March 2009

With Every End Comes a New Beginning … Better Communication a Must!

As our snowmobile season comes to a close, so too does our business partnership with PrintComm, the current publisher of the Michigan Snowmobile News. This is the last issue of the magazine that will be published by PrintComm. Currently, a committee of MSA members is looking at where we go from here with the magazine. The committee is looking at how we can continue to offer this valuable MSA membership benefit, while keeping costs down in these tough economic times. The next time you flip through the pages of this magazine, it will most likely look different, but rest assured, we are looking at every option in terms of continuing to publish the Michigan Snowmobile News.

I would like to take the time to offer my thanks to PrintComm for the phenomenal job they have done in publishing this magazine. I would personally like to say it has been my distinct pleasure to work with the staff at PrintComm, especially managing editor Marie Grogitsky.

A Busy Few Months

The last couple of months have been busy for snowmobile events, and I’ve tried to attend as many as possible. I wasn’t able to ride at this year’s For Women Only (FWO) ride, but I was able to attend the banquet on Saturday night and offer my continued appreciation for the money these ladies raise for the Easter Seals of Michigan. This group loves to ride and their charitable commitment can be seen in the more than $2 million they have raised during the 22-year run of the event.

I didn’t ride during the FWO because I was attended a memorial ride for Trent Shrontz. There were more than 60 riders who participated in the ride, in memory of the Olivet High School sophomore, who was an avid outdoor enthusiast and loved to snowmobile. The camaraderie was awesome, as family and friends paid tribute to this young man’s memory. A very special thank you needs to go out to Dave and Deb Rogers for organizing this event.

We also had a good turnout for our annual MSA Ride In. Everyone in attendance enjoyed some great riding and time spent with friends, old and new. If you haven’t attended this event, you really should. Look to future issues of our magazine for details on the 2010 Ride In.

The Strained Relationship Continues

As so much changes and the season comes to an end, I realize that not much as changed in terms of our relationship with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).We all know that the DNR manages Michigan’s state land. Yes, proper land management is important. It seems like the DNR sometimes forgets that the land they are managing belongs to the public. It’s not the DNR’s land. It’s public land.

Many grant sponsors are at their wits end with the snowmobile program because of the lack of a good-working relationship with the DNR. Our grant sponsors continue to try and forge a relationship with their state and local DNR contacts, but those grant sponsors continue to be met with an overall attitude of “unwillingness.” DNR assignments have changed over the years, and grant sponsors are always hopefully that new contacts will be more willing to work with them. That just isn’t happening. None of this makes sense to me.

Often, when a new trail proposal is submitted by one of our grant sponsors, that proposal seems to fall into a black hole somewhere. It sits on someone’s desk, never to see the light of day. Could it be that the local DNR contact doesn’t want the trail? I sure would like an answer to that question. I will say that officials in the Lansing office did come up with a system to track new trail proposals, trying to close this black hole. Let’s hope it works.

Lack of Support for Permanent Trails

To further complicate this strained relationship, the DNR hasn’t been supportive of MSA’s permanent trails initiative and the registration increase to fund those permanent trails. MSA took up the cause, seeking funds for permanent trails, and in the eleventh hour, the DNR walked in and told legislators that they needed some of the increase to be put toward law enforcement. The DNR also said they had issues with the Snow Country Trails Conservancy holding the leases for these permanent trails. I would like to know if the DNR’s issues are really with who holds the leases for permanent snowmobile trails in Michigan, or if the DNR’s issues are with snowmobiling.

MSA is about snowmobiling. Our purpose and mission is to make sure the snowmobilers in this state have a place to ride and have a well maintained and well groomed trail system. Establishing a permanent trail system is a huge step toward a better future for snowmobiling in this state. I don’t understand why the DNR would question that.

Snowmobile Advisory Committee (SAC)

The Snowmobile Advisory Committee (SAC) was formed (by law), so that snowmobilers from around the state had a voice in the snowmobile program. The SAC was put in place to advise DNR snowmobile program mangers about snowmobile issues. In recent years, MSA has been told, more than once, that the SAC is strictly an advisory council. Program mangers keep telling members of the SAC that we have no authority. My question is what’s the use of having an advisory council if that council’s advice is often not taken?

I would like to once again, extend an invitation to DNR Director Rebecca A. Humphries and the Chief of Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division Lynne Boyd to come up and ride with the officers of MSA. They really need to see firsthand what snowmobiling is all about – from a sled, out on the trail in Michigan’s beautiful winter wonderland.

In the end, I really think what we need is better communication — open communication and a respect for each other at every level. Your MSA officers continue to extend that olive branch, but we continue to be met with some opposition. It’s easy to talk the talk, but it’s time that both sides walk the talk.

January / February 2009
 

Serious Concerns Lead to More Questions
Don Reed– PRESIDENT

Our season is now in full swing, and we have thankfully received an abundance of snow. I know most of you are probably out enjoying our favorite time of year — trailering the sleds to your family’s winter getaway or maybe even getting some riding in closer to home. While you enjoy the Winter Wonderland we call Michigan, I have one favor to ask of you. I’d like you to take some time in between rides and do a little reading. If you read nothing else in this magazine, please read this month’s Legislative Report by MSA Executive Director Bill Manson.
The report is an accurate account of what transpired in Lansing before our trail permit and registration increases were approved in December 2008. I think you will find it very interesting reading and agree that we all should be asking some serious questions of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), specifically snowmobile program managers in Lansing. We need to start doing what’s good for the program, not what’s good for the DNR.

