RAY BROOK — Gates on snowmobile trails on Adirondack Forest Preserve lands in Franklin County are now open, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Betsy Lowe announced.
"DEC is pleased to work with local snowmobile clubs to allow residents and visitors to participate in this recreational activity," said Lowe. "We ask that snowmobilers take measures to ensure their own safety, respect others using the trail system and help protect the natural resources of the Adirondacks."
DEC typically waits until there is a foot of snow cover before opening the gates in order to protect the trail surface, the riders and natural resources adjacent to the trail. Gates are now open on the following trail sections: C7B between the Village of Saranac Lake and Lake Kushuqua.
C8 between Meacham Lake and Madwaska Pond.
The spur trail between Madwaska Pond and the Blue Mountain Road.
Trail maps, trail conditions and other information regarding snowmobiling may be found on the Franklin County Tourism Web site at www.gosnowmobile.com
Although these trails are open, they have not been cleared or groomed. Snowmobile riders should be cautious of blowdown and other obstructions on the trails. Franklin Snowmobilers Inc., the organization that maintains the snowmobile trails under an "Adopt a Natural Resource" agreement with DEC, have been working — and continue to work — on clearing the trails. However, they don't expect work to be completed until early next week.
Note that a beaver dam obstructs the C8 trail at a gate just west of the former Debar Mountain Game Refuge. DEC will be working with the Franklin Snowmobilers Inc. to address this obstacle.
In addition to blowdown, DEC cautions snowmobilers about logging activity in the following areas: Wolf Pond Road section of C8D.
Sable Highlands Conservation Easement Lands (Chateaugay Woodlands) in the Loon Lake area.
Santa Clara Tract Conservation Easement Lands along the Blue Mountain Road between Paul Smiths and Santa Clara.
Snowmobilers are reminded to be properly equipped and prepared before going out. Plan your trips, know your route and check weather conditions before going out on the trail. While riding, stay on marked trails, obey the rules for safe snowmobiling and be respectful of other snowmobilers, skiers or snowshoers you may encounter on trails.
Speed and alcohol are the two main factors in snowmobile accidents. Always travel at speeds that are reasonable or prudent under the surrounding conditions, obey posted speed limits and don't exceed the state speed limit of 55 mph. Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
More safety tips and a complete list of rules and regulations can be found in the "New York State Snowmobiler's Guide" and on the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation's Web site: http://nysparks.state.ny.us.
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