8369-R1_MSA_May2023_MaineSnowmobiler

r r of the Maine Snowmobiler r An Official Publication of the Maine Snowmobile Association

Matthew Stedman named “The 2023 Maine Snowmobiler of the Year” Presented by John Monk

With 88,000 registered snowmobiles, as anyone can imagine, picking a Snowmobiler of the Year is a pretty overwhelming decision. What possible parameters could set this person above all others with such a giant plate of candidates? With so many involvement levels, special projects or positions, leadership commitment, landowner liaisons’, dealership representation, grant paperwork, or who knows what else, this person needs to pretty much stand out. So let’s get to it. For starters, let’s go to the bare basics. The MSA Snowmobiler of the Year needs to belong to a club. Matt is an active member of his club and quite specifically, a pillar of their grooming and trail preparation team. The openness to collaborating with his fellow members for laid back, non confrontational “best for all” outcome again shines through from every angle. The achievements of his involvement have helped the town of Ashland go from one to avoid to one of the best to ride to and through. Matt’s active participation with not only his primary club, but at a multi-club level has placed one of the greatest fall events Maine now has to offer. As mentioned earlier, Grants play as significant part of Maine snowmobiling as does the white snow. At the end of June, he flips his hat another 90 degrees, grabs the bull by the horns and scores sometimes over 50 Capital Equipment Grant applications doing his best to place grooming equipment where it needs and rightfully should be. Matt represents Maine soundly being placed by the DACF Commissioner on the Snowmobile Advisory Council. Did I mention landowner liaison? Is it even possible to top that Matt is a Planning Land Forester for arguably one of Maine most significant landowners? In his off time, this loyalist hangs around chatrooms,

company forums, and TRULY represents Polaris Snowmobiles and honestly tries to educate one rider at a time the correct, right way, and honestly the most appreciative way to enjoy snowmobiling. Again arguably, but it’s quite possible that Maine is fortunate enough to have in our state, probably Polaris’s best Ambassador of their entire crew. He is that good! Of course one piece not mentioned for Snowmobiler of the Year, one should probably get some seat time. Matt along with his son, and a second fellow ambassador from Maine, recently rode over 375 Miles from Maine to NH in 13 hours and hit every possible weather condition possible at the height of Maine’s warm up. He averages anywhere between 2 to 3 thousand miles a year and represents Maine in every check box available and even has created a few new check boxes never even considered. Congratulations Matthew Stedman, MSA’s very own Northern Region Vice President, the 2023 Maine Snowmobiler of the Year!

An Off-Season Special Publication of the Maine Snowmobile Association May 2023 • Vol. 54 • No. 8 MSA, PO Box 80, Augusta ME 04332 www.mainesnowmobileassociation.com

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AUGUSTA CIVIC CENTER Exit 112 off I-95 • Augusta, ME

OCTOBER 20, 21 & 22 Fri 3-8pm • Sat 9am-8pm • Sun 9am-3pm

TRAIL WORKSHOP • TRAIL MAPS LODGING • SNOWMOBILES TRAILERS GEAR • CLOTHING • ACCESSORIES MSA SNOWMOBILE CLUBS PRIZE DRAWINGS IF&W • DACF • MSA SCHOLARSHIP 50/50 MSA SUPER RAFFLE • SLEDDING DESTINATIONS mainesnowmobileassociation.com

J oin us for the Lexington Highlanders Snowmobile Club Annual Memorial Day Chicken Barbecue! Sunday, May 28, 2023 • 11am-2pm The Happy Horshoe Campground • Long Falls Dam Road Lexington Twp

Adults $10 Children 5-12 $5 Children Under 5 Free

Chicken Leg & Thigh Quarters, Beans, Coleslaw, Rolls, Potato Salad, Pasta Salad, Bean Salad, Macaroni Salad and Many More! ...Desserts Too! Everyone is Welcome! Rain or Shine!

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2023 MSA Groomer of the Year Awarded to Dave Berry Mike Grass Jr & Chris Richards

D ave Berry has served as trail-master for the Poodunck Club of Dixfield for decades. In those years he has been a key leader in the transformation of the trail system in the Dixfield area to one of the most well-maintained, signed and groomed areas to ride. These results have come through a significant sacrifice of time and through taking great pride in his craft transitioning from the days of grooming with a snowmobile to larger and larger machines over time. He is a key manager of landowner issues. Who always answers the phone and is masterful in handling even the most colorful of feedback with both grace, and when neces sary, fierce and bold engagement. If you have ever had the chance to attend the Annual Bless ing of the Sleds for the past 20+ years you will know that you can find Dave, every single year, cooking the sausage/ pepper/onions and various other food for sale to generate funds for the local clubs. This is in particular one of Dave’s key reasons for receiving this award -his commitment over time. He has not just come on the scene; he has been doing this for years and will most likely continue to do so. In addition, Dave sets one of the best examples for how to lead in a club. While we all need more volunteers, some times new people do join and bring new ideas and opin

ions that can be a challenge from time to time for seasoned members.Yet, Dave has found a way to make everyone feel welcome. He freely shares his knowledge with others, views no challenge as impossible to overcome and embodies the true community spirit that snowmobiling is really all about. At the end of the day, he makes people feel like family. It is because of these commitments to our sport, belief in community and his welcoming joyous spirit that we are beyond proud to grant this year’s 2023 Maine Snowmobile Association Groomer of the year award to Dave Berry!

