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all the same reasons and the whole idea behind it all is to first and foremost have fun and enjoy ourselves. As we prepare ourselves for the season a few things to keep in mind, the first thing that comes to mind is that roughly 95% of all the trails that we ride over is privately owned, that’s right. I can’t tell you how many indi- vidual landowners that we (285 or so clubs) each year go out and ask for permission to use they’re land to snowmobile on, land that most owners pay dearly for and cherish. So for them to grant us access to use said land we are truly grateful for, and all the more reason to respect it and treat it like we would want our own property treated. It’s really a pretty simple concept and one that we all need to consciously be aware of, because (and we’ve all heard it a thousand times) without these generous landowners we would all be riding in circles around our own houses. The second thing that comes to mind is, when you’re riding down that perfectly groomed trail, that is 15 feet wide and all brushed back, with signs along the way to inform or warn you of something ahead, bridges that are in place and built strong enough to handle a several ton groomer. The intersections that are signed as to where you are and where you’re going, some with lighted kiosks making it easier to see at night. All of these things to keep you safe and hope- fully give you a sense of assurance and the best possible riding experience for YOU the snowmobiler. Why am I telling you all this? Because everything that you see out on the in Carrabassett Valley. Solon club is working on a 82’ bridge. Other clubs are working on bridges, getting equipment ready. There is snow on Sugarloaf today and 38 degrees in Kingfield this morning, so it’s coming before you know it! In Kingfield we are doing a bonfire and fireworks this year. Eastern region: Eileen Lafland- Marion hosted a 10 club meeting. A lot of bridge repairs. Things are going smoothly. Exec. V.P. Al- Thank you to Beth and Roland for being the cornerstone in Epping, it was awesome to show the other MSA officers what this event is all about. Safety: Al- Already has two invites come do a safety course in Caribou and Presque Isle. Looking forward to going to Medway and Brad asked to pencil in a safety check in Leeds. If you want to take the groomer coarse, it’s online or I can get you a DVD and tests, then send them to Candice. Be careful out their doing trail work, wear your proper PPE. Steering committee: John Monk- Clubs are weighing out LD1033, Sunday hunting. Landowners are on both sides. MSA is taking a “Obstained” position, choosing not to dictate to the landowners what they will or won’t do. I asked Bob F. to include the number of registered sleds on the membership applications to see how many individuals registered multiple snowmobiles. This will help us understand our registration numbers. H ello fellow snowmobilers, Are you all ready to go snowmobiling? The leaLandowner meetings, membership transmittals & trail work. This is the hard work of volunteers statewide from the end of summer until the groomers roll out. Every fall brings a new set of challenges to clubs to ensure we can all ride once the snow hits the ground. Please make a point of meeting with the landowners on your system. Whether it be a phone call, text, email, or a drop in visit all landowners need to be asked for the privilege of using their property. They are the only way we can do what we love. I thank you for the efforts put forth to keep finding connections, helping landowners understand the liability law, and educating people on what it is that you do. There is plenty to do so make sure you promote your trail days, work events, meetings & social gatherings. With new folks moving

trail falls on the backs of volunteers. Nearly 100% of all the work that is put into a specific piece of trail is all accomplished by people just like you and me, which have a passion for the sport, and most take great pride in seeing the final product and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Lastly when out riding a particular trail and you see signs that direct you where to go, please stay within the boundaries of those signs and if they direct you to stay out of a certain area please do so. I can tell you with- out a shadow of a doubt that the signs are put up for a very good reason and if we do not respect them then maybe the next time we try to pass through that piece of trail it may very well be closed. When a club is granted per- mission to put a trail through someone’s prop- erty that typically means we have permission to use “ The Trail “ and not to venture off on to unmarked territory, These are just some really simple things that we can all think about when we strap on our helmets and head out for a ride, again I definitely don’t mean to preach to the choir but I also know how much time and effort it takes to make this all happen. So let’s all put on some miles this Winter and have some fun and remember with the amount of snowmo- biles being sold right now there are some new (novice) riders on the Trails so let’s not forget to educate them as well so that we ALL get plenty of Smiles to the Mile out there! Until we meet again, thank you for reading. Mark Trails committee: Mark Chinnock- ITS maps are out. Next trail workshop is next weekend starting at 9 AM at the show. A three hour meeting with presentation, the Warden service, and Joe Higgins with grants. A lot of urban sprawl effecting our trails causing reroute. Meeting coming up in Shin Pond. Date TBD. Hall of Fame: Beth Bowie- Now taking new applications, available on our website, with a deadline of February 25. Any questions please call. Old Business: Super raffle tickets over 100k. Shin Pond was encouraged to try to sell tickets and have sold over 600 tickets and the Fryeburg Fair sold 7k tickets, which will give any club a financial boost. Chad Dunn from Nitro Trailers had some MSA decals made for the enclosed trailer in the raffle. NO Charge. And people are asking where to get them. It M/S/C “MSA 12” decals will sell for $15.00.” Scott’s Recreation given us anAlcom trailer, while Al was picking up the trailer asked if they wanted to display in the show and they want 4 booths. And also want to display the pink ice fishing shack outside. Liz is working out great in the office. Show update-Asked the Smith boys to display vintage sleds on the main floor. Al is getting it done, filling all the spaces at the show. November 16 th Glenburn Lakeside Riders President’s night. December Waterville Elks Club -Super into the area there should be some new people in your area to help. Some schools require community service hours for high school students to graduate, reach out and engage the younger riders in town. As we gear up for snow, think about signage and safety on your trails. As more people come to Maine to ride from away, we need to make sure they can reach their destination safely and without to much struggle at the intersections. If you need help, ask someone who isn’t familiar with your trails to come for a ride and give some honest feedback. If you would like to do a trailside safety check or help host a snowmobile safety class, please reach out to me, these are great ways to spread the message of snowmobiling safely to the community. If you have a question, problem, concern, or idea on snowmobiling in “The County”, get in touch with me. You can contact me at

