Tuesday 1 April 2014

"Snowmobilers", as written in the Wynyard Advance

It was too much to hope that we would emerge this spring unscathed, untrampled and unviolated by skidoos. We have long ago struck an agreement for clear passage across the quarter-section with our neighbours and the Edgebrook crew. East to West or vice versa, no playing on the hills – the hills belong to cross-country skis.

Some rude and irresponsible people came down from the North right next our house and proceeded to break up the snow cover with giant whoops and gouges – Elizabeth’s feeble attempt at a ski trail was soon long gone – and so, for the rest of the season, is the ability to forge new trails. They announce themselves with huge roars and signal their exit with the scent of gasoline heavy in the air. The antithesis of an environmentally friendly sport.

This letter is not merely about the right to pursue their sport against the right to pursue mine – albeit I think that I should set the terms for our property. This letter is about trespassing.  A sign is not necessary for you to be told that if you don’t have permission to be on that land, you should not be there. Furthermore, if you don’t know where you are, you should not be there.


This letter could also be about property destruction because we’ve experienced it: several years ago, skidoo shenanigans ruined our alfalfa by pounding the snow into it and exposing it to brutally cold temperatures.  What about the injury to winter wheat or rye otherwise safely tucked under snow cover?

I know that most responsible riders ride where they know that they should and could - but these rotten eggs spoil it for everyone. Other riders should not make excuses for them.

No comments:

Post a Comment