That title says it all, doesn’t it? The snowmobile trail network has seen better days and we need to be aware of this before it’s too late.
It is no secret that the trail networks we know are based mostly on rights of way granted by landowners. These voluntary, and therefore non-mandatory, authorizations are a full permission.gré du détenteur d’une parcelle de terre, de permettre une circulation et un va-et-vient sur une portion de sa propriété.
While clubs and their volunteers work hard to establish a safe and reliable trail system, they work with a sword of Damocles hanging over their heads at all times. They work with a sword of Damocles hanging over their heads at all times, as nothing is absolute.
Of course, there are many imponderables that we, the users, cannot control. However, we have duties and obligations to other users, clubs and landowners.
Everyone’s responsibility:
Never assume that a trail will never change its location from year to year. We have all seen the footprints of a snowmobile using a trail that has not yet been groomed because the trail was there the previous year. This rush, impatience and initiative is a serious error in judgment.
It is the snowmobiler’s duty to be informed of the opening and closing of the trails. There are several alternatives: contact a club director, check the FaceBook page of the club you want to visit, or simply refer to your app on your smart phone. When in doubt, it is best to stay away.
There are certain attitudes among many users that tarnish the reputation of our entire community. The agreements between the clubs and the landowners are marked with markers and it is in these areas that traffic is permitted. Some of the rights of way are precarious, as in rural areas, certain crops depend on them and therefore, the livelihood of these farmers. Therefore, it is essential to respect the pre-established corridor.
Judgment is not given to all!
We are fed up with off-roaders causing trail closures and loss of rights-of-way. Some offenders, instead of using the marked trails, use shortcuts through farmers’ fields. Some others, with pliers in hand, cut some fences and lower some stakes that hold back cattle in the summer season. These repairs must, therefore, be carried out by the owners with probably, some clenching of teeth.
Snowmobilers who engage in these unacceptable behaviours are making a mockery of the community and advocating self-centeredness. In addition, these self-centered acts show a lack of consideration for landowners, volunteers and clubs. As a result, everyone suffers.
These snowmobilers are not aware that the trails cross someone else’s land. They are also unaware of the effort and cost involved for clubs and volunteers. Money is not an inexhaustible commodity for clubs and moving a trail can create a catastrophic financial drain for some. Many enthusiasts are unaware that the club structure only exists if we understand the basic principle that we must ride in the designated corridor.
If users allow themselves to roam as they please across private land other than the marked trail, it is a trespass. The consequences can be unfortunate in the long run and may even result in a permanent closure of the trail.
Who are these individuals living in the moment for a brief moment of intoxication as if there was no tomorrow? Clubs are running out of spare plans and alternative paths are becoming scarce.
The outcome of the bad behavior of some offenders results in fewer kilometers for the community. Sometimes, some sections become isolated by the cut-off and the impossibility of replacing some lost rights of way.
One of the most distressing effects is the bad reputation attributed to our activity. This degradation has consequences and follows us despite our efforts to counteract it. The integrity of our trail network is slipping through our fingers like snow in the sun. The authorities in place are running out of arguments to assert the ”Plus Value” of our motorized activity.
Does this apply to off-roaders?
In part, off-trailers have their own responsibilities. It is their responsibility to practice their activity in an area that does not infringe on private property without prior authorization from the owner. In this case as well, a line of conduct is required.
Let’s mobilize!
We must act before it is too late. It is our duty to educate the naysayers by making clear what behavior is not acceptable. We must also advocate for clean lines of conduct on the trail to remove any argument from our detractors. We must take concrete action before we are forced to capitulate and have to sip coffee while remembering the good old days of trail riding.
By making sure that we always stay on the path, by making sure that our family and friends do the same, we make it clear to everyone that some offenders are an unwanted minority and have no place in our structured activity.
We can also denounce disrespectful snowmobilers by posting on social networks the offenders. We can encourage anyone who witnesses trespassing behavior to report it and post a comment, photo or publication on FaceBook describing these reprehensible actions. We need to collectively issue the “Stay on the Trail or Stay Home” challenge.
Our responsibility as a media:
We subscribe to and support responsible behavior in all aspects of the trail. We make our living from this activity, which we also cherish, and our position on it is clear. Through our actions, words, editorials, articles and advertisements, we demonstrate our clear support for this collective movement. We advocate impeccable behavior when practicing our motorized activity.
In the end, it is by force of numbers that we will win the battle. It is by a clear and firm demonstration that we declare war on the intruders for the survival of our sport!
