ATV'S Urged to Stay Off Snowmobile Trails
Barrie, ON., December 27, 2001: Groomed OFSC trails are not for ATV's. Local snowmobile clubs are reminding ATV riders to stay off snowmobile trails this winter. In an effort to help snowmobiling and ATVing coexist responsibly and respect each other's riding seasons and trails, that's also the joint message from the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and the Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicle Clubs (OFATV).
As soon as the groomers start to roll on OFSC snowmobile trails this winter, ATV riders are requested to stay off until grooming operations stop next spring. By avoiding OFSC trails, ATV operators can help avert land use conflicts and loss of trails, and also help snowmobile clubs keep trails in better shape for snowmobiles.
"OFSC trails are paid for and operated for snowmobilers, not ATV riders who do not buy snowmobile trail permits," stated OFSC General Manager Ron Purchase. "ATVers must either develop their own trails for winter use or ride on trails other than those maintained by OFSC clubs. Better yet, why not join us on a snowmobile?"
Riding an ATV on OFSC trails not only can cause surface damage that the ATV operator does not pay to repair, it can have other equally serious results. Many snowmobile trails exist thanks to the generosity of private property owners who have agreed to allow snowmobiles on their land. However, this permission does not extend to ATV's, so any ATV's trespassing on OFSC trails across private land may cause landowner problems for the local snowmobile club.
"ATV riders trespassing on OFSC snowmobile trails this winter is part of a much larger issue that needs to be addressed cooperatively by the OFSC and the OFATV," commented Purchase. "There are thousands of ATV owners in Ontario, most of whom don't yet belong to an ATV club or the OFATV. If they did, the OFATV might have the resources and mandate to develop its own ATV trail system as their counterparts in Quebec have done so successfully. Meanwhile, riding on OFSC trails will only cause trouble for both our organizations and all responsible riders."
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is dedicated to providing strong leadership and support to member clubs to establish and maintain quality snowmobile trails which are used in a safe and environmentally responsible manner to further the enjoyment of organized snowmobiling.
Ron Purchase, General Manager
(705) 739-7669