snowmobilers damage

[mcdude]

This from a very generous land-owner. We THANK you!!

"This is very interesting. Hopefully there is enough snow to protect the blueberry plants.

When we opened our property to recreational use through the state, we made it very clear that if there was any disrespect to the land we could close our property to everyone. Mt. Major did a fantastic job in making this known. We have had NO problems in 5 years. The club gave us signs that say Stay on Trail, Caution, hikers, snowshoers, skiers could be on trail. When we are hiking with the dogs off leash and hear a snowmobile coming, we make every effort to get off trail. Maybe twice a snowmobiler did not slow down at first glimpse of us. Most will stop and visit. Most belong to a club, some more than one, so they are aware of the state rules.

The big advantage is the trails are groomed, dead trees and branches removed, trail work is done off season. There are always a group that ride the trails with chain saws to make sure they are safe. This is a big bonus to those who hike and snowshoe. Skiing could still be a danger if one is not expert enough to get off the trail quickly, especially when going around curves where a snowmobiler can't see them.

I hope the people disrespecting the trail on Straightback are from away and don't come back.

If someone sees a snowmobiler off trail or doing anything disrespectful, they can take the registration number and report it to the state. But I caution everyone, the Blueberry trail has been flagged and posted, about 18 months ago, by the owner of 1500 acres that extend to Mt. Major against EVERYTHING other than foot hikers. The owner lives in PA and doesn't come up here. There was a sign on each side of the Blueberry trail at the beginning of his property. One sign has disappeared, the other is almost impossible to see unless you know where to look for it. Reporting a snowmobiler could lead to problems such as the owner enforcing his wishes.

Our property is also posted against ATV's during snow and mud season. The Boy Scout camp is posted against them all year and gates the entrances to their property. They pay no attention and make a trail around the gates. This is a very big problem and another story.

I was going to post this message for all, but my computer says there is no way I can log in. You have my permission to post it if you think it's of interest."

[upthesaukee]

I have emailed this thread to Mt Major Snowmobile Club. I'm sure they will not be happy to hear of the abuses of the property and may be able to put up more signs and reinforce the need to stay on the trails up there. And as one who will snowshoe on those trails around the Alton area, I say "Thank You" to the landowners first and foremost, because without their cooperation, there would be no trails, and secondly to the snowmobile clubs, in this case Mt Major, for the fine job of maintaining the trails and providing signs.

Now about those $%%%##%$ %^$%$#&s that are trying to ruin it for everyone....

[webmaster]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

I have emailed this thread to Mt Major Snowmobile Club.

Sorry Up, your email was returned as undeliverable (since you sent it through the forum the failed email was returned to me). This was the message:

" ----- The following addresses had permanent fatal errors -----
[email protected]
(reason: 550 Host unknown)"

[carole]

[QUOTE=upthesaukee] And as one who will snowshoe on those trails around the Alton area, I say "Thank You" to the landowners first and foremost, because without their cooperation, there would be no trails, and secondly to the snowmobile clubs, in this case Mt Major, for the fine job of maintaining the trails and providing signs.[QUOTE]

I would be interested in what trails on Major or Straigthback that they maintain and what signs you refer to. I have only seen a couple diamonds with trail letters ("E") in them and a couple repaired bridges (that someone tried hard to destroy).

[SAMIAM]

Carole....I'm getting the feeling from the tone of your posts that you are anti-snowmobile.I've never seen a snowmobiler try to deliberatly destroy a bridge.I personally,think that you've got an agenda.Next you'll tell us that they're murdering the wildlife.....dumping gas and oil on the endangered vegetation

[carole]

Whoa, SAMIAM!!

Where in my post did I say a snowmobiler tried to destroy a bridge?? I saw two bridges being torn up this summer/fall (never did I suggest by a snowmobiler), and I assumed the snowmobile club was the ones responsible for the repair done. I was appreciative. I asked about signs directing snowmobiles in this area because I have seen little, and have seen none saying stay on trails. When snowmobiles go down the trails that dead-end for them they need to get their machine turned around (not always easy). And when they get to summits they shouldn’t need to ride all over the place. What makes this anti-snowmobile??

[upthesaukee]

Webmaster...thanks for letting me know the post did not go through. I will email my neighbor, the club secretary, directly.


Carole, I have not been up on Straightback, but am talking in general terms about the Clubs. They are the ones who provide signs to landowners. there are areas that I have hiked where the signs were quite specific about staying on the trail, and the trail marked, normally with poles. evidently this is not the case on top of Straightback, and if not, then perhaps communication should be done with the club(s) to mark off these sensitive areas. When my dad was alive and he had snowmobiles, it was a real kick to ride over fresh snow, much the same as for a skier skiing in fresh powder, and yes, for a snowshoer to be the first to leave tracks. However, I do not agree with making those tracks in environmentally sensitive areas, and if they are not adequately marked up there, then perhaps they should be.

thanks for your concern, and if you have an issue with snowmobiling practices, I heartily suggest you email the local club. Mt Major club has been in existence for about 25 years, and they are extremely interested in maintaining good relationships with land owners, and protecting access.