This from a very generous land-owner. We THANK you!!
"This is very interesting. Hopefully there is enough snow to protect the blueberry plants.
When we opened our property to recreational use through the state, we made it very clear that if there was any disrespect to the land we could close our property to everyone. Mt. Major did a fantastic job in making this known. We have had NO problems in 5 years. The club gave us signs that say Stay on Trail, Caution, hikers, snowshoers, skiers could be on trail. When we are hiking with the dogs off leash and hear a snowmobile coming, we make every effort to get off trail. Maybe twice a snowmobiler did not slow down at first glimpse of us. Most will stop and visit. Most belong to a club, some more than one, so they are aware of the state rules.
The big advantage is the trails are groomed, dead trees and branches removed, trail work is done off season. There are always a group that ride the trails with chain saws to make sure they are safe. This is a big bonus to those who hike and snowshoe. Skiing could still be a danger if one is not expert enough to get off the trail quickly, especially when going around curves where a snowmobiler can't see them.
I hope the people disrespecting the trail on Straightback are from away and don't come back.
If someone sees a snowmobiler off trail or doing anything disrespectful, they can take the registration number and report it to the state. But I caution everyone, the Blueberry trail has been flagged and posted, about 18 months ago, by the owner of 1500 acres that extend to Mt. Major against EVERYTHING other than foot hikers. The owner lives in PA and doesn't come up here. There was a sign on each side of the Blueberry trail at the beginning of his property. One sign has disappeared, the other is almost impossible to see unless you know where to look for it. Reporting a snowmobiler could lead to problems such as the owner enforcing his wishes.
Our property is also posted against ATV's during snow and mud season. The Boy Scout camp is posted against them all year and gates the entrances to their property. They pay no attention and make a trail around the gates. This is a very big problem and another story.
I was going to post this message for all, but my computer says there is no way I can log in. You have my permission to post it if you think it's of interest."
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