AUGUSTA — As the season is about to begin, the Maine Snowmobile Association is offering reminders about off-trail riding posted in conjunction North Maine Woods, in Ashland.
The reminders were recently posted on the organization’s Facebook page. and include:
• Stay off all plowed roads. This is illegal, and presents a serious safety hazard. Forest roads represent a significant investment and are intended solely for transporting wood and equipment. These roads may be in use 24/7 and are no place for sleds or parked private vehicles and trailers.
• The same goes for log yards. They may be empty when you arrive, but they are never intended to be parking lots for pickup trucks and trailers, they are for loading wood headed to the marketplace.
• Snow covers everything and that includes newly planted seedlings or any number of obstacles or hazards. If you’re unsure, check locally or just don’t go. Keep in mind that calling the landowner isn’t an option. Their employees are there to keep their operations moving, not to provide sledding updates to wannabee off-trail riders. Check with locals, or better yet-
• Hire a guide. This is the first suggestion when people call about off-trail riding. Guides are generally well connected to the forest landowners, know local conditions and can certainly help provide a high quality off-trail experience. There are also several lodges and outfitters in northern Maine that specialize in off-trail excursions.
• Ride fesponsibly; drn’t jeopardize snowmobilers’ (your) welcome.
• Respect Landowners. Access to these lands is a privilege, not a right. Every piece of land, even in remote woods, is owned by someone
