Pictured above is just one of many pictures taken to document the trail damaged that occurred this summer on the 120 trail up on the mountain in Jay. Several of the locals along with some out of state people took it upon themselves to us the VAST trail as there personal 4 X 4 trail system. It is estimated that it will costs $8,000 to $10,000 to repair the trail system. One bridge was destroyed, another new bridge that was installed last fall had boards broken, and water bars were destroyed. Many large ruts were cut in the trail by the vehicles in many areas.
Equipment is being brought in to repair the trail and correct any erosions issues. Erosion control materials and seeding of trail will be done to prevent and further damage before fall. Measures are been taken to prevent this from happening again, law enforcement will also be patrolling the area. We were going to have a light project year until this was found.
Logging operations will be conducted this coming season in between the town of Westfield on the upper Ball ground Road to OS37-OS37 to Jay Peak. Posted speeds will be enforced for safety, the logging access road will be plowed and the VAST trail system will be sharing this area. If speed limits are not followed this trail will be closed for the season. Two years ago when logging was going on a truck had to take the ditch to avoid from being hit by a sled that was traveling at a high rate of speed. The contractor was agreed to let us have trail access as long as it is safe! Go slow or no trail it’s that simple.
The servicing of the grooming equipment is almost complete with just one cat left to be done. This spring the club repaired all of the Mogul Master drags. The GPS tracking system for the Sno- cats is ready for the up coming season. Several improvements was made this summer allowing the club to track which trail gets groomed along with the name of the operator that did the trail section. The purchasing of the two way radios for each of the cats along with base stations has also improved needed communications between sno-cats. Safety of the operators has improved greatly should an emergency occur.
At the end of next month the clubs trail signing volunteers will be out in full force marking the trails for the upcoming season. A big thank you goes out to all of our volunteers. Without you, your club wouldn’t exist. We still need several more volunteers for marking trail sections in the Jay, Westfield, and Troy area. This process takes about 3 to 4 hours both in the fall and spring. All signing materials are provided by the club. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Ron Merrill @ 802-334-2302.
The Country Riders would like to thank all of the local business that advertise each season on our signs.Our club is trying to promote our motto “SUPPORT THE AREA BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT US.” By supporting our club in advertising on our trail signs and billboards, we promote the patronizing of your business by a vast number of snowmobilers. All of the profits from these signs is used solely for the purchasing and maintaining the clubs grooming equipment.
We currently have one opening on the billboard along with openings on trail side advertising. If interested please contact our Sign Chairperson Carleen Starr @ 802-988-2598.
On a closing note, thanks again to all the volunteers for making our trails great!! And to our non active members, we need your help!! All members are welcome to attend our club meetings held the first Sunday of each month starting in October running thru to April. Starting time for meetings is 6:30 pm. Locations for meetings may rotate among area businesses. Our next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 4 @ 6:30 pm at the American Legion in North Troy. Hope to see many new faces.
Ron Merrill
Trail Coordinator/Groomer operator
Thank You Ron and Sara! for all your work and for forwarding this info to get it on the website. Your work and dedication is always appreciated greatly!
