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high school reach out and trail safety checks are his favorite. He continues to produce safety materials that are now showing up on trails in all regions by active clubs. He brings his “road show” to every meeting and is seen to the end explaining and educating every one of the correct way. He is on it. B. Is the general reach out of MSA to help clubs understand the big picture from the entire state angle. Maine’s clubs do a relentless job at producing trails that most could argue rival the best avail- able in a volunteer system. But if you are member of a “County” club, do you understand the issues and concerns of a club in Sanford, Bangor, Windham or Dennisville? And of course that goes the opposite way too! Do you or your club clearly understand how your registration dollar gets to your club? How about the procedures of working with IFW in “crisis” moments that people wish not to think about until they are needed? As of recent, there has never been a stronger, better working group with a common goal than the MSA and the Maine Snow- mobile Program. This didn’t happen overnight, but has quietly been strength- ening as we have moved forward. About as plainly stated as possible, “MSA is the glue to hold Maine Snowmobiling together”! Attend one of our meetings when we are in your region. C. Is covered when outsiders of our sport that don’t necessarily align with our mission. MSA tries hard to explain that both “CAN” exist and furthermore allows our own and outsiders to access

Maine places not available in the winter seasons. Recently we received commu- nication that landowners do not always get a return on their access to their land. While on the surface, this is a partially a true statement and we are truly blessed we have the best landowners in the industry. But on the flipside, yank 600 million out of their budget for roads, schools and infrastructure and see what happens to their taxes. My bet is not a positive one. Oh, and their local econo- mies? Think on this for a bit… D. From my experience at working at a sled dealer, I will highlight on the environment card. The first wave of snowmobile safety and concern started back in 1973 with across the board noise reduction and extensive safety related mandates. High beams, brake lights, handlebar pads, and engine shrouding were now the norm. In model year 2002, snowmobile technology again turned explosive and has not let up since. Emissions and MPG have more than doubled in both areas. Technol- ogy now borrowed from the automotive industry now places them as efficient as the cars on the road. E. Nothing is preached more than “Stay on the Marked Trails”. Clubs strive of trying new ways to keep riders on the trails that members put their personal credibility to secure permission. This respect is what has got this industry to where it is. Keep up the great work clubs and salute to all that continue the good fight. You are what makes this work. F. One look no further than enjoying a

“Ride to the Ghost Trains”! This and tons of other spots are incredible sights that our clubs cherish and work hard to prevent closure. Social media has exponentially shown what Maine has to offer and now clubs throw out their all to make these spots all they can be. While this has always been a hot topic, it’s now hotter than it’s ever been. G. This is probably the primary role of MSA. Our general purpose in life is to watch out for our sport, and to borrow a term from the past, “Educate, Not Leg- islate”. While we try extremely hard to watch for legislation that will change our sport, we work just as hard to leg- islate in a positive way. Nothing can be more noticeable than our support of the “OEM exhaust bill” a couple years ago and without it, trails were closing every- where. It surely can be a two-way trail and both sides need to work together. H. While last on the list, NOTHING can be as noticeable as strength in num- bers of our members. MSAhas a strong rule of if you’re a member of a club, then you should be a member of MSA. Is your club 100% affiliated with the MSA? If not, why? How is it possibly fair that others do your fighting while you ride the good wave? Please join us and help us protect our sport. This has been a quick note of our recent workings. There are many more things we do to help others learn the world of snowmobiling. Jump on the seat and come ride along, John Monk, Steering Committee Chairman

of new electric heated vests, socks, gloves, and mittens. Maybe something that you could use for the new season. Everybody by now knows what PPE is. When you’re out there trim- ming and pounding nails for a new bridge take the time to put on a pair of safety glasses, ear plugs and make sure you have a good pair of boots and gloves. Be careful out there, you’re so good at what you do sometimes you get to comfortable and could get hurt. While working on your groomers and drags make sure you have the equip- ment blocked up with good sturdy jacks and blocking. Be careful when grinding and welding making sure you have the proper PPE. Have you changed your smoke and CO2 alarm batteries in your house? If not let’s do it. Do you have a fire escape plan with your family? Make one! Get your chimney cleaned and your heating source tuned up before winter hits. Many fires in our homes start because of wood stoves not properly cleaned or installed. Looking forward to a new season. I have many projects going on with Brookfield Energy, Life flight and IF&W. Please be safe! Al A. Above calls out about educating the safety of snowmobiles. Nothing has more significance of getting home safe or having your family member get home too. “Safety Al” is hot on this trail and continuing to engage in this area to levels never seen before. His recent meetings with Brookfield Renewable, Mike Sawyer of IFW and teachings of landowner rights to non- law abiding citizens have helped this reach out move forward. Middle and an appreciation of the natural and scenic areas of our state and the need to protect them. G. To encourage the passing of leg- islation and regulations in the best interests of both snowmobilers and landowners. H. To coordinate the efforts of its members in matters relating to the use and ownership of snowmobiles. H ello All, Many times we get asked, “What does MSA do? Above is pasted the purpose of the MSA directly from our bylaws. We felt this was a good time to share this infor- mation as with the recent input MSA has asked for on a potential rate increase to help clubs, some of the responses were literally all over the place. Clearly some people may benefit from a bit of educa- tion on “What does MSA do”? While most of the above bullets are fairly well laid out, I will attempt to add the current day situations of where we are. Here we go!

Steering Committee

John Monk Chairman of Steering Committee MSA EXPLAINED! ARTICLE II PURPOSE Section 1 . A. To educate its members and the general public in the principles of safety in the use of snowmobiles. B. To act as a liaison between snowmo- bile clubs, landowners and the state agencies who are assisting or promot- ing the sport of snowmobiling. C. To promote better understanding between snowmobile owners, and the general public as to the proper use of snowmobiles. D. To encourage the use of snow- mobiles and the establishment of snowmobile trails in a manner that will result in a minimum effect on the environment. E. To promote among all snowmobilers a greater respect for the rights of landown- ers, and other winter sports enthusiasts. F. To encourage among its members

Safety Committee

When it comes to your to-do list, put your future first. To find out how to get your financial goals on track, contact your Edward Jones financial advisor today.

Alan Swett, Safety Committee Chair 207-872-7282 234 County Rd, Waterville ME 04901 snowtraveler@roadrunner.com N ovember is a good time to get your sleds checked over and trailers too, lights, wiring, tires, wheels, bearings, any cracks on the frame? It’s good to get this stuff fixed before you head out and something breaks! Its better to fix it now then on RT11 in a snow storm. How about your clothing? Time for a new suit? Base layer, mid layer, outer layer that is waterproof, windproof, Gore-Tex? Boots, helmet’s gloves, new socks? Available today is a lot

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