Southern Tug Hill Sno-Riders land owners

New York is a state with an immense amount of outdoor recreation opportunities, including snowmobiling. It may or may not surprise you to know that over 80% of the snowmobile trails in the state are located on private lands. It is through the generosity of the private landowner that the snowmobile trail systems exist.

The only place anyone can snowmobile or enjoy any other activity with no regard to anything, acting as if it were your God-given right to do what and as you please, is on your own property. Once you leave your property, you automatically assume the responsibilities inherent in being a guest on someone else's land.

The public use of private lands is a privilege. Snowmobiling has benefited from the willingness of New York's private landowners to share their lands. Many landowners have come to view the local snowmobile club as a means for them to open their lands with some degree of confidence that the land will be treated with consideration. In many areas there is a positive, friendly, working relationship between the landowner and the club.

However, this relationship is threatened by the inappropriate use of private lands. More than ever, land users need to show they care by doing their part to protect the privilege of using the private lands. Clubs are aware of this, as are most snowmobilers who are members of clubs. On private or public property, "show you care" means treating the land the same way you would want someone else to treat your private property: with respect. That is little to ask, considering all we get in return.

On trails throughout New York, messages are appearing asking snowmobilers not to abuse this privilege or loss of trail will result. Signing is pointing out more clearly that each snowmobiler is expected to stay on the trail. Flagged stakes are defining the path the trail must follow. Club grooming activities are more and more being relied upon to provide an incentive for snowmobilers to stay on the trail, not stray off looking for smoother surfaces.

Many, many clubs use this time of year to thank landowners for allowing the club the use of the land for a snowmobile trail. Be sure your club is doing all it can to ensure a positive, working relationship with the private landowner.