table of contents -...

1 Welcome! | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009

Table of Contents Welcome! ........................................................................................................................................ 3 Forum Schedule .............................................................................................................................. 4 Seminar Descriptions ...................................................................................................................... 8 Getting Around at the Forum ....................................................................................................... 11 President’s Message ..................................................................................................................... 12 Executive Director’s Report .......................................................................................................... 13 Trail Coordinator Report ............................................................................................................... 14 Treasurer’s Report ........................................................................................................................ 21 NYSSA Goal Statements ................................................................................................................ 22 Annual Meeting Rules ................................................................................................................... 23 2009 NYSSA Annual Meeting Agenda ........................................................................................... 24 Professional Parliamentarian: Steven Anderson, PHP ........................................................................... 25

2008 NYSSA Annual Meeting Minutes .................................................................................................... 28

Committee Reports ....................................................................................................................... 31 Executive Committee .............................................................................................................................. 32

Budget & Finance Committee ................................................................................................................. 34

Auditors’ Financial Statements ........................................................................................................... 34

2009 – 2010 Proposed Budget ............................................................................................................ 44

Governmental Affairs Committee ........................................................................................................... 47

Membership Committee ......................................................................................................................... 64

RESOLUTION ....................................................................................................................................... 64

Trails Development & Funding Committee ............................................................................................ 65

Public Affairs & Communications ........................................................................................................... 67

Awards, Presentations, & Benevolence (Includes Charities) – Ernie Roosevelt ................................. 67

NYSSA Charities of Choice ................................................................................................................... 70

Corporate Relations – Gary Broderick ................................................................................................ 71

NYSSA Member Discounts .................................................................................................................. 71

Fundraising– Rich Rozzi ....................................................................................................................... 74

Meetings, Events & Promotions – Debbie Perkins ............................................................................. 74

Publications – Anne O’Dell .................................................................................................................. 74

Website Team – .................................................................................................................................. 74

Safety & Education Committee ............................................................................................................... 75

Nominating Committee .......................................................................................................................... 77


Bylaws Committee .................................................................................................................................. 78

2009 Proposed By‐Law Revisions ........................................................................................................ 78

NYSSA BY‐LAWS (Revised April, 2008) .................................................................................................... 84

NYSSA Organization ...................................................................................................................... 99 2008‐09 Officers and Staff ...................................................................................................................... 99

NYSSA Past Presidents .......................................................................................................................... 100

2008‐2009 NYSSA Regions .................................................................................................................... 101

Regional Directors ............................................................................................................................. 101

2008‐2009 NYSSA Districts .................................................................................................................... 102

2008—2009 Board of Directors ............................................................................................................ 103

Director at Large Notification Form ...................................................................................................... 104

Director Reports .................................................................................................................................... 105

Forum Sponsors .......................................................................................................................... 144 NYSSA EXPO Exhibitors ......................................................................................................................... 146


Welcome!

The New York State Snowmobile Association sincerely welcomes everyone to the NYSSA Forum and Annual Meeting. You are to be congratulated for taking time to represent your Club or Association this weekend. Their faith in you and your willingness to attend seminars, meetings, learn and participate in the proceedings, and report information to your Club or Association is a compliment to you. Speakers have worked hard to prepare information for you to take back to your Club. Please take the information from these seminars and share it with your fellow Club members. The Forum Book is filled with information that will be of value to you and your club. Use this book as a resource. Have it available at all future Club meetings to better answer questions. Information in the Forum Book may be photocopied and distributed as needed. Enjoy your visit at the Forum. Invest your energies and attention heavily; you and your Club will be better able to participate in the activities of snowmobiling in New York.

4 Forum Schedule | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009

Forum Schedule Friday, April 17 ‐ Optional Pre‐Forum Educational Sessions

1:00 – 3:00 pm Computer Magic: What Can Your Computer Do for You! new!

1:00 – 5:00 pm Chainsaw Safety Course (off site) new!

1:00 – 5:00 pm ABC’s of Snowmobile Club Finances: Accounting, Budgets and Cash Flow, Oh My! new!

2:00 – 5:00 pm NYS Groomer Information & Safety Training Course (certificate of attendance earned)

3:00 – 5:00 pm Software Solutions for Snowmobilers: A Toolbox full of tricks! new!

4:00 – 7:00 pm – Pick up Registration Packet at Registration Desk.

~ Neck Wallets Sponsored by Woody’s Traction ~

7:00 – 10:00 pm – Welcome Reception

Welcome Jim Jennings, Executive Director, NYSSA

Sponsored by our insurance provider, Family Financial Group Inc., will feature Hors D’ Oeuvres

and a cash bar. Live Entertainment by Fast Eddy the DJ will be back by popular demand. Meet and

exchange ideas with your fellow snowmobilers! (Note: this is not dinner so plan accordingly).

Saturday, April 18 ‐ NYSSA EDUCATIONAL FORUM

6:00 am – 8:15 am – Buffet Cash Breakfast (additional charge‐coffee, tea, & water available free all day)

8:00 am – 4:00 pm – Pick up Registration Packet at Registration Desk.

8:30 am – 8:55 am Opening Event

Presentation of Colors

Welcome David Holder, President, Syracuse Convention and Visitors Bureau

Opening Remarks Jim Jennings, Executive Director, NYSSA

9:00 am – Three “tracks” of Educational Seminars Begin

10:15 – 10:30 Morning Break Sponsored by NILICO


Morning

Sessions

Track 1:

Safety & Trails

Track 2:

Club Operations

Track 3:

Public Affairs

9:00 – 10:15 am OPRHP Presents Online Membership

System

511NY.org

Automated

Work Logs

Club

Roundtable

(9:00 – 11:45

double session) new!

