As one recipient of federal funding to improve snowmobile tourism trails in Newfoundland, the Newfoundland Labrador Snowmobile Federation is pleased to participate in this national recognition of Prime Minster Stephen Harper at the International Snowmobile Congress (ISC) on June 12:
PRIME MINISTER STEPHEN HARPER RECEIVES
PRESIDENT’S AWARD FROM THE
CANADIAN COUNCIL OF SNOWMOBILE ORGANIZATIONS
Award granted in recognition of historic investment
in Canada’s National Trails System
SUMMERSIDE, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today received the President’s Award from the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO). The Prime Minister received this award, the highest honour granted by the association, for delivering on his commitment to expand Canada’s network of national trails.
“I am honoured to receive this award from an organization that appreciates and understands the importance of conserving Canada’s natural heritage so it can be enjoyed by future generations,” said the Prime Minister. “Investing in Canada’s national trails helps create jobs today. It also opens up new opportunities for tourism businesses and allows more Canadians to enjoy the Canadian countryside in a safe and responsible manner.”
The Prime Minister announced on March 6, 2009 that, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, his government was investing $25 million to expand Canada’s national trail system. The National Trails Coalition, of which the CCSO is a member, has pledged to match this investment.
“On behalf of the thousands of volunteers who make up our trails community, we are pleased to recognize the Prime Minister’s exceptional leadership and support for recreational trails,” said CCSO President Kevin Sweetland, upon presenting the Prime Minister with the award.
The Terra Nova Trailriders(TNT) assisted by the Bonavista Bay Search & Rescue Team(BBSART) conducted a Snowmobile Safety
Seminar in Sandringham,NL on the 7th of February 2009. There were 20 residents of the Sandringham area who attended this seminar for which the NLSF issued certificates of attendance. There was no outdoor presentations, however, the basic content of the NLSF program was covered and demonstrated. What did result from this seminar was some techniques used to entertain younger children and at the same time, leave them with knowledge to pass on to their parents.
For example, we had fun placing chairs backwards in a row and had the children lined up on these chairs facing in the opposite direction. We pretended each line was meeting on the trail and all the hand signals came into play. We used the throw bags, pretending we were saving adults (could be teachers or parents) who had crashed through the ice on their snowmobile. We used a painted 4 x 8 sheet of plywood propped up against the wall to demonstrate how difficult it would be to crawl up out of the water onto the ice surface. These were entertaining for the children but the message gets there. We discussed the dangers of getting on snowmobiles with anyone (including fathers,mothers, brothers, boyfriends, etc.) who have been drinking. We emphasize the right to question their safety and the right to say no to danger.
TNT also assisted in doing a similar seminar with the Boys and Girls Club in Gander. Course presenters were myself, Gloria Knolton and Gary Duff. This was held in Gander on the 28th of February. This time the entire NLSF Training Course was presented and all participants were involved in an actual ride. News media coverage for both these events was favourable.
TNT was involved in the local Glovertown Winter Carnival and emphasis on safety was posted at the warming hut with safety material available for those who wished to receive it.
TNT newsletters were posted on our website plus printed copies were posted with all the businesses in our area of operation. Extra copies were left for anyone who wished to receive one. This newsletter included Safety Tips from the Safety Officer plus current information on the status of trails, equipment, trail problems, etc.
The Safety Officer was asked to conduct training courses for Conservation Officers on the west coast of the province. These courses were carried out in Springdale, Pasadena(2) and Plum Point. A total of 45 officers received the training.
Had the winter continued for a few more weeks there would have been at least one more training course conducted in the Glovertown area for RCMP members, however, each time they were about to make an official request for the training something would prevent them from doing so. i.e. the weather, operational needs, etc. I am sure that early next winter they will be contacting the NLSF with a request for training in this area.
It is sincerely hoped that sometime before next winter the NLSF address the concern I have for the certification of new and inexperienced riders taking this course. This course is a one day course for experienced riders, it is simply not adequate for a person without hands on experience. I am suggesting that a 2nd day of training be given to the non-experienced rider who shows up for the course without some hands on riding experience.
As a result of the training given to the Conservation Officers, I have been advised by Maureen Ivany, Dept.. of Tourism, that all their snowmobiles will be issued with throw bags and ice piks. This is very encouraging.
That's it for TNT and 2009.
Earl Roddick TNT Safety Officer
ICE SAFETY - Be prepared to save your life or someone else's
A throw bag can be purchased in a price range of $15 to $20. Ice picks are available for approximately $9.00 or you can make up a set for yourself using the basic items which would be two pieces of broom handle and two four inch nails. Although a piece of rope would do under some circumstances, its range and immediate availability are limited.
Prepare yourself and members of your family who ride separate machines with the tools to save themselves or others by having these two items on every machine.
Throw bags and ice picks are essential items which could turn a tragedy into an event of survival. Despite all the care and caution we may exercise daily, even the most careful and cautious can end up in freezing water and lose their lives. How would you feel if you witnessed such a tragedy and all you could do is watch and/or quickly become a victum yourself?
Every year in this province we lose snowmobile operators and/or passengers through the ice. Many times the tragic outcome could have been prevented but for a few simple items that could be used to turn the event into a story of survival rather than a tragic event. Be prepared to save your life or the life of someone else, equip your machines with throw bags and ice picks for use when travelling over any area where ice is present. Available at Quality Auto in Glovertown.
Alder Removal to begin shortly between the Warming Shelter and Terra Nova Trestle (April 27 2009)
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