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2023 MSA Picture of the Year Awarded Khylie Provencher, Border Riders

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From The Executive Board

replacements for our departing office staff. As many of you already know by now I can’t even begin to tell you how many pieces there are to the “MSA Puzzle” and what it takes to make an association like the MSA work and flow. After several months of learning as we went, meeting weekly, falling down I don’t know how many times and getting back up only to realize that there were more challenges in front of us. And then to add to one more stumbling block, something nobody could have predicted Covid hit and things stopped and suddenly changed the rules of the game. The transition team suddenly became the MSA Steering Committee. The Steering Committee along with the Executive board and all 280 some clubs rolled with the punches, never gave up and made it work and moving forward we were put in place to run the association indefinitely. Although this was a challenging and sometimes dark time in our lives it ultimately made us stronger and forced us all to be more flexible in our daily routines and with that it was a chance to make change within the association, hoping that the changes and decisions that we were making were good ones, I can honestly tell you that all the decisions that we made in the last three plus years, good or bad had the best interest of the MSA in mind first and foremost. For the remainder of this article I’m going to use the word “WE” and by this I am not referring to myself in any way but to all of you, the Steering Committee, the Executive board and all clubs in the association and their members. Three plus years ago we were a very stale association and here are a few things I believe we have done to make it better and bring us into a better place. • We have used new computer programs to streamline office duties and to communicate with our clubs. • We have implemented Quickbooks accounting software into the office for easier and faster bill paying etc. • We have brought the association back to being fluid again and have worked in the Black for three years straight and have NOT had to touch the credit line once. We have also had a balanced budget for the last three years. • We have created a completely new, more interactive and user friendly Website. • We have produced the best Maine monthly meetings last August in Augusta, traveled from one end of our state to the other. Held a successful Golf tournament, a great snowmobile show in October and the super raffle went on from early summer to the end of its time in December. We snowmobiled with some old friends and made many new ones. The crew did an outstanding job in Caribou with the Northeast Chapter folks. Thank you to you all that made it a memorable experience. A few of the riders even came back within a few weeks because they loved it here so much. We have a special place to ride. With destination points in every piece of the state, we offer the best riding in the Northeast. And it all comes down to the landowners in which over 95% of our trails are on. We cannot thank them enough without them we’d be riding around in circles at Mt Blue State Park! The business owners who are go above and beyond being generous, my biggest

Snowmobiler Newspaper (I would dare say ever) With great articles, more color pictures and tons of club news. • We have streamlined our membership processing to be quicker and more accurate. • We have hired an amazing office staff with Liz running the day to day in the office, putting together and coordinating all of our events, and putting up with her sometimes very needy bosses! And then there’s Al, not only is he instrumental in keeping the office together and making sure that all of the events go off without a hitch but he is busy every single day with being our president, he has literally driven the wheels off of his truck. Both of these individuals are invaluable to the success of the association. • We have more than ever made a special effort to involve ourselves with our clubs and visit as many of their events and meetings as possible. • Along with that we now have the ability to zoom people in to the monthly Director’s and E board meetings for those that cannot make the meetings in person. • We have on the Trails Committee side, a few years ago, developed an all new “Trail Signage Program to help educate plaques showing our gratitude to their accomplishments. Businesses, landowners, youth, photo, the clubs with the most memberships. And of course a big award went out to Matt Stedman for Snowmobiler thank you goes out to the volunteers who devote so much time and energy and create a trail system that is known worldwide! The clubs are hard workers doing whatever they can do to make money to support their system. It could be a chicken dinner pig roast a bake sale or an auction they do an outstanding job! The Annual Banquet was a good feeling day! We had many folks from all over the state attending along with a silent auction, a great early morning breakfast buffet and an incredible lunch buffet that was delicious. Jeff’s Catering is a cut above. Excellent service great atmosphere excellent hospitality and the food was tasty! Thank you Jeff’s Catering. Many snowmobilers received

ourselves and our clubs on proper and better ways to sign our Trails to keep them safe, and have traveled across the State putting on Trails Workshops to help promote this. • We have also implemented through Formstack a computerized ITS Inspection form for the Trails Committee to use, which makes it instantaneous in getting the Inspections to Joe Higgins office, the Trails Chair and the club’s. • Lastly we have recently hired a legislative Lobbyist to monitor and represent the MSA with any snowmobile related bills at the State house. All of this is in no way to toot our own horns but more to give you an idea of what we ALL have accomplished and to help you to answer the question (and it will come up) what has the MSA been up to lately? Thank you to ALL the volunteers that make up and help run the association in one way or another, from the President of the MSA right on down to all of the 280 some clubs and their members. With that being said we will call it a day, I sincerely hope that everyone has a safe and fun filled summer and we will see you right back here in a few short months. Thank you again, Mark. I cannot thank you all enough for your dedication and passion for our sport. From the smallest club to the largest you all are very important to me and the Maine Snowmobile Association. Without every one of you we’d be in trouble. I know we’ll have challenges ahead but I have the confidence that we will succeed. Next up is the golf tournament in June we’ll keep you posted on this. More information to come on the Super Raffle and of course the show in October. Our new lobbyist is hard at work watching the state folks for new laws that will help us also. I hope you all have a great off season. Please email, or email if you need anything. Be safe, AL of the Year! His family showed up to his surprise. Mike McNulty received the President’s award for his continued passion for promoting The County with his Sledding In The County TV show which is now in Central Maine.

