CLUB MEMBERS: 10 October 2008
As the riding season comes to a close, the Tug Hill Wheelers continue to work with Lewis County ATV Clubs and the Lewis County Trail Coordinator, in securing private property for the development of additional miles of ATV trails.
Currently we have signed on 24 Private landowners and additional landowners will be added to our Trail Program over the winter months. With the support of private land owners will allow our clubs to construct new trails and in turn we will open roads to connect to the trails.
One of the first tasks that we had to complete was the renewal of our insurance for our landowner and that went well as we renewed with the same company. Please keep in mind as we add landowners and mileage the cost of our insurance will increase and once riders have had the oppurninty to ride our trails and see all of the upgrades everyone will support our program.
Our second project of the season was the upgrading of the trail between routes 7X9 and 177. As the result of the SNIRT run we determined this trail would not handle a large amount of ATV’s after receiving any type of in climate weather. So a joint project between the Sno-Pals and Lewis County ATV Association was developed and the upgrade was completed.
The third project was the replaced of a 10X32 foot bridge located next to the Candle Light restaurant located at the Snow Ridge ski area. The cost of the materials and design was taken on by the Black River Valley Riders, Carthage. The labor force was made up of club members from the Lewis County ATV Association and Trail Coordinator, Bob Diehl. With the right pieces of equipment and a great work force the old bridge was taken out and the new bridge was constructed in one day.
The 144-Acre parcel of land is owned by John DeGuardia, owner of Timberview had to be one of the favorite riding areas this season. We have developed this area for the rider who wanted to travel through the woods and take in the views or the rider looking for a challenge. Did I mention the “MUD” I believe we have all you can handle. During October and November some logging will take place on the backside of our play ground and once the logging is completed we plan on building additional trails. When the spring riding season begins we hope to have 15 miles in this area. This area will help to alleviate the trespass and damage that is being done on State Lands (Tabbolt Corners), and places that cannot take the environmental abuse.
As winter approaches we had been without a piece of equipment that will be needed for the upkeep of our current trails. We had applied through the Yamaha grant program to purchase a compact John Deere tractor and earlier this week had been notified by Yamaha Corporation that the Tug Hill Wheelers had been selected to receive one of their Grants. So to start out the 2009 riding season we will have a 2300, four wheel drive tractor added to our inventory.
To close out a great riding season it’s my pleasure to announce that we just missed from hitting the 300 member mark. So with a little team work we all can speak with some of riders that are not a club member to join a club.
For any questions, issues or comments please contact me at
jonyon@twcny.rr.com In next months news letter we will have an update on the reforestation projects in Lewis County.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
Joseph Onyon, Vice President, Tug Hill Wheelers
