7333-R3_MSA_Oct2020_MaineSnowmobiler

Landowners & Snowmobilers

I n Maine we have a long his- tory of private land access by the general public. We are very fortunate to have this priv- ilege and need to ensure we all understand how important this is. If it was not for the kindness of the landowners in our state we would all be stuck riding in our back yards or the small amount of public lands scattered throughout the state. Irving Woodlands LLC allows most recreational uses on their property as do most other pri- vate landowners. We under- stand how the ability to connect our rural communities for winter recreation helps the local econ- omy and provides great activ- ity for the riders. Both create a place that people want to be which (may) in turn lead to a stable workforce. As a land user, whether a club representative or rider, you should realize that landown- ers do not “get” anything from

allowing others on the property. Landowners appreciate others who use & respect their lands. If you can provide the landowner with services like cleanup days and let- ting them know when something is going on that does not look right it is a big help to them. It is these connections that are meaningful to us at Irving Woodlands. Most landowners do not have lots of time to spend on recreation man- agement. Our jobs as landowner representatives are mostly con- sumed with the planning and oper- ations side of timber management. When planning the operation we take into consideration the impact it might have on snowmobile trails as one of the many items that we are responsible for. As a club representative remem- ber that if a landowner says no, or says the trail that has been used in the past is not available for this season it is OK to ask why and if there are possible re-route options respectfully. Do not chastise them

for saying no but seek to under- stand why so it does not happen again. As landowners & land man- agers we would like the users of our land to treat it like their own. While it may appear you are in the middle of nowhere, you are on someone’s private property. What lies under the snow is just as important to them as your front yard plants & shrubs are to you. If it is marked no snowmo- biling, then respect that, there is a reason. Finally, remember that use of private land in our state is a privilege not a right, think of that when you are out and set the example for others who may not understand.

AModern Day Volunteer By John Monk

T his topic has been on the burner for a long time. In fact, probably longer than the trio of used plugs and high beam element only bulb in your stor- age compartment after a decade of seasons. You know, the ones you’re gonna just plop in and use to get you home on that cold night…. At some point, you just finally decide to pull them from the crusted hardened towel and decide “These are so rusty, they probably wouldn’t thread in any- way” No time like a worldwide pandemic to finally sit down and handle both of these chores. It surely is no secret that it will snow and freeze up! Somewhere! So let’s etch that one in stone and plan on having the best winter possible! There is no doubt in my mind that clubs have embraced this with the workload being shown this past month. Step 1 is in process. Here is where the waters turn gray. All club volun- teers beg, plead, wish, and hope that more volunteers will come running out of the sunset to help. Sadly, in most cases this never comes to realization. In most situations, clubs clearly make it over the hump, but never have I heard “Our chores are done”, especially before snowfall. While this article is primarily aimed at getting some of the general rid- ership to reach out to a club and offer whatever source of help you can offer, this is surely a two-way street. Financial support makes a HUGE impact! Carry that with a personal message should that be the way you care to contribute. One of the clubs I am involved with was just blown away with a contribution and a personal message alongside of it. This was especially supportive with the personal story we received, as it put context around it stating, “While we can’t play with you

personally, we still have your back”. This is truly unconditional support which no matter who you are, is always welcomed. The sec- ond way to help is offer up your labor efforts. While clubs appear to have a core crew most of the time, most that I know would accept anyone who wishes to par- ticipate. This is where clubs need the most support. While it seems most people paint the tedious picture of walking through the woods throwing brush, many clubs could use creative people in computer fields to reach out both to landowners and their own members. Facebook and texting have done a tremendous job at carrying the message, but both have their limitations and specified audience. The biggest myth that needs to be overcome here is that the very same people that are being held responsible to get the message out to the people are same ones being held to get the work done. Don’t hold back, throw your talents at a club in some way and lessen the load for some of them wearing a whole slew of hats. Carry a chunk for a club even if it’s only one week- end of the preparation season. It makes a difference! As mentioned above, there are two sides. The second side involves some of the seated offi- cers. The president and the trail- master of a club accept a ton of responsibility. Their job is not so much to do the work, but to see that the work gets done. Think that one through for a bit…. This is where they need to step out of their comfort zone and “ASK”. Most people will come and help a club if they are asked. If not this weekend, maybe next. Using this logic, both of these princi- ples should help both bring new members to a club, and involve some that haven’t been involved before. Bring on the season folks!

Respectfully submitted,

Matt Stedman Planning Forester Irving Woodlands LLC

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