From the President

H ello Everyone, It’s been quite a season, lots of ups and downs. But, I’m proud to say with the team we have we did a fine job. We started our Alan Swett, 207-872-7282 234 County Rd, Waterville ME 04901 snowtraveler@roadrunner.com

From the Executive VP

Mark Chinnock, Vice President 207-754-9874 544 Plains Road, Poland, ME 04274 napadude66@hotmail.com

H ello Everyone! Yes, this is a sad time of the year for me when I know that I must sit down and compose the last article of the season, but I have faith that most of our snowmobiling community had at least a few chances to get in some seat time and enjoy a little throttle therapy. I myself had a few chances to get out and put on some miles, although it never really seems to be enough. We without a doubt had a very busy year at the MSA, which afforded me the chance to travel to some beautiful spots to ride and meet some really amazing people along the way. Many times we get asked “How is the MSA doing and what have they been up to lately” So here is a brief overview that hopefully answers some questions. Over time the MSA has seen countless changes, setbacks and improvements, very few of which can compare to the challenges faced in the last few years. No one could have predicted three and a half years ago what we were about to face. The transformation all started in the summer of 2019 when a diverse group of eight individuals was brought together in preparation of our Executive Director, and the office manager of 24 years was about to depart leaving us with essentially an empty MSA office and a completely new system for all of us to learn from the ground up with little guidance. This group of eight people would be known at the time as the Transition Team, this team would see the association through the transition process of re-staffing the office and finding suitable

MSA MEMBERS CHANGE OF ADDRESS Let us know when your USPS mailing address has changed - so you won’t miss an issue of the Maine Snowmobiler Members Name: ______________________________________ Old Mailing Address: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ NEW MAILING ADDRESS: __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Mail to: Maine Snowmobile Association, PO Box 80, Augusta, ME 04332 fax: 207-622-7669 or e-mail info to: msa@mesnow.com

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From The Executive Board

the most effective speaker in favor explain ing to the IFW Committee was the Colonel of the Warden Service, Dan Scott. He, Com missioner, Judy Kamuso, Deputy Commis sioner, Tim Peabody and Secretary to the Colonel, Chrystl Theriault and director, Jim Conley all collectively expressed the mes sage of we need a way to protect our trails, clubs and landowners. In addition Karla Black, Deputy Direcotr of Maine Woodlot Owners also spoke in favor even adding some clarity reflected in the amendment. It truly was an excellent presentation. Also of significant notice, there was no opposition to the bill. Just a short week later, on May 3rd, the work session was held. Again, it was a strong performance and there were a few great questions from the committee of relevance. Evidently, they supported what they heard as it came out of committee 10-0 “Ought to Pass”. The MSA would like to thank the entire “Warden Service” for their attention to detail with the explanation. It really was a pleasant thing to watch. Attached is the verbiage that was approved. The legislative analyst shared that it has been voted on and approved, but reserved the right to possibly change the language that may need to be modified for legal reasons after a formal review. The MSA will be looking for all of you to edu cate your local legislators to help get this through to help protect our great trails. Attached is the bill as it came out after committee. Thanks, John Monk weather” had us on a go, no go, go, no go type of start to our season. Rangeley, Eustis and the County are usually a good bet for a New Year’s day ride, but that was not the case this season. Late warm weather, little or no ice and barely any frost pushed back most programs start dates. This prompted many trails committee members to start the task of “inspecting by vehicle” all road crossings for proper stop and stop ahead signage. Luckily, things got going around the 1st of February for many areas. We had some new faces added to the team with the additions of Nick Morrill, Matt Stedman and Jeff Monk. Our old friend Jerry Major also made a comeback for us in the Western Region. Thank you all for stepping up to keep the team moving forward. I had plans to do a lot more riding and do more trail inspections but after a week in the County, the dreaded Corona Virus This year we had ten riders die on our trail system. One is to many. We had lots of accidents that could have been prevented. Speed and under the influence are the two biggest factors. In experienced riders that get on these high powered sleds and drive like their professionals are not mak ing it. They’re not professionals many are just novice riders that chose to go fast and endanger our lives. This has got to stop. We have meetings set up this summer with the state’s IF&W folks to come together with a plan to reduce accidents and deaths. With the help from John Nelson Presi dent of the Anson/North Anson SC we held a safety day at the Carrabec Middle School with much success. Later in the season with the help of the East Branch SC and a Game Warden we held two safety demonstrations at the East Millinocket Medway School with another great response. Let’s try to do