NYSSA Budget

10:30 – 11:45 am Trail Condition

Reports new!

Getting the Message

Out: PR/Web new!

Trail Signage Roberts Rules of Order Legal & Insurance

Issues

12:00 noon Awards Luncheon

Welcome Michael Fischer, President, NYSSA

Speaker Carmella R. Mantello, Director, New York State Canal Corporation

Awards Gary Broderick, Vice President, New York State Snowmobile Association

Trail Groomer of the Year

Snowmobile Dealer of the Year

Snowmobile Club of the Year

Snowmobile Family of the Year

John Albert/ Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler of the Year

Afternoon

Sessions

Track 1:

Safety & Trails

Track 2:

Club Operations

Track 3:

Public Affairs

2:00 – 3:00 pm STEP & Trail

Coordinator Report

Volunteerism

Roundtable

(2:00‐4:45 pm

double session)

NYSSA Budget

Planning for

Grooming Excellence

Snowmobile PAC


3:00 pm Afternoon Break Sponsored by Cook’s Equipment

Welcome Hal Fleischman, Chair, NYSSA Governmental Affairs Committee

Presentation NYSSA Legislator of the Year Award

to Assemblywoman RoAnn M. DeStito

James Rolf, Director, Oneida County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Michael Fischer, President, New York State Snowmobile Association

Assemblywoman RoAnn M. DeStito, 116th Assembly District

Afternoon

Sessions

Track 1:

Safety & Trails

Track 2:

Club Operations

Track 3:

Public Affairs

3:45 – 5:00 pm NYS Operation

Lifesaver

Volunteerism

Roundtable cont’d

(Double Session:

2:00 – 4:45 pm)

501c3 and Charities

GPS Training Roberts Rules of Order Snowmobile Law

6:00 pm Cocktail Reception

10:30 am – 6:00 pm – NYSSA Expo (Exhibitor’s List on page 146).

See some of the industry’s hottest trends in sleds, accessories and clothing at our Vendor booths.

Vintage sled displays, NYSA Charities of Choice (Easter Seals, Pink Ribbon Riders & USO/Support our

Troops), grooming equipment and services geared towards snowmobiling.


6:00 pm Cocktail Reception

7:00 pm NYSSA Annual Banquet

Welcome Debbie Perkins, Chair, NYSSA Events and Promotions Committee

Welcome Jim Jennings, Executive Director, NYSSA

Dave Perkins, Trails Coordinator, NYSSA

Presentation NYSSA Legislator of the Year Award to Senator David Valesky

Michael Fischer, President, NYSSA

Keynote Speaker Senator David Valesky, 49th Senate District

NYSSA 2009 Michael Fischer, President, NYSSA

Presidents Award Michael Fischer, President, NYSSA

OCSA Raffle Ernie Roosevelt and Rich Rozzi, Onondaga County Snowmobile Assn.

Housekeeping Debbie Perkins, Chair, NYSSA Events and Promotions Committee

Entertainment Blueprints Band Sponsored by the Madison County Snowmobile Assn.

Sunday, April 19 ‐ NYS SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING

8:00 am 9:00 am Registration (for those attending only the Annual Meeting)

9:00 am Official NYSSA Annual Meeting begins. Please be on time!

Delegates arriving after Roll Call has ended will not be permitted to vote. (Agenda on page 24 )

Thank you for coming and have a safe trip home!

8 Seminar Descriptions | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009

Seminar Descriptions

Friday Afternoon (optional – registered Forum Attendees Only) Computer Magic: What Can Your Computer Do For You! Led by Mike Fischer (1‐3 p.m.) Mike will lead

attendees in a basic review of today’s devices and how they fit together. From laptops to wireless

internet, to mouse infestation, GPS devices and printing, this session will show you the wonderful world

of computer hardware. Mike will also cover the basics of the Windows operating system, highlighting

basic commands such as copy, paste and delete! If you are a computer novice, or if you suffer from

processeraphobia, this class is for you.

new! Chainsaw Safety Course, coordinated by Dave Perkins (1‐5 pm) (offsite) ABC’s of Snowmobile Club Finances: Accounting, Budgets and Cash Flow, Oh My! Led by Scott Backus

(1‐5 pm) Presenter Scott Backus will provide information to help club reps attending this class to

understand basic accounting standards and how to apply them to club finances. This session will include

balance sheet accounting, how to develop income and expense statements, and how to use the club’s

financial data to develop forecast budgets for coming years. Scott will lead a workshop with the

participants to create mock books for a fictional club in order to show how these tools can help club

leaders manage their checkbooks and turn information into the foundation for financial planning.

NYS Groomer Information & Safety Training Course, led by Fred Carpenter , Frank Boepple & Mike Denapole of Salisbury Ridge Runners. (2– 5 pm) NYSSA will be issuing a certificate of attendance for those who attend this course. Topics cover grooming best practices, grooming theory, & groomer operator safety. Materials provided by NYS OPRHP. Software Solutions for Snowmobilers: A Toolbox Full of Tricks. Led by by Jason Kowalczyk and Mike

Fischer, (3‐5 pm) The session will give participants an understanding of the software options available to

help clubs manage operations and communicate to the outside world. From managing membership info

and emails to newsletters, web pages, press releases and presentations, attendees will learn how to use

these tools to help the club enter the 21st century. Attendees should bring laptops if possible.

