Snowmobile season now in full swing

Snowmobilers in Coudersport and Emporium can keep their sleds in town and drive right out to connector trails. At top left, an unidentified member of the Cameron County Snowmobile Assn. takes a break in the woods. Coudersport's Logan Hathaway (top right) was preparing to join his teenaged friends for a ride on Sunday afternoon. Many area businesses, such as the Beef & Ale House in Potter County, allow sledders to pull right into their parking lots alongside vehicles.

After a slow start that had local snowmobilers and touristbased businesses feeling down and out, the sport is booming across northcentral Pennsylvania.

Trail conditions are described as "excellent" throughout Potter, Cameron and McKean counties. There's a snow base of 18 to 24 inches.

Even the trails that are sometimes overused have held up well, thanks in large part to the heavy snowfall of Feb. 13- 15. Snowmobile club members, as well as owners of motels, restaurants and other businesses, couldn't be happier.

One of the area organizations, God's Country Black Forest Snowmobile Club in Germania, expects a good turnout for Saturday's annual Winter Picnic. It will be based at the clubhouse on Pigeon Hill from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Cameron County Snowmobile Assn. is gearing up for its Dice Run on Saturday, March 3, at Sizerville State Park.

Registration is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Food will be available at the park pavilion after the run. Additional information on the Cameron County Snowmobile Assn. is available from Jim Pahel by email at jpahel@penn.com.

State stepping up

The Pa. Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources has stepped up its support of snowmobiling over the past couple of years.

A survey of snowmobilers in 2005-06 yielded information that has helped DCNR finetune its management activities. State forest and park land is a key component of the local snowmobiling experience. DCNR opens almost 3,000 miles of trails and state forest roads to sledders.

"We now know long, connecting trails offering longer outings are paramount with snowmobilers," DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis said. "DCNR will continue working to provide connector trails, while steering grants toward trailhead improvements, increased parking and other enhancements."

The survey was developed jointly by Penn State University and DCNR's Snowmobile/ATV Advisory Committee. The group is comprised of 17 ATV and snowmobile interest group representatives, seeking increased riding opportunities and improved safety.

DCNR is responsible for registration and titling of snowmobiles and ATVs. Fees are used for trail maintenance and development, safety information and classes. Over the last two years, DCNR has invested more than $6 million for land acquisition and parking, trailhead access and other projects.