Steering Committee Chair Report

PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO LD 732 An Act to Prohibit Off-trail Operation of a Snowmobile in an Area Closed to Off-trail Operation

Strike lines 3-5 of the bill and replace them with the following:

27. Operating snowmobile in posted area. A person may not operate a snowmobile off of a snowmobile trail, identified by the Department of Agriculture. Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands as having been funded by the Snowmobile Trail Fund pursuant to section 1893, subsection 3, where the trail is posted as being closed to off-trail snowmobile operation, without the permission of the landowner or the landowner’s representative. For the purposes of this sub-section, “Posted” means contain ing signage, placed by the landowner. the landowner’s repre sentative, who may be a local snowmobile club trail master. a local snowmobile club representative, or an employee of DIFW or DACF, which is reasonably likely to come to the attention of a snowmobiler, and indicates that’s Off-trail snowmobiling is prohibited. SUMMARY This amendment replaces likes 3 through S of the bill with text that defines a snowmobile trail as identified by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands as having been funded by the SnowmobileTrail Fund. This amendment also defines “posted” for the purposes of this subsection.

John Monk Chairman of Steering Committee moparmonk@gmail.com

H ello All,

We have made some very good prog ress on our bill to help Landowners, Clubs, Wardens and Municipalities try and keep people on the trails in our problematic areas. The MSA Sponsored bill LD-732 went to the IFW Committee hearing on April 24 with our sponsor Russell Black introduc ing the bill. Quickly following were James Cote, MSA’s newly hired lobbyist, followed by Al Swett, our president. From different angles of testimony, both Matt Stedman and myself testified on different situations of why the bill is needed. With a bit of surprise,

Trails Committee Chair Report

(Covid 19) took me out for two weeks right in the middle of peak season. Luckily, I was still able to meet all my seasonal goals. I was able to ride “new to me” trail and got to ride with new people like 2022 Groomer of the Year, Dwight Flewelling, enjoying his trail system as well. Kevin Freeman of the Sled Shop in Presque Isle, Northern Region Director Denise Dupierre and Bob from Mad Town as well as Northern Region Director Nick Morrill. I was also lucky enough to ride with all the people who attended the ISC Northeast Chapter meeting in February. New to me places to eat included “Misty Meadows Organic Farm, Evergreen Bowling Lanes featuring Rendezvous Restaurant and Al’s Diner. That’s why I feel lucky, as I was able to do all that before Covid took me down for the count. Looking back at the season, the trails committee as always did a terrific job communicating with clubs on any trail Safety posters will be reordered this sum mer provided by Brookfield Power Com pany. Hopefully we can also get more of the grooming and curve signs from BIW. Remember wear your PPE when oper ating power equipment ear plugs, safety glasses gloves and a good pair of boots will make for an easier life for now and the future. Be safe out there! AL more of these next year. Their fun and the students love them.

Join the MSA & the Club of Your Choice Select the MSA-affiliated snowmobile club that you would like to support by going to https://www. mainesnowmobileassociation.com/clubs/ then fill out this membership form. Enclose your check for $30 or enter your credit card info and mail to: MSA, PO Box 80, Augusta ME 04332. If you’re paying by credit card you can fax the form to 207 622-7669. $15 of your dues supports your local club; $15 supports the state association. The club is credited for your membership, and an MSA decal is sent to you. Your subscription to the MSA newspaper, the Maine Snowmobiler, begins with the issue following receipt of your membership. Season runs from October 1, 2021-September 30, 2022 As this past season turned into my farewell season as Trails Chair I want to thank Al Swett and Mark Chinnock for their continued support and thank all of the trails committee members for their continued commitment, making snowmobiling safer in Maine. A special thanks to Joe Higgins, Lana and Candice at the Dept. of ACF for their continued cooperation between our two organizations which makes everyone’s job easier. Snowmobiling in Maine Rocks and it’s because of all these dedicated people getting it done every season. I hope everyone has a great summer and is ready to “Think Snow” the day after the Maine Snowmobile Show in October! Mike issues, like a big mud hole in Greenville and a big reroute on ITS 90 in the Woodland area that happened mid-season and making sure trail signage and safety were top priority.

Mike Grass, Jr., 207-368-2316 249 Condon Rd, Plymouth ME 04969 mgrassjr@gmail.com

T he MSA Trails Committee worked hard this past season to get a lot of the ITS trail system inspected. The “unusual winter

Safety Committee Report

CLUB SELECTED ________________________________________________________________________

MEMBER NAME ___________________________________________________ DATE ________________

ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________________

CITY/TOWN ____________________________________________ STATE ________ ZIP ______________

TEL _____________________________ DATE OF BIRTH ___________

___________

TOTAL # OF PEOPLE IN FAMILY

IF PAYING BY CREDIT CARD, PLEASE CIRCLE ONE:

VISA

MASTERCARD

DISCOVER

CARDHOLDER NAME ______________________________________ TEL __________________________

ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________________

ACCOUNT NUMBER _____________________________ EXPIRATION _____________

Alan Swett, 207-872-7282 234 County Rd, Waterville ME 04901 snowtraveler@roadrunner.com

CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE _______________________________________________

MSA, PO Box 80, Augusta ME 04332 • 207-622-6983 • Fax: 207-622-7669. mainesnowmobileassociation.com

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From The Executive Board

a lot more. I want to thank every club in the state and especially the Eastern Region clubs for ALL THAT YOU DID TO MAKE 2022-23 A WONDERFUL SEASON. Once again, I am very proud of the clubs in the Eastern Region. You have had an amazing year of supporting snowmobiling in this state. We had two regional meetings this season, one in Holden and the other in Baileyville. At each meeting there were ten plus clubs in attendance. Information about trail grants, MSA, memberships, scholarship, safety, trail inspections and more was presented to club members present. It was nice to be able to hold these meetings again after so many years and to listen to clubs and their concerns. In February we held another Eastern Region showcase ride. This one left Lincoln Snowhounds on a cold, -6 degree day, and went over trials maintained by Lincoln, Mattawamkeag, Lee and Quad County SC. Along the way we came across Barney Robichaud, the 100-year-old gentleman who grooms for Mattawamkeag, making the trails smooth for our ride. We rode to Sysladobsis Lake Dam where Quad County The annual banquet was great, clubs and snowmobilers from all reaches of the State came out to recognize many award winning individuals and groups who make up the awe-inspiring Maine Snowmobile Association membership. Individuals and clubs that go all out to ensure snowmobiling in Maine continues to move forward. Aroostook County folks brought home some great awards: Presidents award went to Mike McNulty, MSA membership awards for the year - 2nd place statewide Washburn Trail Runners, 4th place Madawaska SC, 7th place Portage Lakers, 9th place Ft Kent Snow Riders SC. County Sports from Caribou received dealer of the year and the Bunker Inn in Limestone was supporting business of the year. Back this year were landowner of the year and Patty & David Corriveau of Caribou received the small (under 100 acres) award. Last but certainly not least was Youth snowmobiler of the year, this went to Jesse Tagget from the Caribou SC. All awards were well deserved and take hours & years of dedication to the sport. Thank you to all Northern Region clubs for all that you do. Without each & every volunteer hour we could not accomplish the tasks at hand to enable the season to happen. I know each club has struggles and successes. I would love to hear about them There are lots of things to work on, but in the remaining weeks of the 2023 legisla tive session I will be working on a piece of legislation that State Senator Russell Black has submitted on MSA’s behalf. The bill, LD 732, An Act to Prohibit Off-trail Oper ation of a Snowmobile in an Area Closed to Off-trail Operation, seeks to provide new lobbyist in Augusta. As a snowmobile enthusiast myself, I know the tremendous work it takes to maintain Maine’s trail sys tem and the fantastic relationships that the association has with landowners. I live in Farmington with my wife and two sons, and spend a great deal of time at camp in Rangeley. For the majority of my career I have represented outdoor interests, including sportsmen, private landowners, and other recreational interests.

SC was braving the cold temps and holding a hot dog roast outside! From there we went back to Lincoln and that night we had a MSA directors meeting after enjoying a meal prepared by the Snowhounds. Throughout the season this region’s clubs worked diligently to collect memberships. Right up until February these clubs were the top in the state for number of memberships sent to MSA. When the annual meeting was held at the end of April, four of the top ten clubs in the state were from this region! Way to go: Moosehead Riders, Blue Ridge Riders, Northern Timber Cruisers, and Penobscot SC. In the end a total of 2,958 memberships from 72 Eastern Region clubs were entered in the MSA system! The recognition didn’t stop there! Quad County SC was the co-winner of the Snowmobile Club of the Year Award. They are the little club that is located in Springfield, up the road quite a way from Lincoln. They groom 120 miles of trails in four counties, host community breakfasts twice a month, serve free Thanksgiving meals to the community and so much more all in a community with a population of both, help collect concerns to determine how the MSA & I can help or connect new or struggling clubs with ideas or people who can help them move forward. There are SO MANY new people in club positions and it can be overwhelming to determine how to best spend your volunteer hours. The low points of the season for me were the trail closures due to inconsiderate riders and serious accidents/fatalities. I am saddened that people lost their lives enjoying their passion. Many of these were preventable. I am challenging all clubs for the 2023 2024 season to join forces with their local warden to set up a trail side safety check and learning session. I envision a club setting up trailside, maybe doing a hot dog roast/membership drive, having club members and a warden (or two) there to interact with sledders. Talk with them about the importance of riding right, in control & sober. Inform them about the awesome privilege we have due to the generous PRIVATE landowners. Talk to them about how much time/effort & money the clubs and their volunteers spend all year long to make sure they can enjoy the trails. We (MSA, clubs, individuals & the Maine Warden Service) need to do more to make sure the riders understand our system, think about themselves and the others on the trails and all return home to their friends As of the time of my writing (April 30), I am optimistic about our chances for suc cess with this legislation. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife testified in support of this legislation, and the Legis lature’s IFW Committee seemed to receive the legislation positively. We’ll continue to work this bill, and likely a handful of oth ers in the closing weeks of session. We are all hopeful that the Legislature will adjourn law enforcement with the tools they need to enforce violations where riders decide to ride off-trail in areas that are marked closed to riding. As we all know, this abuse of private land access can jeopardize our relationships with private landowners as well as trail access. MSA members should be proud that MSA is providing this type of policy leadership in Augusta.

sometime in June. I look forward to meeting you in the months ahead to hear your ideas and con cerns, and continuing to advance the prior ities of the Maine snowmobile community.