For Their Efforts

First, let me say that MSA applauds the efforts of all of you (dedicated snowmobilers) and our state senators and representatives. You, the user, as well as our state politicians saw the need for a user-fee increase to maintain the incredible snowmobile program we have become accustomed to in Michigan. Know that you have virtually helped save the grooming of more than 6,500 miles of trail as well as a $1 billion revenue-generating program in this state. We all know how tough things are in Michigan economically, and I think you will join me in agreeing that Michigan cannot withstand another loss in revenue. Again, thank you for all of your support during this process! Our trails will be groomed during the 2009-10 season and beyond!
With that said, I think you will find Manson’s report interesting reading in terms of the entire political process. It seems there was a lot of give on our part and a lot of take on the DNR’s part. We were forced to jump through dozens of hoops, trying to get these increases approved before the state legislature recessed in December. We had to compromise on these issues or we would not have gotten anything done.

Forced to Compromise

One of those compromises was that $5 of your registration fee will now be put toward law enforcement. Simply put, $430,000 that was slated for the Michigan Snowmobile Trail Improvement Fund will now go toward law enforcement.
We would not have been able to get the registration fee increase for permanent trails approved if we didn’t agree to this stipulation. This was not MSA’s idea and something MSA did not support. We were forced into a corner, and had to support something we had some serious questions about. MSA was caught in a political struggle, and we would not have gotten this legislation approved if we didn’t go along with what the DNR snowmobile program managers in Lansing wanted. Know that the MSA leadership did what we had to do to get this increase in place for the 2009-10 season.
As your president and a snowmobiler, I now have even more serious concerns about the tactics of the DNR, especially the bureaucrats in Lansing.
MSA didn’t just wake up one day and say we need this increase. As a state association, representing snowmobilers and grant sponsors, we have spent more than a year researching, polling, asking questions and doing our homework. We took that information to our state legislators earlier this year seeking this increase and in what seemed like the eleventh hour, the DNR cried poverty for their law enforcement and sought part of the increases we were asking for.
We have also found out that a law enforcement funding formula we thought was in place was dropped from the snowmobile law in 2004. We have no idea who did this, how it happened or why, but I intend to find out.

What’s Best for Snowmobiling

MSA and its officers care deeply about snowmobiling. The only agenda we have is to make sure that the snowmobile program stays a workable program and our grant sponsors are treated properly. We will continue to discuss the six negotiation points (outlined in Manson’s column) we took to our legislators and work to do what’s best for snowmobiling. I would rather be writing about the fantastic ride I just took than about political issues and games. We’re about snowmobiling, and we needed these fee increases for snowmobiling to survive!
As an association, our mission statement states we need to promote snowmobiling, and that is what we are trying to do. DNR officials in Lansing see the program differently. We need to be on the same page and work together to promote snowmobiling in Michigan.
Every time we turn around it seems like the folks in Lansing, who are administering the snowmobile program, are making decisions that put the program in jeopardy.
They act like, “How dare we question them on anything!” I don’t believe they think we should be heard. They are not snowmobilers and decisions they are making and pushing are causing us to make serious sacrifices.
Please know that your state association is not backing down. We are still going to ask the tough questions including: What agenda do they have? And why can’t we work together to make snowmobiling in this state even better?
I offer this invitation to DNR Director Rebecca A. Humphries — let’s work together as a true team should. MSA is not going away, and trust is something that must go both ways. MSA is here for the betterment of snowmobiling, and we have no hidden agendas. Only by working together, can we make sure snowmobiling in Michigan continues as the superior winter recreation we have all come to enjoy!

October / November 2008

The Team in Teamwork Still Needs Work
Don Reed– PRESIDENT

 Historically my articles have informed you of the breakdown in the relationship with the DNR and our grooming program. I was pleased to write an article last year that the DNR had some personnel changes and announced that they were extending the hand of truce and wanted start to work as a team again.  Since then we have been on better speaking terms and communication has improved immensely.  Our working relationship is in a positive mode again.  Although we are on better speaking terms, there is still room for improvement. 

 They way I see the Team in Teamwork still needs a little work.  There is room for improvement on both sides.  We need to work on our administration and them on customer relations.

 The DNR is a government entity and the government has a system of checks and balances in their administration of things that is cumbersome and time consuming to say the least.  No one likes to deal with this, but this is something we are never going to change at our level so we must learn to deal with it.  Most of our grant sponsors are volunteers and find this paperwork difficult to adhere to.  We need to educate them as to the importance of completing paperwork properly and adhering to the deadlines.  For instance:  The annual form we fill out at the end of the season includes data reflecting the actual cost of operation for that year, i.e. the cost of fuel, repairs, maintenance and man-hours used.  This information is complied by the DNR and used to manage the budget for the next season.  If it is not completed properly then we are only hurting ourselves.  That being said, I must say that all the grant sponsors have completed and submitted this form for last season.   

 The issue, as I see it on the DNR’s side, is customer related.  They are managing the program from a forest management point of view.  I get the impression sometimes that they think the state land is theirs and we should feel privileged that they are letting us use it.  When in fact they land belongs to the people and we have employed them to manage it for us.  With my 20 years in the Air Force, the government sent me to many leadership and management classes.  They all based their teachings on communication and customer service.  As a manager you have to research your customer’s needs and encompass them in your management plan.  If your plan doesn’t meet your customer’s needs then you have failed as a manager.

 For example:  The DNR has equipment that was purchased by the program back when they were doing the grooming.  This equipment is no longer being used for grooming but is integrated in their system somewhere.  We feel the value of that equipment should have been reimbursed to the grooming program.    We asked for the whereabouts of this equipment and Mr. Wheatlake suggested they do an audit.  They have completed an audit for equipment on the grant sponsors side of the house, which we didn’t ask for.  We have yet to see the results of the audit for their side.  A typical example of communication and customer needs breakdown.

 MSA continues to work on educating the grant sponsors on the importance of their administration in the program.  Let’s face it; everyone like to groom but no one likes to do the paperwork.   We will also continue to impress upon the DNR that we are their customers and not just a speed bump in their daily regiment.  MSA working together to ‘Get er Done’.