Saturday ‐ Morning

OPRHP Presents, led by Stephen Lewis, Director and Jim MacFarland, NYS OPRHP Snowmobile Unit

(9:00 – 10:15 am) This seminar will present the snowmobile trails fund program, changes to the

program and how they affect the clubs and questions and answers. Information will be offered on all

aspects of the Snowmobile Trail Fund.

Automated Work Logs, led by Dave Dishaw. (9:00 – 10:15 am) This hands‐on session will show you how

to use automated worksheets to make your recordkeeping easier. It is recommended that you bring a

laptop with MS Excel to this session if possible.


Online Membership System, led by Jim Bode & Mike Denapole. (9:00 – 10:15 am)This re‐vamped

session will focus not only on new membership but the role that Club Administrators have. Take a peek

at new financial functions that are available and ways to make communications easier with Club

Members. Learn to produce : mailing lists & labels, financial reports and more from the System.

511NY.org, Led by Mary Harding, Director of Community Relations, and Todd Westhuis, NYS DOT

office of External Relations (9:00 – 10:15 am) 511NY.org provides traffic, travel & transit information

and is expanding to include snowmobile trail information. See their website, www.511NY.org

NYSSA Budget, led by Gary Batchelder, Chair, Ways & Means Committee. (9:00 – 10:15 am) and (2:00

– 3:00 pm) The NYSSA Budget will be de‐mystified. Take this opportunity to review the budget in detail

and get questions answered prior to the Annual Meeting.

new! Club Roundtable, led by Gerry Ivison. (9:00 – 11:45 am)An interactive session for Club Members

to exchange their best ideas: community relations, landowner relations, member fund‐raising activities,

map production, best practices/what works etc.

new! Trail Condition Reports, led by Norm Scianna, Trackside Trailblazers. (10:30 – 11:45 am) Norm

will discuss ways to report trail conditions to all areas are using the same language across the state.

Attend this session to learn how to properly classify the conditions of snowmobile trails in order to

communicate the riding experience.

Trail Signage, led by Dave Perkins, NYSSA Trail Coordinator. (10:30 – 11:45 am) Review of OPRHP trail

signing guidelines. Changes will be discussed.

Roberts Rules of Order, What Officers Should Know. Led by Stephen Anderson, Professional

Parliamentarian. (10:30 – 11:45 am) and (3:45 – 5:00 pm) All clubs need to attend this valuable

session! This session will touch on the procedures for running an effective meeting, records that need to

be kept, and much more. Bring your questions!

new! Getting the Message Out: PR and your Website, led by Anne O’Dell, Editor, New York

Snowmobiler Online Magazine. (10:30 – 11:45 am) Is your website, newsletter and publicity a credit to

your Club, or are you sending the wrong message? Learn the do’s and don’ts of projecting your club in a

positive light.

Legal & Insurance Issues, led by Dave Linger, Esq., & Butch Franklin, Family Financial Insurance

Company. (10:30 – 11:45 am) Session leaders will field questions and provide answers concerning the

NYSSA trail insurance policy, risk management and legal issues that arise in your Clubs.


Saturday ‐ Afternoon

STEP & Trail Coordinator Report, led by Dave Perkins, NYSSA Trail Coordinator. (2:00 – 3:00 pm) Dave

will report on the successful STEP program and offer his report as Trail Coordinator to the attendees.

Planning for Grooming Excellence, led by Rick Engasser. (2:00 – 3:00 pm) Led by Rick Engasser, this

session will review 5 key areas to help clubs review their grooming program and work towards the

next level of grooming excellence. This encompasses: Grooming Policy, Grooming Equipment, Asset

Management, Cost Management & Benchmarking.

Snowmobile PAC, led by Capitol Group & the Government Affairs Committee (2:00 – 3:00 pm)

NYSSA Budget, led by Gary Batchelder, Chair, Ways & Means Committee. (9:00 – 10:15 am) and (2:00

– 3:00 pm) The NYSSA Budget will be de‐mystified. Take this opportunity to review the budget in detail

and get questions answered prior to the Annual Meeting.

Volunteerism Roundtable, led by Gary Broderick. (2:00 – 4:45 pm) Does your Club’s membership grow,

but not your work force? This roundtable will offer some prove ideas on how to grasp that new member

into becoming an active, vital part of your Club. This is an interactive session – bring what works for you!

Effective Meetings & Roberts Rules of Order, led by Stephen Anderson, Professional Parliamentarian.

(10:30 – 11:45 am) and (3:45 – 5:00 pm) All clubs need to attend this valuable session! This session will

touch on the procedures for running an effective meeting, records that need to be kept, and much

more. Bring your questions!

NYS Operation Lifesaver, Led by Joe Croteau & volunteers. (3:45 – 5:00 pm) This seminar will deal

with railroads and snowmobile safety. Led by Joe Croteau and other volunteers from this essential

group, you will gain knowledge in railroad safety while snowmobiling or riding your ATV.

GPS Training, led by Jim Bode (3:45 – 5:00 pm) Jim will delve into the GPS program and how to use this

valuable tool to verify club trail mileage.

501c3 and Charities, led by Mike deFreitias, Esq. (3:45 – 5:00 pm) Mike will present valuable

information on how to form a not‐for‐profit corporation and will review the changes to charities

documentation that affect Clubs.

