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quickly the season comes and goes. We certainly had a challenging season weather wise with a slow start in most regions and less than average snowfall statewide. With that being said there was still definitely adequate snow in some regions and kudos to everyone statewide for making the best riding possible with less than stellar resources to work with. The trails committee has met since last August, logged in several thousand miles inspecting ITS trails, and spent count- less hours meeting with and helping out clubs whenever there was an issue whether it was landowner or trail related, more often than not there was one or more people from our 40 person com- mittee that was there to help out. I can’t begin to tell you the dedication and pas- sion that these people have for the sport with little or no compensation, just for the love of the sport. I know that as trails chairman I sincerely appreciate the work that each and every one of them does and would like to publicly say THANKYOU for all you do. I would also like to give a shout out to Joe Higgin’s office at the 1/2” new snow, will make things look good. Lots of club activities, March 6th Narrow Gauge- Strong is having a scavenger hunt. Another great place to stop is Caparelli’s warming hut, the best chilli this side of Maine, all in donations, Lewiston Lobster, out- side fire pit, once a month, after they restock their pantry, his wife shops for supplies for the local cupboard, Right here off 87, can’t miss it. Another place is Bigelow Lodge in Carrabassett- J.V. Wing outside bonfire, coffee, doing a good job, if you can get to talk to Travis, he is a great ambassador for snowmobiling. Jim informed us of his solution of the “Wolf Pack” (snowmobiles following the groomer all hours of the night), involving two Wardens and a special meeting with other local clubs and going on patrol. This is becoming an issue statewide. A group of volunteers trying to make things better, show us some respect. Coastal region Dave W.- Trails are great, grooming is great, snowmobil- ing is great, club activities are great. Three clubs are doing bonfires. Peo- ple are thinking outside the box. Let’s keep everything going. No bare spots. See what happens. Anybody have any questions, give me a holler. Northern region Matt S.- Warm weather today upper 30’s. Lots of riding because the volunteers cranked out the hours keeping up the trails, volunteers are working nights, week- ends, taking time off from work to make sure signs are up and trails

Dept. Of A.C.F. Snowmobile Division for all their efforts and work this season, they are an invaluable partner and infor- mation resource for the MSA. What would an “End of Season” tribute be without also giving a huge shout out to the 280 some clubs that make this whole thing we call snowmobiling happen? These clubs spend hundreds of hours on trail maintenance, landowner issues, trail grant work, groomer and equipment maintenance and the list goes on. All to get to that one magic moment when they can finally lay down that white carpet that puts a smile on every snowmobil- er’s face which we should never take for granted, and for that we thank you. In conclusion, when the trails start to bare up and the riding is over remem- ber that for an active club member the off-season work has just begun, and before we know it we will start all over again with a smile on our faces. Till next season folks may you have a great spring and an even better summer and we will see you right back here again next fall. Respectively, Mark. are groomed. Strike out cancer ride March 6th race starting at the Presque Isle club house. St. Francis Saturday the 27th race your neighbor . Show- case ride March 13th at Limestone club house and supper at Par and Grill in Caribou. Trail committee Mark C. - Trail Inspections are coming in, I am pretty impressed, had a late start which gave more time, to get signage up. And it shows in the inspection reports. Pretty pleased. Still have a few to go. Looks like another month of good riding. ITS maps available at the office, just got 5000 more. A lot of mediation going on, clubs contacting me 2-3 hours a day. Steering committee John M.-LD 280 work session available on You Tube Maine.Gov. link. Still watch- ing LR’s legislative request LD is a legislative decision. Got some riding in, very impressive, at the Penobscot Toll Booth they raised $1200, Central Maine around Bangor are incredible for what we’ve got to work with. Wel- come Susan back to the office part time, which is very busy. Hall of Fame Beth B.- Nominations are due February 26th. It was brought up to come up with a patch for current and past recipients. Old business: • Virtual fundraiser ends at the end of the month. Deadline of nomination for Hall of Fame and the other nomi- nations for awards are due at the end of the month. Office update: John

