Important change to NWORC trail

[mikeexplorer]

This was posted on Facebook by the snowmobile club tonight, obviously this means NWORC has lost usage of the trail.

 

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

We are pleased to announce that NEP Sno Trails is now going to be known as NEP Sno & ATV Trails(NEPSAT). The image is a copy of the press release that was recently distributed to media outlets and current members.

We understand that there are many questions and concerns with the club going in this direction. Due to factors such as the unfavorable weather conditions over the past several years, the recent ATV/Snowmobile fund split at DCNR and the growing popularity in the SxS market, club leadership decided to start looking at the ATV side as not only a means of survival for the club but to continue our longstanding support of the community in providing motorized recreation opportunities in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The club has been taking a measured approach with this venture to ensure every base is covered. Letters were sent to landowners and major stakeholders a few weeks ago informing them of our intent, reassuring them that ATV’s will not be allowed on the snowmobile trails without their written consent and asking for any feedback. The majority of replies were positive, zero trails were lost.

All legal and insurance bases needed to be covered as well, which has taken place and is ongoing. Discussions have taken place with major stakeholders such as DCNR, Rail Trail Council of NEPA, local governments and several local business establishments. The press release was also sent via bulk email to all members.

NEPSAT was recently awarded a DCNR grant to perform an ATV trail feasibility study along the O&W corridor(B trail). When completed this could open up future grant opportunities for trail expansion and development grants. A comprehensive plan is also in the beginning stages of development.

The following are highlights that hopefully answer some questions we have been receiving (note that the term ATV shall apply to UTV’s as well):

> The only section of trail that will be open to ATV’s at the time of this post is the section of the B trail(O&W) from Stillwater to Lake Lorraine. Future expansion is in the works but not yet finalized.

> ATV’s are not allowed on the Rail Trail.

> ATV’s are not allowed on any NEPSAT snowmobile trail without landowner permission. Violators will be subject to trespass laws and will be banned from all club trail access and functions.

> NEPSAT registration will be required to legally access the trails. Registration for the 2020 season is $50 per vehicle. Revenues will be used to maintain the trail system, offset operating costs and help fund future expansion.

> Registration will be thru the club website only at www.nepsnotrails.com. You can pay online or download the application, fill it out and mail it in with the payment.

> Vehicles must be registered with PA DCNR (or a reciprocating state*), operators must provide proof of insurance. Registration cannot be completed without supplying this information. *Follow this link for a list of reciprocating states.
http://www.snowatvreg.dcnr.state.pa.us/reciprocity

> There will be no point of sale locations at this time. We will have staff available to get you your stickers in real time if mailing is not an option. Just go online, email us at info@nepsnotrails.com or send us a Facebook message.

> Operators must be legal to operate an ATV/UTV in Pennsylvania and abide by all PA ATV Laws. Go to the PA DCNR website for information http://www.docs.dcnr.pa.gov/…/do…/document/dcnr_20030015.pdf

> Helmets are required for all operators and passengers

> All machines must be equipped per PA ATV Law

> Operators must be at least 16 years of age unless they have a safety certificate and are under the direct supervision of a person at least 18 years of age.

> Parents and Legal guardians must identify any participant classified as a minor and sign the additional indemnification on the membership application.

> Vehicles with a wheelbase width greater than 68” are not allowed. Dirt bikes will not be allowed.

> The 2020 ATV season will run from April 15th to Nov. 15th on the rail bed only. As trails get added the opening/closing dates may vary based on landowner preference or conditions. We anticipate some new trails we are working on will close at the end of September for archery season. The club will post dates on trail signage and online.

> No maps will be printed at this time. ATV trails will be signed.

We were hoping to have the website updated and the online application available at the time of this post. We will post when it is up and running, possibly by the end of the week.

We ask that you keep your comments positive and to keep in mind we are a small group of volunteers trying to keep motorized recreation alive in the region. We can always use some help. If you would like to be involved then please contact us by messenger or email. NEPSAT a 501C3 organization and always looking for support.

In closing, we hope that you and your families are doing well during these trying times as our country navigates thru the Covid-19 situation. We are all in this together. If you have the means to help support the businesses on our trail system then please keep them in mind, they are our partners, we need to support one another.

Stay safe everyone.