Snowmobile Law: by Stephen Lewis, Director and Jim MacFarland, NYS OPRHP Snowmobile Unit and

NYSSA Attorney David Linger, Park Police, and a Magistrate (3:45 – 5:00 pm) NYS Law contains many

different rules affecting the operation of snowmobiles and the development and maintenance of trails.

This seminar will look at all aspects of the snowmobile law from where we can ride legally, producing 3

year plans, law enforcement and the judicial ramifications and much more. Attendees will learn the

basics of snowmobiling law, general obligations, motor vehicle highway use, and other requirements.

11 Getting Around at the Forum | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009

Getting Around at the Forum

12 President’s Message | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009

President’s Message

Welcome to Liverpool, NY and the 2009 NYSSA Forum and Annual Meeting. The NYSSA Staff, working in

conjunction with the Board of Directors and the Events and Promotions Committee, has worked diligently over the

past months to provide you with a blockbuster weekend. From the opportunity for fellowship with other

snowmobilers and leaders of the sport in New York State to the full offering of educational seminars and

informational sessions, you will benefit greatly from your participation in this exciting weekend.

The NYSSA 2009 Forum has been expanded to include pre‐forum educational seminars on Friday as well as a full

schedule of informational sessions and the NYSSA Awards Luncheon on Saturday. Our Annual banquet on Saturday

evening will be followed by live entertainment, providing a great backdrop for celebrating another successful

snowmobiling season in New York State.

The NYSSA Annual Business Meeting is scheduled for Sunday. With consideration of bylaws changes, decisions on

resolutions, election of officers and approval of the 2009‐2010 NYSSA operating budget, the business that is

organized snowmobiling in New York needs your careful consideration of the issues and participation in the

debates that will guide us in the years ahead.

NYSSA is at a crossroads. The ongoing implementation of the NYSSA strategic plan has identified opportunities, but

with each victory arise new challenges. Over the next few days you will have the chance to learn more about the

issues that affect the future of our sport. We are all stewards of snowmobiling in New York, and we all need to

work together to provide the direction and the resources to face the challenges ahead. Development pressures

and other land‐use issues, regulatory constraints and economic realities will have greater effects than ever on trail

development. The public image of snowmobilers is part the picture as well. We have to tell our story, because no

one else will tell it for us.

The past year has been interesting, to say the least. When we met last year in Niagara Falls for the 2008 NYSSA

Forum, we had just learned about a $1 million sweep of the trail development fund. Thanks to relentless pressure

from snowmobilers across the state, our elected officials helped resolve the crisis. From county representatives

and state legislators to the governor’s office, our voice was heard. The NYSSA mission directs us to serve as

watchdogs of the trail fund. Thanks to the single‐minded focus we displayed during the sweep, we now have the

political will and clout to make that a reality. It is our sport; it is our time, our talent, and yes‐ our treasure‐ that

makes it all happen.

I would like to thank my two predecessor NYSSA presidents, Hal Fleischman and Bob Perry, for their efforts on our

behalf. Because of their leadership, NYSSA had the necessary organizational structure and direction that allowed

me to focus much of my attention on the trail fund sweep during those first few months. Most of all, I thank the

100,000 NYSSA members who are the backbone of the sport.

Welcome to the 2009 NYSSA Forum. I hope that each of you will take away valuable insight and helpful

information from this weekend, and enjoy the time that we will share together!

With my warmest regards,

Michael Fischer, NYSSA president

13 Executive Director’s Report | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009

Executive Director’s Report Jim Jennings, Executive Director

Club Memberships and NYS Registrations increased this past season. This can be attributed to the fine

snow conditions across the whole state. When one can ride from their backyard they are apt to register

all their sleds. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles the voucher system is

running quite smoothly and they see no reason for any wholesale changes. More members are using the

online membership system‐as I said last year now is the time to access your membership account‐make

sure you know your ID and Password‐that way you will be ready to renew your membership and print

your voucher when you need it. Contact the NYSSA Office now (instead of a Friday afternoon in

December) if you need assistance.

One item sorely missed by our membership is a print magazine. Bottom line is NYSSA simply cannot

afford to publish a print magazine. One of the negative side effects of not having a print magazine is the

fact both Award and Scholarship Nominations decreased. Last year we had about 20 scholarship

applications but this year only 7. A second call was put out to garner more Award Nominations. NYSSA’s

online magazine has become a class publication and everyone with internet access should take the time

to read the articles. Even if we do resume a print magazine‐current events and news are best accessed

through the internet at www.nyssnowassoc.org (or the easy to remember www.nysnowmobiler.com ).

A year ago I wrote a paragraph about Adirondack issues. Mentioned were four issues the Adirondack

Park Agency needed to address. One year later one issue has been resolved: “No Material Increase”.

Decisions still need to be made concerning “Character of a Foot Trail”, Use of Tracked Groomers and

Definition of “Administrative Personnel”. The issue of “Character of a Foot Trail” will be the most

important aspect as I believe the outcome of this one aspect will influence the use of tracked groomers.

As always NYSSA will be engaged.

At the 2008 Annual Meeting Mike Fischer was nominated from the floor as NYSSA’s current President. In

my opinion Mike has performed quite well bringing some fresh ideas to how the NYSSA Board of

Directors operates. One of these ideas is bringing a regional approach to New York State (see map on

page 84). Every region has hosted at least one NYSSA Board meeting, thus allowing increased

participation from local clubs. We even tried to schedule certain meetings when there was snow on the

ground (so we could actually snowmobile)‐unfortunately with almost all locations we had to ride before

the snow melted. I look forward to working with the NYSSA Board to further our progress for the 2009‐

2010 season and beyond.

