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Log inPITTSFIELD: Snowmobile club seeks members, funding
PITTSFIELD: Snowmobile club seeks members, funding
by Outspoken on Thu Oct 02, 2008 3:54 am
PITTSFIELD: Snowmobile club seeks members, funding
BY SCOTT MONROE
Staff Writer Morning Sentinel
PITTSFIELD -- The Pittsfield Driftbusters Snowmobile Club is revving up for a new year of riding and maintaining some 100 trails in the area.
And this winter is shaping up to be a challenge for the popular local club. Although membership numbers would likely be strong following an abundance of snow last season, a worsening economy may force many enthusiasts to hold off, said Alan Stevens, the club's trail project director.
The club typically has between 100 and 130 members each year.
"It's a challenge. Last winter it was a lot of fun because there was snow pretty much right straight through," Stevens said. "But on the other side is the economy and people not wanting to spend the money on the recreation side of things."
Memberships to the club are $25 per family from October to September.
Higher fuel costs will be a big issue this season, Stevens said.
"Last year we spent $10,000 on fuel alone; it really remains to be seen what it will be this year, but if we spend that much we'll be in trouble," he said. "We got to more efficiently use the equipment this time."
The club is funded through a combination of member dues, state grants, municipal funding and private fundraising. Its members are hosting a "Super supper" Oct. 11 at the Elks Inn in Pittsfield, costing $100 per couple.
The Town Council recently authorized the town manager to sign a grant- in-aid application for $38,039 to improve snowmobile trails for the club. The grant comes from the Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands.
That grant application is the largest yet for the club. Last year it applied for $21,041. Typically, about 60 percent of the grant is awarded, Stevens said.
To help snowmobile clubs pay for higher fuel costs of maintaining trails, the state government last year came through with extra grant money. That assistance isn't expected this year, Stevens said, though he hopes more money will be authorized through individual club grants, which are based on $115 per mile of trail.
http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/5466765.html
BY SCOTT MONROE
Staff Writer Morning Sentinel
PITTSFIELD -- The Pittsfield Driftbusters Snowmobile Club is revving up for a new year of riding and maintaining some 100 trails in the area.
And this winter is shaping up to be a challenge for the popular local club. Although membership numbers would likely be strong following an abundance of snow last season, a worsening economy may force many enthusiasts to hold off, said Alan Stevens, the club's trail project director.
The club typically has between 100 and 130 members each year.
"It's a challenge. Last winter it was a lot of fun because there was snow pretty much right straight through," Stevens said. "But on the other side is the economy and people not wanting to spend the money on the recreation side of things."
Memberships to the club are $25 per family from October to September.
Higher fuel costs will be a big issue this season, Stevens said.
"Last year we spent $10,000 on fuel alone; it really remains to be seen what it will be this year, but if we spend that much we'll be in trouble," he said. "We got to more efficiently use the equipment this time."
The club is funded through a combination of member dues, state grants, municipal funding and private fundraising. Its members are hosting a "Super supper" Oct. 11 at the Elks Inn in Pittsfield, costing $100 per couple.
The Town Council recently authorized the town manager to sign a grant- in-aid application for $38,039 to improve snowmobile trails for the club. The grant comes from the Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands.
That grant application is the largest yet for the club. Last year it applied for $21,041. Typically, about 60 percent of the grant is awarded, Stevens said.
To help snowmobile clubs pay for higher fuel costs of maintaining trails, the state government last year came through with extra grant money. That assistance isn't expected this year, Stevens said, though he hopes more money will be authorized through individual club grants, which are based on $115 per mile of trail.
http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/5466765.html
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Plato (427-347 BC)
Plato (427-347 BC)