August, 2008

It’s that time of year again! 
Don Reed– PRESIDENT

The MSEAF Super Raffle is here.  The Grand Prizes are four snowmobiles, but we also have over 100 other great items to win, so it makes sense to purchase all 12 tickets for only $10.00.  Watch your snail mail in September for all of the following information!

You may remember from last year’s raffle that all proceeds go to the Michigan Snowmobile Education and Advancement Fund (MSEAF).  The MSEAF is a partner with MSA to provide educational material about snowmobiling and safety related information such as Zero Tolerance and Safe Rider programs.

MSEAF is once again providing snowmobilers with a chance to win a new four-door 4X4 pickup truck and a new snowmobile.  On the back of the Snow Show Flyer you will find all the details to purchase your winning ticket, and at the same time help MSEAF provide educational material to young sledders. These tickets are $100 each but with only 1000 printed the odds are great!

MORE MSA INFORMATION

MSA will again be handling the Michigan Snowmobile Trail Permit.  It is still $25.00 this year, and by purchasing your permit from MSA you can help us offset our costs.  Together we can make snowmobiling in Michigan the best wintertime recreation in the Midwest!

MSA will again have a Snow Show at the Barry County Expo Center in Hastings, Mich. The dates are October 10, 11, and 12, 2008. 

With all of the special interest groups wanting to lock up all the forest lands in Michigan, you need to support us so we can represent you and fight to keep snowmobiling in Michigan the #1 winter activity.

Please join us in this crusade, if you are already a member, thank you! If not how about giving us a try, check out our web site and surf all the snowmobile information on hand. Be sure to bookmark us because lots of great stuff will be added throughout the season. Trail conditions, message boards, ask MSA and many more things to come. www.msasnow.org

MSA says, “Support those who support snowmobiling” See you on the trails.

Don Reed
President                                                                                    
Michigan Snomobile Association

June, 2008

How to keep MSA strong
Don Reed– PRESIDENT

Just like the Presidents before for me I have the some of the same concerns; How to keep MSA strong. 

The Michigan Snowmobile Association is the leader of all state snowmobile associations across the snow belt, the bar has been set high. It is not easy to be the top association recognized in North America. Remaining there will not be a walk on the beach.  We need the help of all snowmobilers.  So step up to the plate if you dare! 

The strategic planning meeting is one way to keep our organization on top, but let’s not kid ourselves our past history is also a part of the scenario.  At each of the planning meetings Bill Manson has given a quick summary of MSA’s history.  I would like to take a few minutes to thanks some of the history makers: Bill Baker, Jim Irvin, Bill Manson, Fred Egeler,  Richard  Krupp, Jim Duke, Kay Lamson,  John Griffin , Vern Dewitt , Tom Myers, Rick Brown, and Ken Scott,. These gentlemen have taken this great association and made it what it is today.  Without their dedication we would not have our trail system as it is today.  Without their foresight, we would be riding small loop trail systems. There would be no way of funding trail maintenance, new equipment, or expansion of trails!  

We have the task to keep our association strong and accountable to our members.  Snowmobilers: I challenge you to help your state association by getting new members, so we have a stronger voice in Lansing.  The folks in Lansing are not snowmobiler’s and need our guidance about the snowmobile program. We must continue to educate them. The more I speak with snowmobilers, the more confusion I see about the program and the administration.

MSA needs to be educated as well.  I would like to thank Rick Troy, Paul Anderson and George Graves for their help in organizing our SE MI focus group which will be used in the strategic planning process.

MSA has requested changes to the 09 Grant Handbook. The Handbook is the document that all Grant Sponsors must agree to and comply with in maintaining all snowmobile trails in MI. The changes proposed so far were not accepted by the DNR. Stay tuned for future E-News updates.

One last bit of info:  The DNR has transferred $400,000 from the DNR budget line to the Grant Sponsor budget line. These funds were mistakenly put in the DNR budget for grooming during the 08 season. The DNR does not currently groom any trails in the Michigan system. 

Don Reed 

March, 2008

Be a Part of the Solution
Don Reed– PRESIDENT

I don’t think of the season as ending; there are just eight months of bad sledding ahead. The season may be winding down on the trail but it continues for some of us. We have a lot on our plate for the summer months ahead. At the last Snowmobile Advisory Council (SAC) meeting, Mindy Koch from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) came to the meeting extending an olive branch to work as a team again for the best interests of snowmobiling. MSA’s leadership has always wanted a partnership, and always worked for the best interest of every snowmobiler. The SAC committee was enacted by state law years ago. It was developed to represent snowmobilers and businesses affected by snowmobiling. We know the program is far from perfect, and we are striving to continually improve it. Our grant sponsors and the state alike need a program that is user friendly — a catch 22 scenario benefits no one. In fact, it hinders the program by dividing up the team, and ultimately affects the trail system.

We Care About theSnowmobile Program

The snowmobiling community needs to stand up and shout; this is our money, we care and here is how we would like to see our program run. We would like to see the effort put forth to tailor it to the users. We want the growth of the program to be dictated by the user, which means snowmobilers. Snowmobilers expect safe and smooth connecting trails throughout the state. Now, how do we get there and stay a premier snowmobile system? The answer is simple — quality management. That means a dedicated team consisting of DNR program managers, DNR field contacts, the state association, grant sponsors, snowmobile clubs and volunteers who care. 

The grant sponsors have a huge stake in this as they need to produce a quality trail system in their area, and they are the ones who catch the flack when a rider experiences a rough trail. I consider the grant sponsors the backbone of the premier trail system we have in the state of Michigan. As snowmobilers, we have come to expect top-notch, quality trails and that puts our grant sponsors on the spot. They have a lot of work to do to stay on top. They need updated equipment, a great maintenance program and operators who care about providing a quality trail. That is a mighty big mission, so how do they do it?