Jim Jennings

14 Trail Coordinator Report | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009

Trail Coordinator Report Dave Perkins, NYSSA Trails Coordinator

Any discussion or mention of snowmobile trails must recognize the tremendous volunteer efforts of club

trail workers that spend countless hours putting up signs, building bridges, clearing brush, and grooming

trails. We all know that without it, there would be no snowmobiling in New York except for those areas

where local government has made it part of their municipal recreation program. Hats off to all

volunteer trail workers!

STEP

Anyone that has read any of my reports this past year knows what STEP stands for. Just in case, STEP

stands for Safe Trails Education Program. STEP is the Association’s risk management program. It is an

educational program that addresses two areas of concern of club risk: groomer operator training and

trail signage.

STEP Grooming

SRRA legislation suggests that clubs strive to train their equipment operators. Tthe Board of Directors,

supported by legal opinion, believes that clubs need to recognize that clubs take training groomer

operators seriously. Clubs need to document what was done to provide that training. Many clubs have

established Groomer Operator Safety Guidelines. This document, among other things, would describe

the process of how a club member becomes a groomer operator. Many clubs include in that process

attendance at the groomer operator safety class.

Clubs’ experienced groomer operators should be the primary source of this training. Clubs should

record in their minutes which members are designated to train new operators. Requiring experienced

groomer operators to repeatedly attend the existing groomer safety class is an option for clubs.

Some county organizations host this class. There are several volunteers in the State that have

participated in groomer course instructor training and would be willing to instruct the class. A list of

these volunteer instructors will be posted on the NYSSA website. The current course is several hours

long. A goal for this upcoming season is to seek a revision to the course so that it can be done at an

evening session instead of a weekend day. A website calendar will be available to post groomer operator

classes so that others nearby may be able to take advantage it.

An educational program that provides grooming information for the snowmobiler (the one that knows

nothing about grooming) is being developed. At the Big East Powersports Show in October , a

presentation was given targeting the average snowmobiler with this information. In addition, the IASA

(International Association of Snowmobile Administrators) has put together a grooming information

brochure for the average snowmobiler that has excellent information and could be used by club

leadership to communicate to club members about grooming.


STEP Signage

STEP Signage represents that area of risk management that consumes that greatest effort and time. The

importance of proper trail signage cannot be overstated.

SRRA legislation states that clubs strive to mark and delineate their trails. The OPRHP Trail Grant

Application contains wording stating trails, including signage, are to be properly maintained. This past

season the Phase II application contained a private landowner and trail maintenance statement that had

to be signed by each club president. In it, the president is stating that all designated and funded trails

are to be signed according to administrative guidelines.

Improperly signed trails can result in a club being difficult to defend should a legal situation occur. This

situation can have catastrophic results for the trails fund and the availability of insurance.

STEP Signage trains volunteer snowmobilers to serve as a Safe Trails Advisor who is partnered with a

club. The Advisor and a club representative ride the club’s trails for the purpose determining how well

the club is meeting trail signing guidelines.

For the past few years, the responsibility for signing and maintaining safe trails has fallen to the local

club that obtained landowner permission for the trail. Features the club puts into the trail (such as

bridges, culverts, and junctions) are easily identified and easy to sign. If a bridge exists on a trail, the

guidelines are clear on how to sign it.

Other aspects of a trail are much more difficult to sign consistently, as they require a subjective

determination which may lead to greater inconsistency in signage. These aspects of signage need study

and discussion to better enable clubs to sign these conditions consistently.

Perhaps subjective signing situations need to be replaced by operator responsibility? An effort to get

more signage education into the hands and minds of snowmobile operators was pursued this year. At

last year’s Forum the idea of a signing brochure targeting information to the snowmobile operator was

mentioned by many as a good idea. A draft brochure was developed during the summer. The project

stalled when planned signage changes did not occur. Until there is universal agreement on what signage

is necessary and universal implementation of signage agreements, educating snowmobilers will be

virtually impossible.

STEP Signage Classes

The primary purpose of STEP Signage classes is to train Advisors. However, many attendees at classes

last fall were club trail workers that wanted to learn about trail signing guidelines. Each trail worker that

attends a signing class and uses this information when putting up signs helps make clubs defensible and

achieve consistent trail signage.


Satellite STEP

In an effort to provide more local control over Advisor visits, the Satellite STEP program was established.

Currently ten counties are participating in the program. Each county assembles its volunteers for a STEP

Signage class held in their county. Following the same training format as every other class, the county

organization determines which of their volunteer Advisors is partnered with a club in their county. The

benefit of this is that Advisors close to the host club provides greater opportunity to talk about trail

signage inconsistencies and determine corrections.

Every county organization is encouraged to participate in the Satellite STEP Signage program for 2009.

STEP Signage 2009

The Satellite program is scheduled to continue again next fall. During the summer the class schedule

will be developed and posted on the NYSSA website. Clubs need to get their trail workers to participate

in a class. To help with costs, several snowmobilers have volunteered to serve as a signing class

instructor. Their help will be invaluable.

High Snowfall

Each year funding is provided for trails that qualify by being in a high snowfall area. Currently areas that

receive over 110 inches of snowfall annually based on 1960 – 1990 snowfall measurements receive high

snowfall funding. However the density of reporting stations is unknown. Stations sparsely located may

cause some areas to be overlooked in terms of high snow funding eligibility.