Trails Committee Chair Report

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/Snowmobile Program 207-287-4957 Office 207-878-8111 Fax Candice.M.Pinkham@maine.gov

Mark Chinnock,Trails Committee Chair 207-754-9874 435 Poland Corner Rd, Poland ME 04274 napadude66@hotmail.com H ello Folks, and POOF! Just like that it’s November. With that being said we know that everyone is more than eager to hit the trails, but allow me for a moment to be “ That Guy”, the Guy that might sound like I’m preaching, the Guy that is no fun and way to conservative and practical. But seriously I for one sometimes need to reel myself back in after I strap my helmet on and remind myself what is right and wrong and reconnect my brain back to my throttle thumb for a moment. So we all ride snowmobiles for approximately At 6:43 PM President Mike Grass Jr. called the meeting to order. Pledge of allegiance. Secretary’s Report posted in the newspaper, M/S/C and placed on file at the office. Treasurer’s report. Read and placed on file at the office. President’s Comments- Mike Grass Jr.: Introduced Liz. our new employee at the office.(welcomed with a round of applause.) Recently went to a small club in Detroit and helped them go from a club grant to a municipal grant, because they took over more trails from another club. Also answered a lot of questions about MSA. At the N.H. Grass Drags we were well represented. Roland, Beth, Lori, Mark, Bob, John, Mel., Eileen, Larry and myself. Sold a lot raffle tickets, hats, and calendars, another great event represented by MSA. Many people can’t wait to come up to go snowmobiling. Al is like the energizer bunny going to every cookout, fair, and every race track humanly possible. And still finding booths for vendors at the show. Executive Vice President-Al Swett: Gave a report communicated by Coastal region: Dave Watson- Things are going well. Repairing bridges and trail trimming, business as usual for this time of year. Northern region-: Matt Stedman-Didn’t communicate but sure it was the same. Western region: Jim Boyce- Still a trail issue

Director’s Meeting 568 - SAM Augusta, Maine - Secretary’s Report - October 19, 2021

Raffle drawing January Western region TBD

February Eastern region Millinocket area March Northern region Southern part of Aroostook County Annual meeting Jeff’s catering in Brewer Website update: Making all the contents that are spread over 28 pages putting them into 5 key areas, with membership only access to key areas with club and membership information. It will have a lot of content. Membership: Eileen encourage clubs to send membership in often, don’t hold onto them. This makes it easier in the office and gets the MSA paper out to these members. New Business: Radio ads are on the air for the Show, giving away 15 passes, and they sound great. M/S/C “To increase the pot of gold from $200 to $400.” To bring more directors to the meetings. Put this out on FB and the web page. Free weekend is March 4-6. Go online and register. 50/50 won by Bob Cortell Pot of Gold -Good Time Riders Benton. Not present so forfeited. Could have $400 for your attendance!)

M/S/C Adjourned 7:52 Respectfully submitted, Brad Barker, Secretary

Northern Region VP

the phone # or email below. I look forward to meeting as many folks who help drive snowmobiling in the Northern Region as possible, you are a hard-working crew and should be proud of the jobs you do. Matt Stedman

Matt Stedman 207-557-1921 (call or text)

PO Box 621, Ashland ME 04732 Stedman.matt@jdirving.com

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