Trails Committee Chair Report

Treasurer’s Report

Lori Hemmerdinger (207) 890-5455 544 Plains Road Poland, ME 04274 Treasurer@mesnow.com Respectfully Submitted, Lori Hemmerdinger, Treasurer

Monthly Income Monthly Expense

$ 31,583.06 $ 15,187.27 $ 16,395.79 $139,888.58 $ 38,781.44 $ 18,026.65 $ 53,693.66 $ 1,284.86 $ -

Mark Chinnock,Trails Committee Chair 207-754-9874 435 Poland Corner Rd, Poland ME 04274 napadude66@hotmail.com H ello Everyone, It seems like just yesterday that I said hello and wel- come to another snowmobiling season and now I write my last column for the season. I have to be honest with you I really don’t like how short and how A t 6:32 PM President Mike Grass Jr. called the meeting to order. 28 Virtual attendees. Pledge of Allegiance Motion was made and seconded, carried to accept the secretary’s report a copy to be placed on file at the office. Treasurer’s Report was read by Lori H. Copy to be filed at the office. Spe- cial events account designated for the virtual race. Mike- Last Wednesday Joe H., John M., myself attended registration increase bill work session, answered questions, clarified, had a good work session. One member wanted to raise the nonresident to $200. Senator Mar- tin was asked not to roll our bill into ATV program. Mallory Brooks is doing a great job, with Outside Edge public relations. Also did an interview with Great Maine Broadcast. Things are looking better, E Board virtual meetings are going well, Annual Banquet can up to 100 people. Maybe able to have the snowmobile show this fall. Have 1100 miles on my sled so far. Susan is coming back part time, the office is very busy. Eastern region Eileen L.- Some rid- ing in the Eastern region. Some areas okay, some sketchy. Clubs doing the best they can, Some are meeting in person outside. Holding on to the end of the season. Western region Jim B. It was warm today, a blustery 37 degrees, 3”-3

Net Revenue

Checking (2/31/21)

Dedicated Account (2/31/21) Special Events Account (2/31/21)

Credit Line (2/31/21) Building Fund (2/31/21)

Brian Wass Safety Fund (2/31/21)

Director’s Meeting 563 Secretary’s Report - February 23, 2021

gave a summery of our legislative actions, Mark mentioned 5000 more ITS maps are in. • Matt’s showcase ride, places to stay are filling up fast. New business: • Side by side with tracks are too wide for our trail system. • March will be the last issue of the Maine Snowmobiler for the season, a newsletter will be sent out in April and a regular paper in October. • Membership doing all right, Feel a couple of clubs holding them, and just sending them in all at once. The insur- ance used to be an incentive to get them in. (Held memberships won’t receive the paper.) Nominations for 2021-2022 President Mike Grass Jr. Executive Vice President Al Swett Treasurer Lori Hemmerdinger Secretary Brad Barker Safety Committee Chair Al Swett Trails Committee Chair Mark Chinook Hall of Fame Beth Bowie Scholarship Trustee Chair Harvey Chesley Hospitality Northern Region VP Matt Stedman Eastern Region VP Eileen Lafland Western Region VP Jim Boyce Central Region VP Jack Lord Coastal Region VP Dave Watson Bylaws Chair Fundraiser Chair Regional Directors to be appointed after voted in.

MSA CLUBS: To Order Needed ITS & JCT SIGNS Contact Mike Grass Sr. MSA Trails Committee 252 Condon Rd, Plymouth, ME 04969 207-368-4914 home 207-745-2745 cell Grasslands252@gmail.com To Order Club Trail Signage Candice Pinkham, DACF/Snow- mobile Program 207-287-4957 Office 207-878-8111 Fax Candice.M.Pinkham@maine.gov There was a lengthy discussion of the off-trail riders not staying on marked trails, landowners not want- ing to spend a day in court to have the DA throw it out, landowners would rather close the trail. For instance: a legislative request if a snowmobiler is not staying on the clearly marked trail, the Warden can issue a trespass warrant without the landowner get- ting involved. Exceptions of private land or written landowner permission. Meeting adjourned at 7:38. Respectively submitted, Brad Barker Are there any nominations from the floor 2021-2022 MSA ? (X3) Point of clarification from bylaws: No limit how many years a president can hold office.

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