The ITS: Volunteers Made It

BY Al Swett

Snowmobiling in Maine started back in the 1950’s and 1960’s without a trail system. Today
out Maine Trail Network is a destination point for riders from all over
the United States and Canada. Our Interconnecting Trail System, or ITS as
we call it, stretches from the deep South to the North Maine woods.

The Network
Along with the club’s trails this ITS network is the Main Line. The
snowmobile clubs do their best making the trails, sometimes reroutes are
necessary. Landowners may not want us on their property and
unfortunately a new trail has to be made. It’s very costly and labor
intensive. Many of our clubs are facing time which is old age. We need
young folks to join a club and give us a helping hand. Many volunteers
have been building bridges, clubhouses, working on groomers and drags,
doing the signing, brush cutting and keeping the routine life of a
volunteer.

They have cook outs, raffles, bake sales to raise money to
help with costs. This is why its necessary to join a club and help.
Without these folks Maine trails would be in horrible condition and or
closed. The Maine Snowmobile Association has been around for over 55
years. The MSA has over 280 clubs. A few pioneers got together back
then and formed the Association.

Job Done

The association has a great group of snowmobilers
that get it done and has made Maine a true destination stop. In fact, Maine
is ranked the third best place to ride in the USA. That’s quite an
honor. Built by volunteer’s that do trail work, host public suppers, get
bills passed in the Augusta and keep their clubs professionally in
order. There’s lots of behind the scene actions  that people are not
aware of. Dealing with landowners are top priority. If it was not for
their generosity we’d be out of business.

Private Land

Over 95% of our trails are on
private land. Some clubs deal with a few landowners, others, especially
the smaller ones in cities, could have 30 or more. It’s a chore getting
approvals to ride and communicating with them about their property.
But, we have some of the best landowners that know the value of our
sport.

The MSA and University of Maine have an ongoing study about the
economic impact of Maine Snowmobiling. It’s in the $700 million window of
revenue for the state. We have supporting businesses statewide that
contribute to the MSA clubs. Whether it be a donated item for a club
raffle or a deal on diesel or fuel for their groomers, these folks are
the best.

Many clubs would be thankful for any help you could give them. Join a
club get out and enjoy the Maine woods with a group of awesome people.
With over 14,000 miles of trails, you can start in Lebanon and end up in
Madawaska!

Our trails are Maine built by generations of real true snowmobilers that
have a passion statewide to make folks smile when they visit to ride!
Be safe out there!

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