**TIMMINS SNOW MOBILE CLUB MEDIA RELEASE**

Snowmobilers are being warned to stay off of area OFSC Prescribed snowmobile trails effective immediately as the snowmobile season has come to an end. These trails are now reported as “Unavailable” (Red) on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide at www.ofsc.on.ca, because area clubs have stopped regular grooming operations and signs and stakes are being removed and gates and fences closed. Snowmobilers are also advised that rapidly deteriorating snow and ice conditions due to spring thaw make snowmobiling extremely hazardous anywhere. Roads and road crossings are now generally bare and the ice on all waterways is melted, melting or unstable.

 

“The only safe and sensible course of action for snowmobilers is to put away their sleds until next winter,” stated Gilbert Fortin. “The risks of trying that ‘one last ride’ are simply too high now that spring thaw has commenced.”

 

The public is also reminded that an OFSC snowmobile trail on private land reported as “Unavailable” means that access to that trail is also prohibited for any other users or persons for all other seasons, without the specific prior permission of the landowner. “On behalf of our clubs and volunteers, I want to thank all of the landowners who have generously allowed the use of their property for an OFSC snowmobile trail this winter,” concluded Gilbert Fortin. “We also appreciate the support of the many snowmobilers who bought trail permits to help pay their share of the cost of trail operations for the 2017/2018 past season for which lasted more than 18 wonderful weeks, one of the longest seasons in the past decade.”

 

A very special thanks is also extended to all of the club volunteers who donated their services to assist local clubs in providing a successful season of snowmobiling. Although the winter is over, snowmobiling has become a year round business, so many volunteers will start immediately to plan and prepare for next winter. If you are interested in helping out, please call club communications director Gilbert Fortin at 705-268-0049 or club president Raymond Corbeil at 705-268-7389.