This season an additional $350 per mile was provided for high snowfall trails. Some clubs have

expressed concern that there are trails that should qualify for high snowfall funding that are not

receiving this funding. Research is on‐going to find information about criteria used to qualify for high

snow funding and to explore more accurate measures of this data.

Bulk Sign Order Program

This is the time of the year, that time when signs are being taken down and stored for the summer,

when clubs should think about signing needs for the next season. The reason it is important to think

about signing needs now is that the location of trail signs is fresh in each trail worker’s mind and the

bulk sign order will be underway again this summer. The bulk sign program is a way for clubs to save

hundreds of dollars in trail sign costs. Purchasing signs in the fall will cost you much more than if you

ordered these signs in the bulk sign program.

The order form should be ready by the Forum.

Recreational Trail Program (RTP) Grants

This past fall was the time for clubs to submit applications for a Recreational Trail Program grant. Most

clubs that apply do so to obtain trail grooming equipment. Recently a summary of those that applied

was announced. The winners should be announced on National Trails Day (the first Saturday in June).


Chainsaw Safety

NYS DEC requires as part of a club’s AANR that anyone working on state lands needs to demonstrate

that they have completed the chainsaw safety requirements. Safety course requirements include safety

equipment such as cut‐resistant boots, gloves, safety chaps, and hardhat with the protective face shield.

In addition, each state land worker needs to complete first aid, CPR, and blood‐borne pathogens training

along with the Game of Logging I or an approved chainsaw video done by an approved instructor.

Any chainsaw safety course that is being done to meet DEC requirements for the AANR needs approval

of DEC.

Trail Complaints

The number of trail complaints decreased from last season to this.

The Erie County Federation developed an online method for snowmobilers to inform the Federation of

an unsafe trail condition. By all indications, the program worked very well. While there was fear that

the program would become merely a tool for those that like to complain, nearly all submissions were

based on safety issues found by snowmobilers on the trail.

Staking Fields

This issue generated a great deal of interest at last year’s Forum as it was announced that only double

staking as stated in the signing guidebook would be recognized. Many clubs indicated that single staking

should continue. Any club staking fields outside the signing handbook guidelines needs to document as

part of the club record the procedure used to single stake fields. This is necessary so that the decision of

staking outside of stated criteria would be identified as a club decision and not the individual putting in

the stakes.

Many western NY clubs attended Western Region NYSSA BOD meeting in Batavia to present their ideas

on single staking. As a result, the Trails Committee prepared a recommendation to OPRHP detailing a

method of single staking open fields.

Club Trail ID Signs

In the past there was no consistent means of identifying trails that were legal (have landowner

permission) but were not funded. OPRHP was clear that club trails are not to be identified in any

method that resembled the system used to identify funded trails. Use of any trail ID sign that resembled

that currently used on funded trails would not be allowed. As a result, the Trails Committee developed

a sign for club trails. Once notified of the number of club trails that needed identification, the Trails

Coordinator sent assigned trail numbers to the club. The club could then secure sign blanks from Voss

Signs and attach the assigned number. Many clubs did take advantage of this program.


Trail Opening/Closing

When is a trail considered open? It used to be that when there was snow, you ride. OPRHP addressed

that at a recent BOD meeting stating that a trail is considered open when:

all landowner permission is in place,

all signs are up,

all bridges and culverts are in place,

all gates are open,

grooming equipment is ready, and

there is sufficient snow on the ground.

A club should not be announcing trails as open if signs are not in place.

How do clubs notify riders that trails are closed? Some clubs have installed sign boards indicating trail

status at locations where the snowmobiling public can easily see them. Many clubs announce it on their

websites. Clubs also put up Trail Closed signs at trail heads and other easily seen locations.

Clubs need to be sure they have in place a method of trail open/trail closed notification and make sure

members know about the procedure for when trails are open or closed.

Trail Access

A number of trail access issues were worked on this season.

There are over 500 miles of canals in New York State. Local interest groups have formed and are

working diligently at creating a statewide Canalway Trail. A significant number of miles of this trail

along the Erie Canal have been completed. Canalway lands are owned by various levels of governments,

and in some cases private parties.

Currently, any canal lands owned by the NYS Canal Corporation prohibit snowmobile use. A significant

effort has been made this past year to bring attention to this situation and seek change. It is not known

yet if there are favorable results. The efforts that have been made have produced tangible proof that

snowmobiles should be allowed on Canal Corporation lands. Many local governments have passed

resolutions of support of the needed change. In addition, petitions with over 1,000 signatures

supporting this regulation change have been received.

Planning for the Champlain Canalway Trail is being developed by a Canalway Working Group. Several

Group meetings and public meetings have been held to gather information for this trail. All efforts thus

far have included snowmobile use.

As Trails Coordinator, I have been appointed to a one‐year term on the Board of Directors of the

Canalway Trail Association of NY. The past two CTANY meetings have been via conference call with a

face to face meeting scheduled for May in Camillus (Onondaga County).


Access to public property in the Adirondack and Catskill State Parks continues to be a high priority. The

State’s budget and uncertainty over financial support for the Environmental Protection Fund have left

many wondering when trails planned on the old Finch property would finally occur. A recent

announcement of the sale of timber property owned by The Nature Conservancy is reason for hope. But

before any snowmobile trail can be put in place, the State needs to purchase the easements that allow

trails to occur.