Capitol Report

James Cote MSA Lobbyist

G reetings Maine Snowmobile Associa tion Members! My name is James Cote and I am very excited about the opportunity to be your

Eastern Region VP

around 500 people. This region also had two of the three Scholarship winners. Congratulations to Thomas Watt from Greenville and Kathryn Smith from Holden. Both students belong to active snowmobile clubs and support snowmobiling in their areas. Lastly, I want to thank the regional directors for your support and assistance this year. Gary Dowling, Paul Bolstridge, Craig Lemieux, John Monk, and Larry Lafland have made this year easier for me in many ways. John Monk has decided to step away for next year and I thank him for the years he has been doing this. I also want to thank Barry Ryan for agreeing to come on board and fill this position for the next year. Barry has been a tremendous help this year with many aspects of MSA and will be a great addition to this team. So, another season is in the books. Clubs are, if they haven’t already, winding down for this season and taking a much-needed break before gearing up for the 2023 24 season to start in the fall. Enjoy your summer everyone. See you in the fall Eileen and families in the same condition they left. Please reach out to me, I want to make this happen and can help your club get it setup. Clubs now are looking forward to summer groomer maintenance or possibly grant writing and purchase of a new(er) machine. This always leads to the need for additional fundraising, and many clubs keep rolling with some sort of club business and/or activity all summer long. Please stay in touch with clubs to make sure you do not miss the chance to talk shop with fellow snowmobilers on a beautiful summer day. For the Northern Region your MSA directors for the 2023-2024 season will be: Lendell Buckingham – Portage Lakers Nick Morrill – Caribou Snowmobile Club Jeff Brooks – Big Valley Sno Club (Island Falls) Denise Duperre – Madawaska Snowmobile Club Please reach out with questions and concerns so we can all help and work together. Enjoy your summer, if you have a question, problem, concern, or idea on snowmobiling in “The County” or Maine, get in touch with me. You can contact me at the phone # or email above. Matt Stedman Northern Region VP

Eileen Lafland, 207-843-7813 PO Box 733, Holden ME 04429 L.andE.lafland525476@gmail.com

2022-23 started off slow in most of the Eastern Region with little to no snow for most of the season. That didn’t stop clubs from clearing trials, contacting landowners, signing trails, gathering memberships and everything else they must do to get ready for the season. Once snow did come clubs continued their efforts with grooming, running club meetings, fundraising and

Northern Region VP

Matt Stedman 207-557-1921 (call or text) PO Box 621, Ashland ME 04732 Stedman.matt@jdirving.com

W inter of 2022 & 2023 has come and gone, another great season is in the books. The County had snow from mid January through the 1st of April and people showed up in droves to ride our trails, enjoy the sights and eat at the wonderful restaurants. Early winter brought rain & sleet mixed with the snow in the south and light fluffy snow to the north which wasn’t the best for the groomers to make stay put, but the clubs and their volunteers did a wonderful job keeping up & persevering through increased traffic load and a season that ran to April.

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From The Executive Board

Central Region VP

Coastal Region VP

H ere we are made it through one of the craziest seasons ever. Water more Water and even more Water best describes this season. But as usual us volunteers put our heads to the grind stone and move forward to get trails in shape and make sure they are safe. Thank you all for continuing to keep this sport alive and well. This is my last official duty as western VP I wish I could’ve done more but I have to concentrate on my little club here in Kingfield. I leave you all in good hands with Jerry Major taking over and I’m very confident he’s going to do a great job. I’ll still be around, I’m not leaving as I will stay on as a regional director. Stop by Kingfield and I’m always on the trails. All I can say is THANK YOU ALL. Jim One last thing, this will be my last season as Central VP. I will be 80 years old and I am retiring. It has been a privilege working with you. If you are interested, please give me a call. My secretary says she is sorry she has to retire also, she is 85 this year and told me not to find her a job. Keep Smiling, Be safe Jack In the meantime, please let the MSA office know of a physical address for dropping off the Membership Package. If we don’t get this, you will have to make arrangements to pick it up at the office. Mailing the packages has just gone up way too much. If you have questions, please call me and I will try to help. Now after being so pushy, I hope everyone has a great summer and enjoys the sunshine, the water, BBQs. Just be safe, I want to see all of you out on the trails next season.

organization. MSA is your voice to keep communications open between clubs, IF&W, State Legislature, and the Governor. I look at the volunteers who spend thousands of hours and years working to keep our sport moving forward. Thank you to all who dedicate a good portion of their lives keeping our sport alive and thriving for 55 years, 14,000 miles of trails throughout the state is possible because of volunteers from the clubs. From the generous landowners who allow us to ride 95% of the land in our system. The future’s looking good. Congratulations to all award winners at the MSA annual banquet. 2023/24 season is already being worked on starting with our Golf Tournament in June, Snowmobile show in October and the Super Raffle, a great list of prizes!! Enjoy your spring, summer and fall. Until next year. Dave

