Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post

HUH · 12-13-2004, 12:39 AM

Its mid december ..

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.

12-13-2004, 12:39 AM	#71
HUH Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 230 Thanks: 21 Thanked 14 Times in 8 Posts	Well Its mid december .. 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.