lake, Higgins recalls.

"We've always had a good relationship with the trust but it would be nice if somebody would tell us what's happening now," Higgins concluded.

From Today's (12/16) Concord Monitor
 

Click for Article

Link to Moultonboro Snowmobile Club

LRCT's response - and lack of reason
 

Here's the text-
The Lakes Region Conservation Trust (www.lrct.org) is closing all snowmobile access to trails in the Castle In The Clouds property, other than the main corridor trail (Trail 15). The Union Leader recently had an article about the issue. Note that Corridor Trail #15 is groomed by the State of NH, not Moultonboro SMC.

And from the LRCT

In recent weeks, the Trust has received responses regarding snowmobile usage at the Castle ranging from thoughtful to threatening in tone. While I have had the opportunity to speak with responsible and understanding snowmobilers, I understand that others have apparently decided to mount a "pressure" campaign on the Trust. The Lakes Region Conservation Trust has a history of working cooperatively with the Moultonborough Snowmobile Club and has opened land to snowmobilers that had been closed to such use for years. I consider the vast majority of snowmobilers to be enthusiastic and community-minded outdoorspeople. I am heartened that a number of thoughtful snowmobilers have alerted us to misinformation that is being circulated, and I look forward to working with them and with their colleagues in the future.

In the coming weeks, the Trust will complete and make public its management plan for the Castle property. Our first responsibility is to protect the wildlife habitat and clean water resources on the property. Our second is to provide balanced public access to the public in light of that first and unending responsibility. Undoubtedly, every member of the public will not "get" everything he or she would want out of this plan; undoubtedly there will be disagreement with some aspects of it, but it will be a balanced plan compiled in good faith and based upon the information we have gathered carefully during 3 years of study. I trust that fair-minded people will consider our work in that light.

And our third responsibility is to work with people of good will from all walks of life, whatever their recreational traditions are, to create both a sense of respect for each other and gratitude for the natural landscape. There are enough occasions for conflict in the world; the outdoors ought to be a place where people of good will can go to appreciate and enjoy what they have been so fortunate enough to inherit here in New Hampshire. That is how we have conducted our business as a responsible private conservation landowner, and that is how we will proceed in the future. Thank you for your consideration and your understanding of who we are and what we do.

Sincerely,

Thomas S. Curren
President, Lakes Region Conservation Trust

I was not aware that the state had any grooming equipment ?

Snowmobilers - 1 vs. A.M.C. - Zero
 

Access will be allowed to snowmobilers despite the AMC's protest
click for story

Hooray!! 1 for the good guys!!!
 

I love it. Its about time someone stood up to these AMC and LRCT types. What if we said no x country skiing on snowmobile trails??? Oh that would be tragic. To borrow from a famous quote "Can't we all, just get along?"

Good judge-ment
 

I really can't see why the different winter activities can't coexist.
I enjoy an occassional snowshoe and I'm an avid downhill skier, so I can appreciate the perspective.. But the peaceful solitude it seems cc skiers/snowshoers assume is their right, herein lies the "rub".. You will have times of solitude out there on the trails, but as the world becomes more and more crowded these times will be fewer and fewer..
Also I believe railroad beds as old and unused as they might be have some permanent easement restrictions on them .. The AMC claiming they own land under a railroad bed won't hold water ..

Peace
 

Sounds like a good reason for the LRCT to exist?

I recall a dog-sled operator being granted "peaceful solitude" by a snowmobile last year.

Common rules of the road, or Trail
 

Before any ride began, "In my group", Everyone was well schooled about safety and the rights of way.

1. Respect Everyone, stay on, and to the right of the trail. DO NOT JOY Ride Off THE TRAIL

2. Snow Shoe'rs and Cross Country Ski'rs, and any animals, Have the Right Of Way!

3. No matter how much horse power that is under the hood of your sled, "Do Not Spin your track", so as not to deteriorate the trail for others, and try to make it easier for the Groomers whom have to groom the trails for all of us!

4. In my 20 years of snowmobiling, NH., ME., Canada and MA. common sense Rules!.. We have had so many enjoyable rides together and are here today to share........

PS........ If a moose happens to hitch a ride on your handlebars,.. "You", muffed Up!

"Let us all keep the Vision"!

And for those afoot...
 

Great advice, TRfour.

And for those afoot on a trail used by snowmobiles as well, don't use the on foot right of way right up to the point of impact!!!!!! As one who hikes (snowshoes) on some snowmobile trails, I can hear the machines good ways off, and always get to the side of a wide trail and stop in a position where I can be seen easily, and usually will actually get off the trail. A friendly wave and smile to the snowmobilers and we all part company as "happy campers".

Lets get some good snow in the lakes region this year so we can enjoy our outdoor activities, and above all, lets share the trails, and be safe.