Good Equipment

Too many items contribute to this mission to cover in one article. Let me touch on the equipment issue. Grant sponsors rely a lot on historical experience and continuity. They know what kinds of equipment suits their region. They understand the snow conditions in their area and the terrain. The days of grooming three days a week with an Alpine Ski-Doo are gone forever. There isn’t a piece of equipment out there that is specifically designed for trail grooming. The equipment we are using is designed for ski hill applications or farming. This causes continuous maintenance and wear and tear issues. The program has elevated to 100 percent grant coverage for new equipment with a $150,000 cap. We are still working on getting 100 percent coverage for major repairs. This is a concern as trail permit and registration sales dictate the amount of monies used for new equipment each year. Low snowfalls, the state economy and other influences have decreased these sales causing a ripple effect in new equipment purchases.

Groomer replacement was down this year to only seven verses the norm of approximately 20. Consequently, grant sponsors have been dealing with excessive maintenance costs to keep their equipment on the trails. The ripple effect continues as this means less time on the trails due to repairs and less trade in values for the equipment. One of our goals this year is to get major repair costs covered 100 percent for groomers old enough to be replaced, but fell below the funding line to be replaced. The cost of equipment has sky rocketed, and we need to tailor our program accordingly.

For Their Efforts

That being said, I would like to end my monthly columns in the future by recognizing a few dedicated volunteers who make a difference in your ride. This month, I would like to recognize Dale Declare, groomer coordinator for the Jordan Valley Council; Bob Eller, president of the Alpena Snowmobile Club and Bruce Berry, groomer operator for the Seney Snowmobile Association. Two thumbs up to these gentlemen for their efforts in making a difference. If you know of someone in your area who goes that extra mile for our trail system, let me know, and I will do my best to recognize them. Keep the track side down!

February, 2008 

Accountability
Don Reed– PRESIDENT

My phone has been ringing off the hook about the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) finding $10 million to operate with. Everyone is concerned whether there is snowmobile money in this mystery money. For the past 2-1/2 years the state program administration (DNR) has had issues of accountability with the grant sponsors. They were concerned that funds were being requested for grooming that wasn’t being performed. They have taken steps to ensure this doesn’t happen, and I think this is a positive thing.

I have explained in past articles that snowmobiling is self-sufficient, funded solely by money from snowmobilers through trail stickers and registrations. It is important that we have methods in place to ensure our money is being spent wisely. This has created more paperwork, of course, for grant sponsors. As most grant sponsor secretaries are, my grant sponsor secretary (my wife) is not too thrilled about this. It has also gotten the DNR field contact involved at the local level, which has been a positive thing. Overall the grant sponsors do a great job of reporting their costs back to the program, and checks and balances in any program are a must.

Providing Safe Trails

For me to explain all the details is impossible in this article. We have great grant sponsors. Some don’t understand the workings of the program, but hey ... I get confused at times, and that is why we have MSA — to assist the average snowmobiler who has volunteered his time in this program to provide safe trails for all who ride.

Being a snowmobiler myself, logging 4,300 miles last year, I understand snowmobilers want the best bang for their buck. When the groomers are out, they need to be cutting moguls and not just going through the motions. When volunteers are out brushing and signing, they need to picture the trail as it is in the winter and not half-stepping on the job. We as snowmobilers expect to have smooth, safe trails; that’s what we pay our $25 for. But it doesn’t end there. The cost of doing business has gone up.

We replaced seven groomers this season, which is half of what we do normally — a direct result of lower trail permit sales, inflation of equipment cost and higher construction costs for maintenance projects.

Looking For Accountability

The good ole days of a grant sponsor replacing a bridge or culvert without engineers involved has long gone. This raises the construction cost. Now a project that used to cost $25,000 can cost $85,000–$140,000. Not just for the engineering fees, but for the extra construction requirements required by different state functions — DEQ, forest certification and Natural Rivers. Of course, I have to mention that this process causes a lot of extra time on the grant sponsor for administration and construction monitoring that they don’t get reimbursed for. The grant sponsor doesn’t get paid for administration fees like the DNR does. This brings me back to accountability; that goes two ways.

Regardless of our trail permit sales, the DNR takes an increasing amount of money to administer the grant program. I know that the Snowmobile Advisory Committee (SAC) has asked for a breakdown of this cost requirement and has yet to receive it. It is not unreasonable for us to request to see where our money is going.

Some might think my articles are all negative, but I like to think of them as proactive. My business gives me face time to talk to snowmobilers at a more personal level. This has made me realize that most snowmobilers don’t understand the intricacies of the program. As I take the time to explain things, you can see the lights go on. So I have made it my personal agenda to inform the public. It’s a big task, but we have to educate Johnny Joe Sledder. For you Yamaha riders (that means you Chuck McGathy) that’s Johnny skeptical.

We’re in This Together

We all want what is good for snowmobiling. Grant sponsors want a program that’s user friendly, and snowmobilers want their money put on the trails, not in some bureaucrat’s paycheck or their hidden agenda slush fund. MSA wants all of the above and a partnership with the state that works. We are in the same boat; let’s row together. So let’s get new members and you active members come to our meetings and get the straight talk; not from some Web site/chat room that is just hearsay. MSA meeting dates can be found on page 7. Get ‘r’ Done and Keep the Track Side Down!

P.S Call me and I’ll give anyone the straight talk with no hidden agendas. Cell: (906) 287-0259.

January 1, 2008 

Who’s Who?
Don Reed– PRESIDENT

First off, I would like to thank everyone for expressing their confidence in me by electing me to represent you as president this year. MSA is known nationwide for its organization, and Michigan continues to be used as a leader and example to other states for the management of our trail system. I am truly honored to be a part of this.

