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Our Site has moved to a new host server - go to http://www.petoskeysnowmobileclub.org for the new site!
The Petoskey Snowmobile Trail System is groomed through the support provided through our affiliation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Grant Sponsor program. This program provides an annual allotment of funds for basic trail brushing and signing, as well as funds per groom to offset the costs of equipment and fuel. The program provides a 60/40 cost sharing for grooming equipment, with the DNR paying 60% and the club paying 40%. In that groomers suitable for our trail system easily exceed $90,000, the equipment costs are very high. The DNR gets its funding directly from the Michigan Snowmobile Trail Permit Program. Our groomer operators and trail maintenance personnel receive no compensation for their huge efforts. The trail us usually groomed after 11 PM. This is done to ensure that the majority of trail traffic is off the trail. It is very important that trail traffic be low following a groom to allow the snow base to firm up before being traveled. Trail activity, snowfall, and temperatures may cause us to alter this schedule. The Petoskey Snowmobile Club schedules our grooms to maximum number that the DNR compensates. This is truly your trail permit fees at work. This year we plan on operating two groomers over our 60+ miles of trail. Before whining about bad trails, keep in mind that there are a great many factors that contribute to this. Bad trail base, heavy traffic, and little new snow are all major factors. Heavily travelled trails can easily get torn up after only a couple of hours of use. With the DNR continually reducing the trails that they themselves groom, it is imperative that "grant sponsor" clubs pick up the systems that they drop. Without the clubs, these trail systems simply will not continue. SUPPORT AND JOIN YOU LOCAL CLUB!!!
Thanks to our all-volunteer grooming staff. If you see the groomer on the trail, be sure to give them the "THUMBS UP"! Constructive criticism is welcome, but a show of appreciation goes a long way! Staff: Tony Hoffman - team leader Bob Gibson - maintenance and operator David Hoffman - operator Cory Cook - operator Kenny Goldsmith - Operator Jason Barr
- Operator We are very fortunate to have these dedicated operators. Several are new, but nonetheless dedicated to good trails! |
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Send mail to Creyner@Freeway.net with questions or comments about
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