2023 Lake Region snowmobile trail map has many changes

PHOTOS: A Bridgton Easy Riders work crew built two bridges in one day to make changes in the trails for this year possible. (Submitted photos)

By Bill Preis
Bridgton Easy Riders

BRIDGTON — Well it finally happened – we got our first big dump of snow this winter, and the 2023 Lake Region Snowmobile Trail Map is available at most Bridgton retailers, for a small donation.
The new trail map includes trails of nine snowmobile clubs, with the addition of the Waterford Sno- Packers. It also adds about 100 additional miles of GPS’d snowmobile trails in Sebago, Baldwin, Hiram, Porter and Brownfield.
We are seeing an unprecedented surge in new building in Maine that is causing many snowmobile trails to be rerouted, and several of these trail changes have occurred since the new map was printed. The Bridgton Easy Riders trail crew has been busy clearing trees, erecting bridges, and signing many trail changes.
A 21-member BER trail crew worked hard to build two bridges in one day so a major trail improvement could be made. The club used a backhoe and many telephone poles to reroute the trail that goes through Alpine Village at Moose Pond. When you are in that area, near the U.S. Route 302 causeway and Moose Pond, be sure to look for the new signs and follow the new trail.
The water company road in Bridgton has been closed, and the ITS 89 trail that went near it now goes behind Hayes True Value Hardware, and crosses Route 302. This change occurred after the new map was printed, so be sure to watch for signs. These new trails will be GPS’d in time for the next trail map.
Snowmobiling depends on the generosity and hard work of many people: landowners who allow trails to cross their land, as well as businesses and individuals who donate equipment, provide financial support, and spend many hours working and helping out in a wide variety of ways. Snowmobiling is truly a community effort. If we love snowmobiling it’s crucial that we show respect to landowners, and that we express our appreciation and gratitude to those who do so much for our club. Thank You!
Before the season can begin, damage on the 62 miles of Bridgton trails from the Dec. 17 storm must be completed. Volunteer work crews meet at The Bridgton Walgreens at 8 a.m. Sunday, and the work is usually over by noon. Many hands make light work, so we would appreciate any help to get the job done.
The lakes are not even close to being frozen, so be careful!
The next meeting of Bridgton Easy Riders will be 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot St. Guest speaker will be Maine Game Warden Cpl. Kris McCabe, landowner relations specialist. The meeting starts with a potluck supper, followed by the business part at 6:45.
For news and updates, find Bridgton Easy Riders on Facebook.