I would also like to thank Ken Scott for the work he has done as president and for asking me to support him as his vice for the past two years. He accomplished many positive things during his reign and made a big difference in our organization. He may have moved to the position of immediate past president, but his leadership has not pasted. As a continued member on our executive board, his knowledge and guidance will still be an integral part of our organization.

Jim Dickie will have my back as vice president. He has organizational experience from his local club, the Chesaning Area Snowmobile Association, and a lot of enthusiasm for snowmobiling. He is eager to get more involved, and I welcome him aboard.

Dale Israel has stepped down as secretary after 24 years of dedicated service. He and his wife Niki have been at every volunteer function I have attended since my involvement in MSA, which is a lot less than 24 years. He jumped in with two feet and never stopped running; that kind of dedication is hard to come by these days. His experience, knowledge, and dedication will be remembered and sorely missed. Thanks for all both of you have given, and given up, for snowmobiling. I am quite sure that we will still see you guys at most of the functions and probably still in a volunteer capacity.

Your New Secretary

 That leads me into welcoming aboard our newly elected secretary, Bruce Wood. Bruce hails from the Jordan Valley Council and of course is a snowmobile enthusiast. He also brings grooming experience to the team. Bruce shares equal enthusiasm with motorcycles. You’ll probably come to recognize him at all the summer events on his Harley. Welcome to the executive board Bruce.

My personal enthusiasm for snowmobiling brings me to wear many different hats. Other than president of MSA, I am also the president of my local club (Seney Snowmobile Association), run our local grooming operation, groom myself as often as I can and am a business owner who understands snowmobiling’s economic impact. Trying to keep the proper hat on when I write these articles is sometimes difficult. My passion for snowmobiling is strong, and they tend to bleed over each other sometimes.

MSA Represents Snowmobiling

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has accused MSA of stirring the pot with the Grant Handbook, saying the grant sponsors didn’t have a problem with it before we brought it up. MSA was originally developed to represent snowmobilers at the state level, and that’s what we are doing. The grant sponsors came to us with their concerns, and we reacted. They are the backbone of snowmobiling as we know it. They are responsible for, and do all the maintenance and grooming of the trails — not to mention the countless volunteer hours they put in and the fundraisers they organize to keep things going. Being involved in my local club, I can relate to this; I know what it takes. I have the ultimate respect for these guys and gals. I hope that during my reign as president our paths may cross, so I can personally thank them.

I know not everyone is cut out to be involved at the level I am, but I encourage all snowmobilers to at least become a member of their local club and MSA. Showing your support in us by becoming a member means more than you know; not only for the financial backing to maintain our efforts, but for the strength in numbers that we represent. And for all of you enthusiasts, I will strive to represent you as president of MSA to the best of my ability. Keep the Track Side Down! 

December 1, 2007

Thank You All
by Ken Scott

There’s a saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun,” and it couldn’t be more fun for me and my time as an MSA officer. Serving two years as vice president and two years as president have flown by, and it seems just like yesterday when I became an officer. It has been an honor and a privilege to be part of this great organization. Gail and I were talking (on the way home from the MSA Hastings Snow Show) about how different our lives would be if we weren’t snowmobilers and involved in organized snowmobiling. We have met and become friends with so many fine people over the last 20 plus years. Many friendships have developed into what we feel will be life-long friendships. After I became an officer, we had the opportunity to meet and get to know snowmobilers from not only the U.S., but from Canada, Sweden and Russia. Snowmobilers are great people!

Volunteers Make It Happen

 I think I will remember the volunteers who make MSA the organization it is the most. Without their dedication and passion for the way we recreate, Michigan wouldn’t be the leader and force it is. It never fails to amaze me — the people who meet the challenge and step up to the plate when a call for volunteers to help on a particular project is made. These volunteers are dedicated, honest and hard working people, but they still know how to have fun.

The grant sponsors are also really special. Many may have snowmobiled at one time and many never snowmobiled, but they are volunteers who work tirelessly year round trying to keep our trail system the best it can be. They take tremendous pride in providing a smooth ride and a great experience every time you get on your sled and take to the trail.

After attending a meeting with the DNR on Nov. 8 in Lansing (facilitated by members of the National Resources Commission), a compromise was reached regarding the equipment specifications in 2008 Handbook for the grooming grant sponsors. However, the written adjustments have not been reviewed at the time of publication, and grant agreements have not been reached or signed by grant sponsors. With snowmobiling providing so much to winter tourism and most of the work and effort provided by volunteers, I hope the groundwork has now been laid so that more of a “we” relationship can exist between the DNR, MSA and grant sponsors rather than an “us” versus “them” situation.

At a recent meeting it was said that snowmobilers are “passionate” about their activity, and indeed we are! We pay our own way! There is NO money in our fund that hasn’t come from snowmobilers. As I leave office, my one major hope is that the problems facing our grant sponsors will soon be resolved in a fair and equitable manner for snowmobiling and all it provides the state. Perhaps it is time to have the snowmobile program become privatized without all of the bureaucracy and cost attached to a state-managed grant.

New Officers Need Your Support

It is with deep appreciation that I thank your officers and board of directors for all their help and support during these last two years; and especially to my wife, Gail, for all her help, support and tolerance with me through some trying times. Your new officers will need you and your participation, so try and get involved. Work hard to sign up new members, think snow and promote safe riding. I hope to see some new faces as I attend the meetings and continue to work for the betterment of our organization.

Happy Holidays and have a great and safe snow year! See you down the trail …

November 1, 2007

Just My Thoughts ...
by Ken Scott

As my term as your president winds down, I would like to share my hopes for the future of the Michigan Snowmobile Association. It is always easy at the beginning of a term to be so optimistic as to think that during your reign you can change the world. Just as my predecessors, I found that it is a team effort, and we are here only to continue the ideas and efforts of those who walked in these shoes before us. There are new and increased challenges of different colors, but we are here to better snowmobiling as a whole and keep snowmobiling a viable form of activity for the future.

