Durham enthusiasts urged to develop their own off-road routes
DURHAM -- All-terrain vehicle enthusiasts are being urged to stay off snowmobile trails this winter.
Both the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and the Ontario Federation of All-Terrain Vehicle Clubs (OFATV) are requesting ATV riders refrain from using OFSC trail systems until grooming operations stop next spring.
"OFSC trails are paid for and operated for snowmobilers, not ATV riders who do not buy snowmobile trail permits," said OFSC general manager Ron Purchase.
"ATVers must either develop their own trails for winter use or ride on trails other than those maintained by OFSC clubs. Better yet, why not join us on a snowmobile?"
Riding an ATV on OFSC trails' not only can cause surface damage the ATV operator does not pay to repair, but can also have other equally serious results, the snowmobile organization argues. Many snowmobile trails exist thanks to the generosity of private property owners who have agreed to allow snowmobiles on their land.
However, this permission does not extend to ATVs, so any ATVs trespassing on OFSC trails across private land may cause landowner problems for the local snowmobile club.
"ATV riders trespassing on OFSC snowmobile trails this winter is part of a much larger issue that needs to be addressed co-operatively by the OFSC and the OFATV," commented Purchase.