Franklin County snowmobile trails open

Local News

Discussion

PLEASE NOTE: There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.

ALSO NOTE: Derisive name-calling of an individual or group will result in the entire comment being deleted. This includes the terms "stupid" and "idiot" and similar references.

Welcome to our new online comments feature. Before you can join the discussion, you must first register with Disqus and verify your email address.

Once you do, your comments will post after they have been reviewed by a moderator.

We welcome your thoughts and your opinions, including unpopular ones. We ask only that you keep the conversation civil and clean.

Not all comments are deemed printable. Some are disqualified, at the newspaper’s discretion, for a number of reasons. Here are some typical practices to avoid in trying to get your comment printed:

There is a 150 word maximum for comments. All comments greater than 150 words in length will be deleted in their entirety.

Don’t state as a fact something that is unsubstantiated or that our editors wouldn't know to be true.

Don’t presume someone’s guilt in a case when it hasn't been established by a court.

Don’t assail or impugn an identifiable individual or group. If you have that kind of criticism, sign your name and submit it as a Letter to the Editor. (There is some leeway on this in connection with public officials, but it is not unconditional.)

Don’t use profanity. This includes the term “tea bagger.”

Don’t be incendiary or tasteless. Those qualities are subjective, of course, and our editors will be the arbiters.

Do not identify yourself in the main content area of the article content form. Only by enforcing this rule can the moderators prevent unscrupulous commenters from falsely identifying themselves as someone they are not.

Don't type in all caps. It is considered the Internet equivalent of shouting.

In sports articles, do not criticize officiating.

Remember, moderators are not allowed to edit any article comments. If an article comment fails any of the above criteria, the entire comment will be deleted.

We monitor comments Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Approval of comments outside these times may be delayed.

comments powered by Disqus

December 17, 2009

Anonymous The Press Republican Thu Dec 17, 2009, 10:28 PM EST

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.