Last March the first Adirondack Park Snowmobile Trails Conference was held in Long Lake. The

Conference is scheduled again this year on April 4th. Invited participants include Park local government,

The Nature Conservancy, the Adirondack Park Agency, DEC Regions 5 and 6, and the Department of

Transportation.

Several Unit Management Plans for the Adirondacks remain in draft form and will not progress until the

APA and DEC come to agreement on several snowmobile issues. These issues include defining

administrative use, defining the character of a foot‐trail, and the use of tracked groomers on the Forest

Preserve. The previously approved Adirondack Snowmobile Plan contained provisions to relocate trails

from the interior of Wild Forest Units to the periphery. I have attended several meetings for the Wilcox

Lake Wild Forest where the effort to accomplish the goals of the ASP is happening. Affected

snowmobile clubs have been working with the DEC in establishing community connector trails.

Access in the Catskills is another area of concern. In many places in the Catskills, snowmobile trails

were not allowed if the land was higher than 2500 feet elevation. A change in the new Catskill Park

State Land Master Plan changed that limit to 3100 feet. It is expected that additional trails in the

Catskills will occur.

Last fall I had the opportunity to participate in a Catskill Park Local Government Day by giving a

presentation on snowmobiling to local government officials.

There have also been trail access issues centering around two Wildlife Management Areas in Albany

County and Rensselaer County. In the Partridge Run WMA the local club is pursuing legal trail

connections from the club’s trail system. The Capital District Wildlife Management Area in Rensselaer

County nearly surrounds Cherry Plain State Park (OPRHP). It is also located where three club trail

systems meet. They are seeking DEC approval to use approximately 3 miles of gravel road to connect

Rensselaer County communities.

Statewide Trails Coalition

NYSSA belongs to the Statewide Trails Coalition organized by Parks and Trails NY. Coalition members

participated in a Trails Advocacy Day on March 11th. During this lobbying session, several elected

officials were visited to discuss primarily funding for the Environmental Protection Fund and completion

of the Canalway trail.


National Grid Trail Licenses

Several clubs in the state applied to National Grid for a trail use License. This License would enable the

club to maintain a snowmobile trail on National Grid property. These Licenses are good for one year. To

obtain information on securing a License, contact the NYSSA Office or the Trails Coordinator. Essentially

clubs need to provide a map showing the right of way being considered for trail use, provide pole

numbers for that area, secure a certificate of insurance, and complete the License application. Clubs

should do this as early as possible before the season so that there is sufficient time.

Trails Fund Issues

Assisting clubs in dealing with the snowmobile trails fund program also continues on a regular basis.

Common issues this season focused on:

• identifying funded trails, their mileages, and maps

• equipment rates in a timely manner

• high snowfall

• distribution of worklog attachments

• use of automated worklogs

• allowable expenses

• signing revisions

• grooming equipment inventory

• availability of 0910 Phase I application

• communicate with County Trails Coordinators

• worked on single staking issue

• assisting clubs in 3‐Year Plan development and trail narratives

Clubs need to make sure there is constant, open communication with their local sponsor. One club did

not do that and as a result lost funding for this past season and will have to apply in the 09‐10 Phase I

application to get their trails re‐designated for funding. This includes having to re‐do all previous

narratives. The unfortunate part is that this could have been prevented.

21 Treasurer’s Report | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer’s Report will be inserted separately.

22 NYSSA Goal Statements | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009

NYSSA Goal Statements

Forward: NYSSA is a statewide organization comprised of clubs, businesses, individuals, and other

interested parties for the purpose of improving snowmobiling in New York State. It is an umbrella

organization advocating the best conditions possible for snowmobiling enthusiasts. It is managed by an

elected Board of Directors, primarily consisting of District Directors representing the 33 districts in the

state.

Defining the role: To achieve the purposes stated in the Forward, the managing Board must determine

the key areas that must be addressed in order to improve snowmobiling in the state. Such statements

must reflect the general areas of work for the Board. These statements can be either short‐term or

long‐term goals. Additionally, such statement must be followed by plans of action to direct efforts of

the organization in achieving these goals and a means to measure whether or not success has been

achieved. These plans of action of the organization must also be updated yearly.

Goal Statements:

1. Trails: all snowmobile trails identified as those trails suitable for public use receive adequate funding and are maintained at acceptable standards, including the physical condition of the trail, efforts to promote safer snowmobiling, and protections for the landowner.

2. Membership. Ensure that all snowmobilers belong to the local club where they ride and to the state association.

3. Protection. Snowmobiling remains a recreational activity through the communication efforts of the organization and its local clubs.

4. Legislation. The organization works to develop positive, productive relationship with members of the New York State Legislature and the federal government and monitors their activities.

23 Annual Meeting Rules | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009

Annual Meeting Rules

This Annual Meeting is being held for the benefit of the member clubs of NYSSA and to provide the

opportunity for the current Board of Directors to issue a State of the Organization Report. In addition,

the Board of Directors is asking the voting delegates, representing the member clubs in NYSSA, to

provide the ability to conduct its business for the upcoming year through the passage of a proposed

budget and through the election of its officers.

Another area of appeal from the Board of Directors is for the voting delegates to respond to the reports

of the Standing Committees, and then to vote to accept or reject each Committee Report.

The Board of Directors is asking that the following rules and policies be followed:

1. To be seated as a delegate you need to present your delegate ticket (received at registration) and

arrive on time.

2. Microphones are available for voting delegate use in addressing the Annual Meeting.

3. Paper ballots will be available for all votes taken requiring a paper ballot.

4. Approval of a Standing Committee report means approval for any recommendations by the

Committee Report.

