Once again we are not going to receive any new snow from this monster storm that will affect areas that do not want it, and we would love to get it. Most clubs are wishing for about a foot of new snow but they are reporting good to very good conditions in most areas. Fields are definitely starting to feel the impact of a low snowpack, so if you see rocks in the trail stop and help by removing them.
With high groundwater and no frost in the ground, rivers and streams might not be safe to cross for the entire winter, so please check before you cross.
Caution: Deer and moose are on ITS 83 from Caribou to Washburn, with moose from north of Madawaska Lake. Please be aware. Oxbow is also reporting a lot of wildlife on the trails. Attention: Long Lake has been marked with stakes, so please ride where the markers are.
Trail info
ITS 85: There are logging operations throughout. Ashland’s section will be rerouted to the old way; they have made the connection with Portage and Ashland. This trail now has been connected from Madawaska clear down to Shin Pond and beyond. There are still numerous logging operations in the Eagle Lake section with sections of plowed roads.
ITS 83: This section of trail has had some grooming. Houlton, Mars Hill, Presque Isle, Washburn, Caribou, Red Arrow and Madawaska have all been on their sections. Prestile Stream still is unsafe, so use alternate trails. From the north side of Presque Isle to Caribou, and from Caribou all the way north, the trail is in good shape. In the Caribou area, use 83A over to 83B to bypass a section of ITS 83 as there is not enough snow to groom this section of woods. There is still some logging in the Madawaska area watch for signs.
ITS 81: This trail is starting to come together. There are still soft areas so please use caution. Madawaska is reporting a logging operation; watch for signs. Van Buren is reporting a logging operation north of town. Caswell, Limestone and Fort Fairfield are reporting good conditions. Oxbow is reporting their section is in good shape. Mars Hill will attempt to connect with Walker Siding. On the east side of the County there are a lot of fields, so please keep this in mind.
ITS 92: From Fort Kent to St. Francis through to Allagash is in great shape. Trail 92A to Carter Brook is groomed and in very good condition. 92B, also known as the Lincoln trail, will not be open this year.
ITS 90: Fort Fairfield has been done to the turnaround with Caribou and reporting the swamp area has been cleared to travel through. Caribou has been able to fill in the water hole North of Dodo’s Market. Caribou is reporting that their section of 90 from the Lombard road intersection up to trail 105 will be closed until further notice. There is water and a major logging operation near the Tupper road. The best way to get to Portage is off of 105.
ITS 88: Fort Fairfield has been grooming this section. Presque Isle is reporting a water hole on the CP line near Blackstone Potato House it is marked. Aroostook River and Ashland both have met and are reporting passable conditions but definitely need more snow.
ITS 105: From Mapleton all the way to Van Buren has been done and is in good shape. Trail 105 from Houlton South is in good shape. There are still wet areas so please use caution.
ITS 120: Allagash has been out on their section and is reporting a logging operation that should be completed within the next three weeks. Both Allagash and Eagle Lake have met at their turnaround and reporting good conditions.
RT. 89: Caribou has gone as far as the Emond Road to a new business location. They have not gone to the river as Madawaska Stream is not frozen. What has been groomed is marked.
Rt. 100: Caswell has been out and met up with Limestone and has made it all the way to the intersection of trail 94. Van Buren has been out and reporting good conditions.
Easton has been out and all trails are groomed. There is a detour on trail 81C. Use the Ladner Road around Yoder’s pasture. They are reporting good conditions but need more snow.
Chapman Ridge Runners have been out. Trail 105 south of 74 is closed due to logging for two weeks, also going into Mapleton.
81A is closed for now; this is off 105.
On the social side
St. Francis Sno Angels: Saturday meals at the clubhouse 11-7.
Presque Isle: Friday night Stew.
Washburn Trail Runners: Clubhouse open Saturday 7-2 and Sunday 7-12.
Pleasant Ridge Riders of Caswell: Breakfast fundraiser Jan. 31, 2016 at the clubhouse located at 17 Pleasant Ridge Road, 7-11 a.m.; $7/adults, $3/children. Chicken stew/chili dinner Feb. 6 at the clubhouse; $8/adults, $4/children.
Fort Fairfield Snowmobile Club: Breakfast Feb. 14, 2016 at their clubhouse on ITS 81 off the Strickland Road.
Houlton: Breakfast every Saturday at the clubhouse, 6-9.
Moosestompers Weekend: Feb. 7, 2016.
Gary Marquis is superintendent of the Caribou Parks & Recreation Department. He can be reached at 207-493-4224 or via email at gmarquis@cariboumaine.org.