First and foremost is membership! We have to find a way to increase membership in MSA. Single and family memberships have increased somewhat; however commercial memberships have declined sharply. Our membership chairperson and his committee have worked diligently to find ways to attract new members. We need current members to help recruit new people. If each member signed up one friend, relative or acquaintance who snowmobiles, our organization would benefit greatly.

Yes, I know the snowfall has a big bearing on interest, but the business of snowmobiling goes on and we need your support. The stronger our numbers, the more we are heard in Lansing and Washington, D.C., when issues affecting the way we recreate are at stake.

New Council Formed

 Many MSA members belong to clubs, which in turn belong to councils throughout the state. Our Board of Directors is elected from these councils. I’m very happy to announce that a new council has been formed in southeastern Lower Michigan. This has been a longtime goal and it has finally happened! Welcome to the Southeast Michigan Council, and we are looking forward to your representation at our meetings.

Fundraising to keep our organization solvent is a constant source of concern. The Super Raffle for the four sleds has helped support many of our activities, but we need additional income. Your officers and directors have been working hard to come up with some new ideas to generate income. New fundraisers this year include a Michigan Snowmobile Education and Advancement Fund (MSEAF) cruise raffle, a MSEAF group cruise sale, address labels, a memorial/honorarium fund, snowmobile note/Christmas cards and more. We expect these ideas to bear fruit. If you have any other ideas or projects that you feel could help keep MSA financially sound, please let us know.

Safety and good trails go hand in hand. Michigan has come a long way as far as reducing accidents. There is still much to be done. Zero Tolerance, riding at a reasonable speed, peer pressure, staying on your side of the trail, adequate law enforcement and safety education all contribute. Respecting private property, staying on the trail, obeying local laws and keeping the trail clean makes snowmobile riding the experience we all want. It only takes a few outlaws to result in trail closure and loss, especially on private land. It also results in unfavorable press! My wish is for everyone to be able to ride a smooth trail and enjoy what our trail system has to offer (come on snow!) without worrying about meeting someone riding on or over the edge.

A Strong United Voice

Our trail system is under constant pressure from radical, non-motorized groups. They don’t like us, are well funded and have one mindset — keeping us from enjoying our choice of recreation. This will be an ongoing fight. It will not get any easier or less costly to fight this faction. My hope for the future is a strong united voice of the Michigan Snowmobile Association, a voice that can be heard loud and clear wherever it is needed to move snowmobiling forward in the years to come.

May Mother Nature send us some good snow early and throughout our favorite time of year. It is about time we had a good snow year. Your grant sponsors are facing some very difficult challenges this year — other than worrying about the snowfall. They would certainly welcome your participation. Maybe I will see you on the trail as I plan to do more riding.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

October 1, 2007

A Little of This
and a Little of That ...
by Ken Scott

With our season rapidly approaching, I would like to jump around a bit and cover several things that have been on my mind - so bear with me.

Let’s Talk Safety

First — safety! Last season was again safer for Michigan, with fewer fatalities and accidents. However, we need to continue stressing “Zero Tolerance” while riding, controlling speed and being responsible for our own actions. Our membership is a small portion of the total snowmobile community (wish it was larger), so we as the choir must preach to the congregation to “ride safe.” We require our young people to take a safety training class, then the media talks about accidents where speed and alcohol were involved — setting a bad example for them. We have improved, but we can still do better.

Respect Landowners

Second – respect private property! The majority of snowmobilers stay on the trail and respect landowners who have given us permission to use their land. This includes state and national forests. There are always a few people who look at the wide-open farmer’s field or a hill in a national forest and think, “What the heck!” and ride off the trail. Who does this affect? It affects all of us. We are now labeled “trespassers.” When you, as a member of MSA, see this going on, don’t be shy about confronting the offenders. If we don’t speak up, the consequences aren’t good. Another trail closes! We need to be proactive.

Keeping MSA Strong

Third – support MSA! Like many other entities in Michigan, we have to take a hard look at how we run our organization. Our commercial memberships have dropped and the single and family memberships are stagnant. Your directors are working in many areas to keep us a strong and viable voice for the snowmobilers of Michigan. This is our 25th anniversary year, and we are striving to increase our membership,
so we can continue to grow as an organization. With your help, let’s see if we can increase those numbers.

Supporting MSEAF

Also, your directors have decided to support MSEAF with an additional raffle.
A raffle that we’re hoping will appeal to snowmobilers as well as non-snowmobilers.

Thinking outside the box, we are hoping that a cruise raffle (including airfare and insurance) will appeal to you as well as your friends and family who don’t snowmobile. The raffle will be limited to 300 tickets, selling for $100 each. Now, if the cruise in the raffle isn’t the cruise of your dreams or it isn’t a good time to go, you may opt for a gift card that does not expire. This gift card equals the value of the advertised cruise package. You can apply this to a cruise of your choice.

To offset some of the cost of the raffle, we are also promoting a spring cruise sale. Talk it up and we can make this work. What are you going to do when the snow melts? Be thinking about someone you can relax with after spending the cold weather months riding. I can picture couples basking in the sun remembering the great rides they had last winter. After all, snowmobile friends aren’t just cold weather friends.

Silver Anniversary Celebration

Lastly — our Silver Anniversary Convention! Our 25th anniversary comes around only once, and our chairman, “The Real” Jim Duke, has been really working
to make this celebration something to remember. Shanty Creek has been remodeled and from the pictures I’ve seen, it looks great. Please try to attend, vote in the election of officers and support MSA. There are new challenges every day for MSA, and rest assured we are working hard on behalf of all our best interests.

