The Manitoba Driver, from Manitoba Public Insurance
March 2008

About 300 words
Stick to marked trails and respect private land, sledders urged

Melting snow and the absence of groomers will soon hasten the deterioration of many of the province’s snowmobile trails. But that’s not an open invitation for snowmobilers to trespass on private land, say safety experts with Manitoba Public Insurance and a provincial snowmobiling organization.

“Trespassing on private land is absolutely wrong,” says Duncan Stokes, the Executive Director of Snoman, the Snowmobilers of Manitoba.

“Snowmobilers can be charged with trespassing if the landowner makes a complaint with local police authorities. About 30 per cent of our trails, particularly in the central and western regions, go over private land. But we also have more than 2,000 private-land owner agreements.” Snoman represents 50 provincial snowmobile clubs and thousands of Manitoba riders.

With some trails soon to turn slushy or grass covered due to warmer temperatures, many snowmobilers may view an open, snow-covered field as a new playground. In fact, snowmobilers travelling over a field could cause dramatic economic and environmental damage, Stokes says.

“Many fields have a winter crop, which can be damaged and destroyed because of snowmobile travel,” he said. “Seeds can also get caught up in the track or skis and literally be dragged from one area to another. This can compromise a crop. There are many far-reaching effects that come into play.”

Sticking to groomed, maintained trails is also the best safety choice, says Clif Eden, Manager of Road Safety for Manitoba Public Insurance.

“Once a snowmobiler goes off trail, they are testing the unknown,” says Eden. “Many snow-covered fields have large rocks, wire fences and pieces of equipment that can cause serious injury. Manitoba’s trail system is the safest choice.”

People wanting more information about Manitoba’s snowmobiling scene can go to www.snoman.mb.ca, or for safety tips www.mpi.mb.ca.

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© 2008 Manitoba Public Insurance

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Making safety a priority out on the snowmobile trails this winter will keep you happily sledding for years to come.

Photo courtesy of Manitoba Public Insurance