NH Snowmobile Association Introduces Trail Preservation Initiative

TILTON — Sometimes the path well-traveled is the best path to follow. With an influx of new riders, the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association wants to remind everyone to stay on the trail.

The goal of the Trail Preservation Initiative is to keep snowmobilers on the trails and discourage illegal off-trail excursions, protecting the land, habitats, and respecting the landowners. With more than 70 percent of New Hampshire's snowmobile trails on private property, the key to maintaining our trail access is to respect landowners and their property.

"The local clubs have cultivated a trail network of over 7,000 miles,” said NHSA President, Chris Runnals. "It's taken 50 years to get to this point, we ask riders to protect, respect and preserve our snowmobile trails."

Off-trail riding damages property. A small ride through a clear-cut can destroy new tree growth for years to come. Damaging the tops of saplings will negatively affect future timber values of those trees. A short foray through a freshly planted hayfield can set a farmer into a financial tailspin.

Designated trails are the safest places to ride. According to NH Fish and Game, "Off-trail riding can be dangerous. When you venture off-trail, you don’t know what is under that powder. You are likely to encounter anything from blowdowns to large protruding rocks and tree stumps, even stone walls."

Trespassing is the number one complaint from landowners and is the leading cause of lost snowmobile access. Land adjacent to snowmobile trails is off limits. Just because there are tracks off the trail does not mean that an area is open or legal. The trail map, at nhsa.com, steers riders in the right direction.

Through a grant from the TC Energy Foundation, NH snowmobile clubs will be posting new “Don’t Take NH for Granite” signs across the state. “Stay on Trail” decals will be in circulation soon. Snowmobilers are encouraged to affix them to their snowmobiles and trucks in support of preserving the trail network.

"Riding these incredible trails is a privilege afforded to all snowmobilers by generous private landowners. Our hope is that riders will pay heed to the signs, stay on the marked trail, and continue on their best behavior to preserve the permission to use the land," said Roger Wright, chairman of the NHSA campaign.

The NHSA recognizes the Bureau of Trails, Fish and Game, and the Division of Travel and Tourism for their continued efforts to promote safe and responsible trail use in New Hampshire.