Yeah, I jumped around a lot. I hope there is a message here for all of you; we need you and your support. See you in Shanty Creek. Think snow!  e

September 1, 2007

Looking Forward to the New Season
by Ken Scott

It’s summertime and the living is supposed to be easy. I’m sitting in 85-degree weather writing my article for this issue  thinking snow. It’s hard to think about snowmobiling, but before we turn around twice our favorite season will be here. If wishes were snowflakes, we would have tons of snow this winter. After a couple of seasons that were less than we had hoped, we are due for a good ‘ole Michigan winter.

However, the business continues and your association has been quite active — even in the off-season. Last April, we again spent three days in Washington, D.C., meeting with our elected officials and others. This was another successful trip for our delegation, which is now well recognized in the halls of Congress.

The camp out provided a great time with ideal weather, but attendance was about half — down compared to other years. I think that $3 a gallon gas probably had a lot to do with the turn out, even though it was held in the southwestern lower. Golfing, tubing, a potluck, bonfire, kids’ games and good old-fashioned camaraderie were the highlights. “Hat’s off” to Mike Melton and Rob King for a job well done with this year’s camp out.

MSA will have again been at Nelson’s Sno Motion in late August. We hope the attendance will be up as opposed to August 2006. Attendance reflects the benefit to MSA for volunteering at this event.

Upcoming MSA Events

Our Hastings MSA Snow Show is set for Oct. 12-14, 2007, at the Barry County Fairgrounds. We will again be looking for volunteers to donate their time to help make the show a success. Anyone interested, please contact the MSA office for information. We always have room for more vendors. The swap meet gets bigger every year and it is good place to pick up bargains or sell items.

This is our 25th Anniversary Year for MSA and our convention and general membership meeting, Oct. 26-28, 2007, will reflect this in earnest! This is going to be “a very special event” promises Chairman and Past-President, Jim Duke. He has contests planned that will pit club against club, an auction, entertainment, lots of prizes and much, much more. I am hoping for a large turnout as a silver anniversary only comes around once. Please plan on coming to Shanty Creek and bring your member friends for the big bash. Also, the annual election of officers will take place on Sunday and your vote is very important, if you want a say in who will be representing your snowmobiling interests for MSA.

Last winter the shortage of snow in most areas during December and January put a real damper and strain on our season. The number of trail permits sold was down substantially, which will affect our 2007-08 grooming season. It has also affected our membership — especially our commercial members. We know commercial members appreciate snowmobile business and MSA needs their membership support so we can continue to work on things that will keep our trail system number one in the U. S.

Be Part of the Solution

Our Super Raffle is in progress and I urge you to put forth an extra effort for selling tickets. This is a major fundraiser and there is an endless list of prizes again this year. Clubs and members please put on your selling hats and support the Michigan Snowmobile Education and Advancement Fund (MSEAF). Your board is also working on some other non-dues income items that will be announced in future issues.

Our next meeting will be Sept. 22, 2007, at 9 a.m. at Audie’s Restaurant (back meeting room) in Mackinaw City. New faces are always welcome to come and participate in the business of MSA. “If you are not part of the solution, then you may be part of the problem.” Please make the effort to attend and be involved.

Get out and help the grant sponsors get the trails ready for riding and enjoy the fall weather. Hope to see you at the big 25th for the best convention ever! e

February 1, 2007

Looking Forward
by Ken Scott

Well, at this point I should be riding; however Mother Nature has been very stingy with the snow. The Western U.P. seems to have the only snow and that’s minimal at best. Hopefully when you read this article conditions will have improved for the better and you’ve all been on a smooth trail somewhere in Michigan enjoying what we love best. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors and Officers, I would personally like to thank all the contributors to our Michigan Snowmobile Education & Advancement Fund Raffle. Check out the Super Rafle Page for the complete listing. Without their support, the fund would not be able to function and many of our education and safety programs could not exist. We hope our relationship will continue and grow. Again, “thank you” to all. Please remember to patronize these contributors when you are in their area as they are supporting us in a big way. 

During 2007, MSA will be working on many issues to keep Michigan a great state for snowmobiling.  
 

 ·         Noise is a major conflict/complaint in many communities. So we will be working on getting sound legislation passed and added to our current laws.

 ·         We will work with the Snowmobile Advisory Committee on a 10- year budget to support Michigan’s trail system.

 ·         Work will continue with state and local officials to get portions of permanent trail (railroad grades) reopened that have been blocked by ownership disputes. 

 ·         Keeping abreast of access issues in Michigan, nationally and internationally, as many are not just state issues, is a very important item. 

 ·         Snow Country Trails Conservancy was able to recently acquire a nine-mile portion of abandoned railroad in the northwest Lower Peninsula. It’s a small start, but it’s progress.  

 ·         Our Membership Chairman, Denny Zoet, and Co-Chair, David Low, have been working extremely hard to increase our membership. We need to grow! Read about the new contest they have devised for membership and the great prizes that will be given out. 

 ·         Our presence in Lansing and Washington, D.C., will continue. It is so important to let our legislators know about our concerns.

 ·         The numbers show that the “Zero Tolerance” program is working and we will continue to support “Zero Tolerance” and safety. 

 ·         Your Directors and Officers will be available to hear your ideas because we want many more of you involved in the forward direction we must go to continue to be a benchmark organization. 

As the year progresses, I will try to keep you updated on any new issues as they appear. 

Please check our meeting schedule and attend a meeting. I am looking forward to getting acquainted with more of you. Perhaps we will meet on the snow or at the Ride In in February. Officers will be attending Trail Stops in January at Raco in the U.P. and in Millersburg in the northeast Lower Peninsula — weather permitting. The Groomer Workshop is the first weekend in March in Wetmore. You can find more info in the magazine or on the Web site. 

Looking forward to a fruitful 2007 for all. Ride safe!

Upside/Downside
by Ken Scott

 January 8, 2007

Letters, We Get Letters and E-Mails

We are constantly looking for the best way to provide the best trails we can without wearing out the volunteers who maintain the trail grooming operations.

