By Chris Maloy  3-04-09

The club held its meeting on Thursday evening, February 12, at the Nippo Lake Golf Club, Chip n’ Run Pub. We had a successful turnout as more members are enjoying the trails and wanting to become involved in the club. To date, there are 180+- members enrolled in the club. We have come a long way since 1975 when our club began as one of the first snowmobile clubs in the state. We have seen a lot of people out enjoying the great conditions we have had, and we thank the groomers for the many hours of time spent out on the trails.

Thank you to David Dame, Don Clifford, Ralph Twombly, and Kerry Omand for the excellent job keeping our trails some of the best in the area! Of course, with great trails come some issues. Please be mindful of others on the trails, and use caution in areas of limited visibility. You may have noticed the patrols out on the lake as well over the last few weekends. The following is available for your information when traveling on any trails in the state and was taken from the 2009 NHOHRV Laws Digest. The information is on the NH Fish and Game Department website. It can be accessed in its entirety at www.wildlife.state.nh.us/OHRV/ohrv.htm.

SPEED LIMITS SPEED SHALL BE REASONABLE AND PRUDENT FOR EXISTING CONDITIONS.
10 MPH
• Within 150 feet of a bob house or fishing hole.
• On sidewalks that are open to OHRVs or snowmobiles.
• On bridges that are posted open to OHRVs.
• At trail junctions, in parking lots and when passing trail grooming equipment.
• Public ways open to OHRV or snowmobile use.
15 MPH
• On plowed roads on D.R.E.D. Property.
35 MPH
• On all trail connectors.
• At night on Back Lake in Pittsburg.
45 MPH
• On all trails where no speed limit is posted.
55 MPH
• Turtletown Pond, Concord.

The website also contains information for 4-wheelers and those vehicles with loud exhaust systems. Again, when using the trail systems, please be respectful of landowners and others on the trails. Our next meeting will be on April 9th and will again be held at the Chip n’ Run Pub. Meet fellow enthusiasts and see what’s being planned for the rest of the season and into next year. We look forward to seeing you there! For info about the trail work, please contact Kerry Omand, Trail Master: 664-2558; or info about meetings and membership, contact Shawn Barry at shawn@straffordswampstompers.org or Don Clifford at StraffordSwampStompers@yahoo.com