GROOMING 2,800 MILES OF SNOWMOBILE TRAILS!

Here’s what the snowmobiling community is looking forward to, with the January arrival of mid-winter:

• Snowmobile North Dakota (SND) is now in its 43rd year. SND is the grassroots statewide organization dedicated to trails maintenance, safe snowmobile operation and fostering local enthusiasm for the sport.
• Snowmobile North Dakota is contracted by the N.D. Parks and Recreation Department to accomplish this mission.
• In association with Snowmobile North Dakota, 36 local snowmobile clubs operate across the state, with club members maintaining snowmobile trails, hosting rides in their respective areas, and spreading enthusiasm about snowmobiling.
• The local snowmobile clubs are represented on the Snowmobile North Dakota governing board of 14 directors.
• The state snowmobile trail system consists of 13 routes, producing a combined 2,800 miles of riding trails.
• Volunteers take responsibility for grooming much of the 2,800-mile trail system, posting signs along the trails.
• The continuing care and operation of the state snowmobile trail system is dependent on cooperative landowners, who lease access across their property for the trails. About 1,000 landowners currently work with local clubs and Snowmobile North Dakota on maintaining the many miles of continuous trails.
• A valid driver’s license is required for any snowmobile operator using the state trail system.
• Operators of snowmobiles 12 years of age and older must possess a valid driver’s license and have completed a snowmobile training course, and earned a certificate from the N.D. Parks and Recreation Department.
• Youth operators of snowmobiles 10-11 years of age can operate snowmobiles on public lands and the state trail system with their snowmobile certificate and in the presence of their parent or guardian.
• Registration of snowmobiles is required for operation on public lands. Funding from registration supports snowmobile trail enhancements and maintenance, safety education and safety promotion.
• Resident snowmobile registration fee is now $50 for a two-year period. Snowmobile registration is handled by the N.D. Department of Transportation at licensing offices statewide.
• For snowmobile education information, go to www.snowmobilend.org/safety-education(link is external).

SND officers:

• President: Troy Klevgard, Casselton
• Vice president: Laura Forbes, Minot
• Secretary: Joanne Seifert, Casselton
• Director-at-large: Sherman Pladsen, Minot

SND board of directors

Region 1: Dale Diebert, Surrey | Paula Berg, Dunseith

Region 2: Jesse Fritz, Rugby | Quince Hambek, Devils Lake 

Region 3: Perry Brintnell, Fordville | Reily Bata, Langdon

Region 4: Shawn Cole, Valley City | Joel Iverson, Valley City 

Region 5: Jeff Seifert, Casselton | Brent Haugen, Argusville

Snowmobile North Dakota staff:

Todd Thronson, executive director, todd@snowmobilend.org
Tari Norby, office manager, tari@snowmobilend.org

SND Location:

1600 E. Century Ave., Suite 3(link is external) | Bismarck, ND 58503 | Phone: 701-328-5377

2018 STATE RIDE: Edinburg | Saturday, Feb. 10 | Host: Tri-County Traileriders | Christian Larson, Park River | Phone: 702-284-6207 |
See also: www.snowmobilend.com(link is external)

Snowmobile with care

Sledding across the snow in a roadside ditch is how many snowmobilers find their fun. But remember, power lines and poles are located along those same roadside ditches. Often, poles are reinforced with guy wires which extend some distance from the poles. They may not be easy to see from a speeding snowmobile, especially on a dark, winter night or when they are buried under snow.

While you are snowmobiling this winter, always ride at a speed at which you can stop quickly. Ease up on the throttle, especially when near any objects.

Know your riding area, too. Watch for guy wires, fences, underground junction boxes or other hazards.

Your local electric cooperative cares about your safety!