Your comments and thoughts are most welcome and give me ideas for these articles knowing what your concerns are. Numerous e-mails and correspondence have come in regarding increasing the trail permit cost and the groomer replacement program.

There are 60 plus grant sponsors responsible for maintaining Michigan’s trail system. Many, but not all, are clubs made up of volunteers. The others are Chambers of Commerce and Convention Bureaus. Without sounding repetitive, many of these clubs cannot buy new equipment without borrowing their part of the purchase price from a lending institution. Groomers (ag tractors, tracked vehicles, etc.) are now running $150,000 to $165,000 per unit. Drags cost up to $10,000 or more. These units in many cases wear out or become maintenance burdens plus have little or no trade-in value when kept over five years. Thus small clubs never become debt free, just more in debt. The only alternative is that they cannot afford the cost to continue to groom. This (among other things) was the reasoning to pay 100 percent of the groomer/drag cost.

When looking at the different types of machines available (tracked, ag tractors, etc), it was felt that the program would be best served to roll over the tracked vehicles at 3,000 hours or three years — whichever comes first. There are other guidelines incorporated in the plan that addresses areas with shorter grooming seasons and snow. Equipment dealers advised us that this turnover would be most cost effective and not glut the market. The units would have the best trade-in value and should be relatively free from major repairs. Many of the units in the U.P. and Northern Lower Peninsula operate six to seven days a week, 18-24 hours a day; it doesn’t take long for the hours to build up. It was felt with the higher trade-in values and lower repair costs our grant sponsors will be able to have better equipment resulting in better trails — provided Mother Nature cooperates. 

Some comments that I received said that farm tractors last 8-10 years on a farm. That’s true, but most don’t operate the hours and under the conditions a groomer does. The application is entirely different.

This is a nutshell look at where the program is headed. A lot of thought, time and effort from all sides were exercised. The program is still in its infancy and will experience changes as it continues to evolve. We are constantly looking for the best way to provide the best trails we can without wearing out the volunteers who maintain the trail grooming operations. Watch for additional updates in this magazine as we progress. 

Admiring Michigan’s Beauty 

One of our snowmobile friends from Pennsylvania and I were reminiscing the other day about rides we enjoyed together. We talked about how we would admire all the beauty we experienced on a day’s ride. We felt this had changed somewhere along the way. Some like to ride fast to see how many miles they can go in a day, unaware of what they are missing. Michigan trails offer so much diverse beauty from the Porkies to the Kingston Plains, to the Jordan Valley and more. What better way to spend a winter day or week than taking a leisurely ride with friends and family to enjoy what nature has blessed on us? What a great way to introduce new people to snowmobiling and show them why we are so passionate about what we do! Please take time this month to look around you as you ride and inhale the crisp air (I can’t say “smell the machines” anymore), admire and savor all the magnificence out there along the trail. Rediscover for yourself the wonder of our state. 

I look forward to talking to you at our trail stops and the Ride-In at the Soo.

Ken

Snowmobiling is the major winter recreation in Michigan.

  MSA, along with grant holders, has been hard at it trying to get our trail system ready for the upcoming season. As I told you last month, the snowmobile program is going to finance groomers and drags 100 percent (with a cap). That is really good news. In the future, this will save the grant holders from running to the bank to finance their equipment, forcing them to be in debt most of the time. As groomer costs continue to increase, it was felt this was a good way to continue having the best equipment out there. That relates to good trails as long as Mother Nature sends us lots of white stuff. Funding for this program is still in the planning stage, but progress is being made.

 Frustration Mounts

 Now, the downside! As we talk with grant holders, we are hearing frustration with the inability to get new trails, reroutes, bridges, etc. done in a timely manner. Reams of paperwork, meetings with landowners, meetings with county road commissions, meetings with township boards, meetings with Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) personnel and more takes hours, weeks, and months of volunteer time.

 It seems that we must now look at new bridges and other special maintenance projects taking two years or more to complete. An approved firm must engineer most projects. The DEQ must approve the design and issue a permit. Seven page forms to apply for a culvert or bridge seems like overkill. Bidding the bridge cost and excavation work must be advertised and a low bidder selected. Each grant holder is responsible for doing most of the paper work — done again by volunteers.

 If the DNR contact person is on vacation, no one fills in for them and paperwork just sits until he/she returns and catches up. Also, if the contact person is off fighting fires (their primary job) this can cause further delays. I, personally, would like to see one DNR person dedicated SOLELY to the snowmobile program year round as well as a field contact for each area dedicated only to snowmobiling. The present system is not fair to the field contact personnel or the snowmobile program.

 Get to Know Your Local Politicians

 Getting in and out of towns and populated areas can be a dogfight. While the business people want us, some residents don’t. With state government putting greater emphasis on tourism, you would think those trails into towns would be a no-brainer. This isn’t always the case! Use of county roads for snowmobile travel seems to be a constant problem. A road commission or township board will decide to close a road without regard to the economic effect it might have on some businesses. As you can see, knowing your local politicians is extremely important too.

 Snowmobiling is THE major winter recreation in Michigan. It would seem, given that the major portion of the work supporting it is done by volunteers, the administration of the snowmobile program would be made as simple and easy as possible.

 Enough already! Next time you are out riding in Mother Nature’s beauty, remember trails don’t just happen. Your interest and participation is so important. You don’t purchase the trail with the machine. Snowmobiling has now become big business with all the tribulations that go with big business. Thank goodness for all the dedicated volunteers who are still fighting to keep Michigan’s snowmobile trails number one in the United States. We think it is worth it!

 Think Snow!

    Snowmobile trails in Michigan are open from December 1^st through March 31^st.

The Michigan Snowmobile Association is a volunteer organization dedicated to the
improvement of the sport of snowmobiling in Michigan.