Jack Lord Home: (207) 672-3915 Cell: 207-717-7131 Email: jacklord5256@gmail.com

David Watson 207-205-1558 412 Roberts Ridge Rd ,E. Waterboro ME 04030 dwatson6841@gmail.com 2022/23 season has come to a close. I look back at not only this year but all the 15 years I have been involved with the MSA. It has been an education, a challenge and it also makes me proud to be a part of this

H i Everyone,

Well this snowmobile season is over. Time to Relax for the next 4 months. It won’t seem too long until it’s time to start brushing the trails and get things ready for our next season.

Western Region VP

Scholarship Awards Presented by Harvey Chesley

James Boyce, 207-265-6512 1168 Fosterhill Road, Freeman ME 04983 Jboyce1168@gmail.com

W e have granted 3 scholarships this year. Each of the applicants are at different stages of their education and we, as a committee, have agreed that all are very deserving of this award. Kathryn Smith of Holden, ME: Kathryn is currently a freshman at Gordon College in Wen ham, MA. She is majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing & Communication Arts. Her parents are Steve and Dodie Smith of the Eastern Maine Snowmobilers in Holden. Thomas Watt of Greenville, ME: Thomas is currently in his 4 th year at The University of Southern Maine. He is completing his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. He is going on to The University of Maine, Orono to get his MBA and hopefully finish with a law degree. His parents are Craig Watt & Leslie Ranta-Watt are members of the Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club in Greenville. Alicen Higgins of Fairfield, ME: Alicen is currently a senior at Lawrence High School in Fairfield, ME. She will be going to the University of Maine, Augusta to enter their Nursing Program. Her parents are Joe Higgins and Buffy Higgins or Fairfield. Joe Higgins is the Director of the State of Maine Snowmobile Program in due to state ethics laws is unable to join a club. However, Alicen was highly recommended by the Fairfield Country Riders Snowmobile Club in Fairfield, ME.

IF&W Landowner Relations T he Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

has a group of warden’s have the responsibility to help out land owner’s when in need of address ing any conflict that may arise involving their property. Corporals Rick LaFlamme and Kris MacCabe are the leaders of the group. They like to meet with the landowners and solve prob

lems or conflicts that involve their property. The have the tools to help you out, rather it be signage, or a game camera put up on your land they will do what has to be done to preserve your interest.This program also has a clean-up day. Usually on a weekend they get together with area clubs and pick up trash that has been disposed on your land illegally.You can find the date on their web site www.maine.gov/ifw/programs-resources. Click on the Outdoors Partners link on the left for dates and other events they do. These two will meet with the landowner(s) and recom mend things that can be done to protect and preserve the land. Kris MacCabe kris.maccabe@maine.gov 207-557-0839 Ric LaFlame r ick.laflamme@maine.gov 207557-5244 Now is the time to get these folks involved if you have a problem or think you may have one.They also just hired a few new wardens to help make this program even bet ter. Please take advantage of this resource!

We wish all of the scholarship winners enjoyment and success in their chosen paths.

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2023 marks nitro trailers 10th year in business. our growth and success is largely in part to snowmobilers like msa members reading this. your support for our trailers built right in pittsfield, maine by skilled craftsmen and women means the world to us. thank you from everyone at nitro trailers. ride right, and see you on the trail. ~Nitro trailers employees.

It’s time for the 7 th Annual MSA Golf Scramble! Join us June 24 th , 2023 at Fogg Brook Resort (Formerly Palmyra Golf Course) for a fun day of golf with all your snowmobile friends.The Open Scramble is $350 per team or $90 per golfer and Club Cup teams can compete against other clubs for $300 per team. Price includes cart, golf, sleeve of balls, lunch and golf swag. To “Top” it off, a hole in one this year wins you a 2023 Ski-doo Renegade Adrenaline 900 Ace Turbo R from Chase Toys in Unity. Get that team together and sign up early. For more information call (207) 622-6983. ANNUAL MSA GOLF SCRAMBLE

graphics@sharkeygraphics.com www.sharkeygraphics.com (207) 655-8668

At Sharke y Graphic Solutions we are passionate about creating and printing your snowmobile and ATV maps with care and precision.

WE LOVE REC CLUBS!

