FALL RECAP:
We have been busy preparing
and marking trails for the upcoming season. We have re-planked several
bridges including one behind the Irasburg School on VAST Corridor
14. A major bridge in Evansville Corridor 16 and a small bridge on
Corridor 5 behind Mr. Bears Bar in Westmore, these are DONE. We have
a small re-route of trail on Corridor 14 in Irasburg that was also
done by landowner request. Culverts and some work on Corridor 5 by
the old Cook's farm in Westmore will eliminate a dangerous corner
on that section of trail. We also have a landowner issue in Westmore
that we are confident will be resolved by the time the trails are
opened. Trails this year OPEN on December 16TH conditions permitting.
If we have SNOW before this date, PLEASE STAY OFF the trails until
they are legally opened.
(PLEASE STAY on
the TRAILS)
EVENTS:
We held the 12TH Annual Snowmobile Giveaway
October 21ST at the Elks Hall in Newport. Congratulations to Michael
LaFleur winner of a 2007 Polarais 600 HO IQ. "THANKS" to
the outstanding support of local business. We gave away over $11,500.00
in prizes. Dave Martin, LIVE WIRE DJ, provided music during the meal
and rocked us after the Raffle. We HOPE everyone enjoyed themselves
and come back next year.
Our next event will be the 12TH Annual Nicholas Gage Poker Run to
be held on January 27TH. WATCH the VAST News or our website for further
info on this fun filled event as time approaches. You can also call
us for that info.
OTHER NEWS:
The club will again offer up to date info on our website
(www.orleanssnowstormers.com)
or at our Snowphone (802-334-6179).
We are also planning some changes to our website and invite everyone
to check it. As in season unfolds e-mail us with your comments about
our trails and help us to improve. Your input is of up most importance
for us to continue to provide the best possible service. E-mail address
is (gramg@surfglobal.net).
In other news the club has purchased another trail maintenance vehicle,
a 2001 Polarais 6- wheeler with tracks which joins our older unit
to help us take care of our trails.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:
As we approach another Snowmobiling Season, I want to remind
people about "Landowner Respect". Our trail system exists
because of the generosity of landowners. (We are their GUESTS)!!!
Volunteers mark a trail on their property that is the ONLY area that
we legally have a right to use. This trail is for winter time use
for Snowmobiles ONLY!! At NO time is it for ATV'S use. I have mentioned
that we have a trail issue in Westmore. The issue is that we will
LOSE a section of trail because of the irresponsible actions of a
few snowmobiliers. This landowner has complained of snowmobiliers
not STAYING on the trail, they have run into his fence and dragged
wire down the field. Some snowmobilier woke this landowner up late
to use the phone because they were too intoxicated to continue snowmobiling!!
Of course some people thought they could use ATV'S because of low
snow conditions, this really infuriated this landowner.
Because of development, landowner change and pressure from environmental
issues, it has become harder to maintain our trail system. Every club
faces these issues each year. We can not afford to LOSE a section
because of our own stupidity. "PLEASE" be mindful and do
your part to HELP us continue to enjoy the sport we love so much.
I want to remind people to join early, the funds to maintain and prepare
our trail system comes from club memberships and TMA'S. With the price
of an average 600 class sled being over $8,000.00, the price of a
TMA is a small investment for the trails to ride it!!
"THANKS" for your consideration and hope to see you on the
trails this season.
