February is National Snowmobile Environment Month, and the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is reminding trail riders that snowmobilers have a collective interest in keeping nature beautiful. To do so, riders must snowmobile responsibly to foster a safe environment by protecting and preserving the land, forest and fauna.
This proactive behaviour will help ensure that future generations can enjoy recreational riding on OFSC Prescribed Snowmobile Trails for years to come says an OFSC news release.
"National Snowmobiling Environment Month also celebrates the ongoing stewardship accomplishments of our member clubs and volunteers. These ongoing initiatives include effective trail planning to protect sensitive habitats and species, control erosion, protect rivers and streams with bridges and culverts, plus activities such as seeding, tree planting, working with provincial ministries and environment groups, and ongoing education and outreach efforts within the snowmobiling community," says the release.
“We are stewards of the trails we have the privilege of enjoying each winter”, said Ryan Eickmeier, OFSC CEO. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure we can continue to co-exist with the natural environment in which we ride, and all that inhabit it.”
To snowmobile responsibly, every rider must make a personal commitment to treat Mother Nature respectfully and be sensitive to our surroundings on every ride. Keeping nature beautiful means being responsible to:
Stay On The Trail: The OFSC reminds snowmobilers that the safe environmental choice is to stay on the trail. Trail riding minimizes any impact on the natural setting where we are transient guests, while also not disturbing crops and livestock. OFSC trails exist to provide defined and organized corridors that are safer for riders and for the environment while minimizing any damage caused by random off-trail riding.
Only Ride Available Trails: Shown in Red on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide (ITG), unavailable trails are not yet ready for snowmobile travel. The reasons for a trail being unavailable to ride include insufficient frost and snow to protect the ground, swamps, bogs, and creeks not being frozen, and clubs still working to complete the required trail preparations for safe and environmentally-friendly sledding.
Respect Sensitive Areas: Snowmobilers should avoid environmentally sensitive or protected habitats by sticking to OFSC trails.
Protect Wildlife: Animals are more vulnerable in winter, so keep your distance and leave them alone.
Leave Tracks, Not Trash: If you had space to bring it in, then respect nature by carrying it out with you.
Embrace Best Available Technology: New advanced technology snowmobiles run more efficiently and effectively, use less fuel and oil, operate with virtually no smoke or smell, and run quieter too.
Maintain Your Sled: A well-tuned snowmobile is more environmentally friendly, reliable, and safer to ride.
Leave It Stock: Installing aftermarket pipes on your sled is not only illegal but also creates unnecessary noise pollution that disturbs wildlife and humans.