*We are now taking new orders for your snowmobile and ATV maps, and

weather permitting we can come directly to your club meeting to discuss our map options with your club. Call us today and ask for Craig . SEE OUR NEW INTERACTIVE MAP PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE: https://www.sharkeygraphicsolutions.com/specialty-map-preview/

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BRP Landowner of the Year – 100 Acres or More Awarded to Weyerhaeuser - Presented by Alan Dugas

to 30 clubs in Maine alone. But their support goes beyond just access. Weyerhaeuser has allowed clubs to install permanent bridges, has donated gravel for projects, and has cut trails to help ensure safety. In times of trail closures or reroutes, their land managers have worked collaboratively to find solutions that keep connections open and the trail system operational. For example, Weyerhaeuser went above and beyond recently by allowing a club to cut a new trail to divert snowmobilers from an active logging road, ensuring the safety of both loggers and snowmobilers. While they do not gain much from letting us use their land, they recognize the significant impact it has on the community. It is clear that Weyerhaeuser’s

I n the State of Maine, we have over 14,000 miles of snowmobile trails. 95% of those trails are on private property – only 700 miles of trails exist on public land. Weyerhaeuser is a key partner in the snowmobiling community, providing access to their 900,000 acres of actively harvested and maintained timberlands in Maine, plus an additional 100,000 acres in Vermont and New Hampshire. Their dedication to the principle of “multiple use” is evident in their willingness to share their livelihood with both snowmobilers and ATVers, enabling robust trail systems for close

commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities and their dedication to the snowmobiling community make them a deserving recipient of the “BRP Landowner of the Year” award.

Polaris Landowner of the Year – 100 Acers or Less Awarded to David and Patty Corriveau - Nominated by Gary Marquis D avid and Patty Corriveau of Caribou awarded the Polaris Landowner

1500’ of trail to the point where we can access it at any time of the year and most importantly at the beginning of the winter season without the worry of getting stuck with our groomers. Whenever asked, Mr. Corriveau has allowed the Parks and Recreation Department full access to whatever is needed for upgrades.This past summer the landowner allowed the Parks and Recreation Department to build an ATV trail through this property which now allows access to 3 businesses on the

South side of the community. With the help of several manufacturers trails grants we were able to build a year round trail. Having landowners like the Corriveau’s who understand the importance of outdoor motorized recreation is priceless and will ensure the connectivity of trails through our community and the area. Please join us in congratulating David and Patty Corriveau the 2023 Polaris Landowner of theYear.

of the Year with 100 Acers or Less. The section of property, which the Corriveau’s allow access on, is Trail 83A heading towards the Caribou Inn and Convention Center. This piece of property, which we have been using since the early 2000’s, has always been a challenge in early season and late season maintenance as it is a little wet. The Corriveau’s have allowed us over the years to improve the approximately

2023 MSA Dealer of the Year Awarded to County Sports Presented by Al Swett

T his snowmobile dealer located in Caribou, Maine has been around a long time. They have a showroom full of inventory to outfit you and your sled. A great service department and many Polaris snowmobiles to choose from. Many folks are pleased with the family like atmosphere when they enter the building and downhome hospitality. Their professionalism and knowledge is second to none. In fact, Polaris has recommended them two years in a row for our super raffle sleds. Which has

been instrumental in make the raffles a huge success! Congratulations to

County Sports in Caribou is the 2023 MSA dealer of the year!

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2023 MSA Club of the Year - Quad County Snowmobile Club Presented by Eileen Lafland

club was formed that checks all the above boxes. Quad County SC is located in Penobscot county; however, they groom 120 miles of trails that reach into Aroostook, Washington and Hancock counties, thus the name Quad County. Many of the members that began the club that many years ago are still very active today. One such person is Kevin O’Brien who is a past president of the club (just recently) and has been

past 8 years they have served a FREE Thanksgiving dinner to 100 or more people.They get donations of food and that dedicated group preps, cooks, and serves the meal. As far as trails go, they groom 120 miles of local and Connector Trails. ITS Connector Trail 105 is right at the club doorstep, and links to ITS 84 with ITS Connector 110 linking them to ITS 81. They groom nightly when snow conditions are good and their trails are always ready to go where ever you ride. Their clubhouse is located on the main road into town and offers a place of snowmobilers to park and ride. The clubhouse is open and gives people a place to warm up when out on the trails. Quad County SC is always one of the top MSA Super Raffle selling tickets each year. Not only do members buy and sell the tickets, they also sell them each year at the Springfield Fair. During the MSA Snowmobile Show you can see members of the club set up selling tickets there as well and making sure people entering the show buy some from them. For such a small community their membership is consistent at around 80 memberships each year. They also hold a calendar raffle selling 400 calendars only with the first drawing on Feb 1 st .These calendars sell out fast and make a nice fundraiser for them. Each year they do a trail side cookout off Connector Trail 105 that draws in snowmobilers going by and all they ask for is donations to the club. Please join us in congratulating Quad County SC in Springfield Maine as the MSA Snowmobile Club of theYear.

W hen I think of a snowmobile club of the year I think of a club that does things for its community, supports MSA, has a consistent membership base and is one you hear great things about. I also look to see if its members go the extra distance to have a good rapport with its landowners, and the people in the community. A Snowmobile Club of theYear should be an example for other clubs to look at and say, “That club does some wonderful things.” Twenty-one years ago in the small town of Springfield, Maine a snowmobile

and still is today the trail master. The club runs on a solid core of volunteers who all have the same thing in mind: community and having the best trails they can have so everyone that uses them can be safe and enjoy the ride. Quad County SC serves breakfasts at the clubhouse twice a month and during hunting season it is every Saturday. The attendance at these meals averages 100 people not counting all the volunteers prepping, cooking and serving the meal. That says a lot since the community population of less than 500! For the

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