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deposit requirement. The rental agent should go over operation and safety guidelines before you head out. First time riders may consider hiring a recreational guide to lead a knowledgeable tour of the area trails. Remember that in some areas of the state, particularly the north woods, there will be a distance between any stops for gas and food, so plan ahead. The Maine Snowmobile Association The volunteers of the 280 +/- affiliated clubs of the Maine Snowmobile Association accept responsibility for maintaining much of Maine’s snowmobile trail system. Members work with landowners, cut, brush, sign and groom trails, build bridges, purchase, maintain and operate grooming equipment, produce local trail maps, maintain the records and paperwork required for trail and equipment grants, host fundraisers and recruit new members. Some MSA clubs are involved with charitable fundraising events and sponsor safety courses and voluntary trail checks during the season . Early leaders of the MSA successfully pushed legislation to establish a state snowmobile registration system to assist clubs with trail expenses. Several years ago the MSA successfully lobbied to credit the trail fund with a small portion of the state gasoline tax attributable to snowmobiling. The trail system is supported in part through a state grant program funded by these user pay sources, but clubs must raise funds to cover expenses not reimbursed by their grant. Club fundraising events may include public suppers, dances, winter festivals, swap meets and racing events. Attendance at any club hosted fundraiser is a great way to have fun, meet other snowmobilers and support the club’s efforts. A portion of each club member’s dues goes to support the state association, a non profit organization currently representing 20,000+/- family members and 2100+ business members. The MSA has an office in the state capital of Augusta. Staff includes a publications editor, membership processor and executive director who is a registered lobbyist representing MSA members before the legislature, state agencies and Maine’s congressional delegation. The staff produce a web site ( www.mainesnowmobileassociation. com ), a newspaper ( The Maine Snowmobiler ), an annual guide to Maine snowmobiling (Snowmobile Maine), the statewide map of the Interconnected Trail System and the annual Maine Snowmobile Show and distribute additional information through an email alert system and social media. In addition to membership dues, the state association is supported by publication advertising revenue, the Maine Snowmobile Show, a golf tournament and an annual ‘Super Raffle’. The MSA Scholarship Fund, Inc., a separate but closely allied organization, has helped a number of MSA members with education expenses. To contact the MSA, email msa@mainesnowmobileassociation.com , phone 207-622-6983, visit 7 Noyes Street Place in Augusta or write MSA, PO Box 80, Augusta, Maine 04332. Visit www.mainesnowmobileassociation.com , and like the MSA on Facebook. The MSA and the snowmobile club in your area, or in the area where you ride, would welcome your support. See pages 16-17 for a list of clubs and a membership form, visit www.mainesnowmo bileassociation.com or contact your local MSA affiliated snowmobile club. United we trail, divided we fail!

Snowmobiling Hand Signals Please learn these standardized signals and use them when riding. STOP

Arm raised from the shoulder and extended straight up over the head with palm of hand flat.

RIGHT TURN

Left arm raised at shoulder heigt, elbow bent and forearm vertical with palm of hand flat.

SLEDS FOLLOWING

Arm raised, elbow bent, with thumb pointing backward, in hitch-hiking motion move arm forward to backward over your shoulder.

LAST SLED IN LINE Left arm raised at shoulder height, elbow bent and forearm vertical with fist clenched.

LEFT TURN

Left arm extended straight out from shoulder an pointing in the direction of the turn.

SLOWING

ONCOMING SLEDS Left arm raised at shoulder height, elbow bent and forearm vertical, wrist bent, move arm from left to right over head, pointing to right side of trail. Left arm extended out and down from the side of the body with a downward flapping motion of hand to signal warning or caution.

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MAINE SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION