Local ATV and snowmobile clubs make joint purchase
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Snow may still be on the ground but plans area already underway for the coming ATV season.
“Trails open Saturday, May 30, 2015 — could open earlier, depending on conditions. But as long as the red signs are up, stay off the trails,” said Richard “Dick” Howlett, president of the Star City ATV Club.
Howlett said when the red signs are up, “you’re not supposed to be on access routes or anything.”
“This applies to all trails; violators will be subject to a fine,” said Howlett. “This is for landowners’ protection, without whose cooperation, access for recreational purposes would be minimal.”
Howlett said he and his club recently entered into a unique agreement with another area club to purchase a piece of equipment both organizers will use.
“We went halves with the Presque Isle Snowmobile Club on a boom mower that will fit our big tractor. It’ll be shared use on the trails to cut back brush. We were each looking into something. There was no sense in having two machines. This one reaches 22 feet out and goes up 21 feet and will cut stuff up to two inches in diameter,” said Howlett.
He said the SCATV Club is in the process of applying for a municipal grant, with funds going toward cutting back brush on state-owned trails.
“If we get that grant, we’ll be able to pay on the machine,” Howlett said.
Howlett went before Presque Isle City Council earlier this year, asking councilors for their support in applying for the grant, which is in a 70-30 percent format.
“The Department of Conservation share is 70 percent, and the SCATV share is 30 percent, with no cost to the city of Presque Isle. The money will be used to cut back brush on the Presque Isle to Washburn trail and Phair Jct. to Westfield trail, as well as maintenance on the rest of the trail system in the area,” said Howlett.
The club is applying for a total of $27,260.
“As the club sends in the bills and receipts to the state, the state sends the money to the city, then the city sends it to the club. All the work will be done this summer,” said Howlett.
“I think this is great,” said Councilor Craig Green.
Councilor Mike Chasse expressed gratitude for club members’ efforts.
“Thanks to you and the club for all your hard work,” said Chasse, in addressing Howlett at the meeting.
Councilors voted unanimously to support the grant application.
Howlett said maintaining the trails is important, since many serve both summer and winter recreational activities. He said his club has seen an increase in memberships in the last year.
“We’re up 10 family memberships in the last year, applications are coming steady right now,” he said.
The summer looks to be another good one for the organization, with plans being made for the club’s big event in July.
“We’ll be hosting our Ultimate ATV event — our big ride — July 10-12. We’ll be doing a parade through town on the 11th with all the bikes. We’re planning a cookout with barbecued chicken at our clubhouse at Arnold Brook Lake. We’ll have a raffle, ATV of Maine will have a trailer there and a course for little kids to ride ATVs,” said Howlett.
“The clubhouse is doing good. We’ve finished a lot of work out there and will be doing more work this year. It’s made a great spot; we were fortunate to get it from the city,” said Howlett.
In August, the club will host another local organization, providing rides for its clients.
“Our ride for OTC clients is slated for sometime in August. It’s an annual event. We serve the clients hotdogs, french fries and a dessert. They really enjoy it,” said Howlett.
For more information on the SCATV Club, visit Facebook or www.starcityatvclub.com.
