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Ask the Candidates

Ask the Candidates

Legislative News Working Together for Change

An opinion column by Doug Franzen

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At every MnUSA meeting, I hear people talking about the importance of protecting the rights of our children and grandchildren to experience the joy of snowmobiling. Of course, protecting trails is MnUSA’s raison d’etre (our reason and purpose for being), not only for ourselves but for future generations.

Over the years we have faced many threats to our sport. However, I can recall only one existential threat to snowmobiling. In the late ‘90s, two innocent children were killed by drunk snowmobilers. Snowmobiling was in the headlines and our detractors were out in force. The public outrage was such that unless something was done, snowmobiling’s continued existence in Minnesota was threatened. MnUSA, recognizing the threat, went to work.

MnUSA developed a three-point program to present to the DNR and the Minnesota Legislature. First, we requested and received additional funding for increased enforcement. Second, we proposed mandatory safety training for all snowmobilers, on a phased-in basis. Third, we requested general fund dollars for trail modernization so our existing trails would be safer. At the legislature, we argued that responsible organized snowmobiling promoted public safety. The legislature enthusiastically adopted our proposals which laid the foundation for our existing system.

In addition to legislative success, MnUSA was widely recognized as a proactive group which sees safety as a critical priority. That was nice. The most important thing that we achieved was a change in culture for snowmobilers. No longer was drinking and riding acceptable. I believe that this cultural change was by far the most important and difficult thing we accomplished. Of course, this cultural change was not universally accepted and remains a work in progress. There are still some impaired snowmobilers out there. Since our 1997 reforms, another child has needlessly died, and we continue our work to prevent such tragedies.

We emerged from this crisis stronger than ever.

Today we face another existential crisis. That crisis is the threat posed to our Grant-in-Aid system by recreationalists going off trail and trespassing on private land. I know off-trail riding can be fun but so can recreational drug use. Awful things result from the enjoyment of both types of fun. The loss of our permits/easements from our landowners will mean the end of our GIA trail system. It’s that simple!

The 2022 Minnesota Legislature adopted our proposals to increase the penalties for recreational trespass and the new law should help. What we need is widespread awareness among recreationalist about the consequences of trespass and vigorous enforcement of the law. We continue to work to achieve these goals.

What we really need is a cultural change among snowmobilers, OHV enthusiasts and ATV riders. We are working together with all the motorized recreational groups to bring about both the public awareness and change in culture. If we succeed, our grandchildren will experience the joys of safe, sober, lawabiding snowmobiling. If we fail, the thrill of winters outdoors will only be a memory and a story to tell the grandkids.

Adventures Start Here!

www.visitcranelake.com

MnUSA Officer Election

The MnUSA state officer elections will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, during the membership annual meeting at the Holiday Inn Conference Center, Austin. Nominations accepted during the summer meeting were for incumbents. Note: Tim Heinen is unable to fulfill his nomination and has removed his name from the ballot. Additional candidates may be nominated at the annual meeting.

Name: Janet Widness Position Sought: Secretary Clubs: Otter Country Trail Association, Otter Trail Riders Residence: God’s country— outside of Clitherall, MN on Stuart Lake in Region 9 … where everything is fine.

Name: Scott J Wakefield

Position Sought:

President Club: Carver County Snowrunners – President Residence: Waconia – Carver County, MN Name: Open

Position Sought:

Vice President Name: Gordon Heitke Position Sought: Treasurer Club: East Central Riders Snowmobile Club Residence: Mora, MN

If you are not able to attend the meeting, each member 18 years of age or older and in good standing may request an absentee ballot from the MnUSA office. A husband and wife must each request their own ballot. The request may be made by calling 763-577-0185; fax 763-577-0186; by writing to MnUSA at 7040 Lakeland Ave N #212, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428; in person; or by email to mnusaoffice@popp.net. The absentee ballots must be received by MnUSA postmarked no later than October 12, 2022. Instructions will be included in your ballot. Contact the MnUSA office for additional information.

MnUSA Fall Workshop Registration

Names: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your Club/Business Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ______________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________________________________

Adult Number: _________ @ $75.00 (Early Registration) = $ _______________

Adult Number: _________ @ $90.00 (After September 10, 2022) = $ _______________

Youth (5-15) Number: ___________ @ $15.00 (includes separate meal) = $ _______________

Date: ______________________ Total Enclosed: = $ _______________

MnUSA Fall Workshop 2022

October 21-23, 2022 Hosted by Region V

HOLIDAY INN AUSTIN CONFERENCE CENTER

1701 4TH St NW AUSTIN, MN 55912 507-433-1000

Include ages of all youth attending

(Price includes: Registration Packet & Workshop Booklet, Friday Night Meet & Greet, Breakfast Item/Beverage, General Membership Meeting, Seminars, Banquet Meal Saturday Night with Entertainment.)

Note: Saturday noon meal is not included – this is on your own. Reservations: 1-800-465-4329 (Ask for Austin, Mention “SNO” room rate code)

Room Rates: Standard room $114/night King room $114/night Poolside/$134 Pool View/$124 (hotel rates applicable until 30 days prior to the event)

Other Hotels: Days Inn: 507-433- 8600 AmericInn: 507-301-7472 Cobblestone Hotel & Suites: 507-433-9797 Note - all hotels are within one+ miles of Holiday Inn! Make checks payable to REGION 5 FALL WORKSHOP and mail to: MnUSA Region 5, 7302 NW 97th Ave., Morristown, MN 55052

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