5. Election of Officers will involve announcement of the slate of officers as presented by the Nominating

Committee. Each office will begin with nominations from the floor. If an office is contended, then each

nominee will be required to address the delegates. All votes for any office will be done on paper ballot

unless there is only one candidate for the office under consideration.

24 2009 NYSSA Annual Meeting Agenda | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009

2009 NYSSA Annual Meeting Agenda April 19th 2009

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Holiday Inn & Convention Center, Liverpool NY

9:00 a.m. Call to Order and Introductions

Welcome and Flag Salute Michael Fischer

Agenda and Procedures Review Michael Fischer

District Roll Call Jim Jennings

9:30 a.m. Executive and Committee Reports

Secretary's Report Linda Middleton

Treasurer's Report Roger McCabe

Executive Committee Gary Broderick

By‐laws Gerald Mitchell

Events & Promotions Debbie Perkins

Safety & Education John Brinkman

Governmental Affairs Hal Fleischman

Trails Jason Kowalczyk

Trails Coordinator Report Dave Perkins

Communication John Buckley

Membership Mike Denapole

10:45 a.m. NYSSA 2009‐2010 Planning

State of the Association Michael Fischer

Budget & Finance Committee Report Gary Batchelder

Budget Review and Approval Michael Fischer

Nominating Committee Jim Bode

Election of Officers Jim Bode

New Business and Closing Comments Michael Fischer

1:00 p.m. Adjourn


Professional Parliamentarian: Steven Anderson, PHP

STEVEN ANDERSON, PRP 12595 State Route 90 Locke NY, 13092 Cell: 315‐224‐1696 Tel/fax 315‐497‐9982 skype: sta.prp [email protected] www.yourparliamentarian.com

Steve recommends all Club Presidents obtain "Robert's Rules In Brief", available from Amazon for $6.95.

He has graciously provided some notes on Parliamentary Procedure, reproduced below. For more

information, please attend Steve’s session on Saturday!

NYSSA wishes to thank Steve for his excellent service to our organization.

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

Governing Documents

Statutes, Bylaws, Standing Rules, Rules of Order, Custom & Practice

All but Statutes are open to interpretation.

Basic Principles

One speaker at a time.

One subject at a time—talk about pending motion only.

Minority must be heard, but the Majority decides.

Quorum—minimum number of members who must be present to legally transact business.

Chairperson— follow agenda, guide members, keep order

Secretary—record what was done

Previous notice—members have the right to know when important actions will be considered.


Actions:

You want to: After being recognized, you say:

Bring new business to the meeting “I move that…”

Think, then speak. Must be a new question to that meeting. Specify who, what, when,

and how much.

Improve the pending motion “I move to insert (words)…” or

“I move to strike (words)…” or

“I move to substitute (paragraph) for the pending

motion”

Must be germane. Only 2 degrees of amendment permitted. Debate only the pending motion.

Each adopted amendment becomes part of the “new” main motion, which must also be

voted on.

Simplify the pending motion “I move to divide the question into (new sentences).”

Send the pending motion to committee “I move to refer the pending motion to the (name) committee.”

Study, execute, or delay.

Postpone the pending motion “I move to postpone … to (date).” or

“I move to table the pending motion to allow…”

(Emergency only)

No question can be postponed beyond the next meeting.

Close debate “I move the previous question on (this) (all) motion(s).”

2/3 vote required to order an immediate vote on pending motion(s).

Make sure of the voice vote “Division.” (Chair must take a counted vote on demand)

Take a break “I move we recess (for) (until)…”

Terminate the meeting “I move we adjourn. (until…)”

Take up something out of order, “I move to suspend the rules and take up….”

or outside the rules “I move to informally consider…


You want to: After being recognized, you say:

Reconsider an action already taken “I move to amend (or rescind) the motion on…”

(Higher vote threshold)

Get more information “Point of information.” (Substantive—Chair answers)

“Parliamentary inquiry.” (Procedural‐‐‐ Chair answers)

“Request to ask the member a question.”

(Substantive—Member may answer)

Enforce the rules “Point of Order.” (May interrupt)

“You snooze, you lose”‐‐‐Point of Order must be timely.

Submit the Chair’s ruling to a vote “I appeal from the decision of the Chair.”

“Shall the decision of the Chair be sustained”…majority in negative to overrule.

Voting

Majority—more than half the votes cast.

Normally voice vote. No member can be made to/allowed to explain his/her vote.

The chair should: state the exact wording of the question;

ask for both positive and negative, not abstentions;

report both positive and negative (if counted), stating which side has prevailed;

declare that the motion is adopted or lost;

state the effect of the vote, or order appropriate action.

Precedence of Common Motions

Adjourn

Recess

Table

Previous Question*

Postpone

Commit

Amend

Main Motion


2008 NYSSA Annual Meeting Minutes NYSSA Annual Meeting (Unofficial) April 13, 2008

9:30 AM $1200.00 collected last night for troops – Thanks Ernie Roosevelt Pledge Secretary’s Report Page 26 Motions: Ivan Davis, 2nd John Brinkman – Motion Carried Treasurer’s Report – Roger McCabe Page 68 and Page 145 – Audit Report and Treasurer Report Motion: Ron Hajdasz, George Couell – Motion Carried. New Business Rick Pugh ‐ Penn Mt Snow Riders Trails Coordinator – Dave Perkins Page 87 Landowner survey – purpose is to gather info. Club trail mileage – needed for insurance Public meetings with parks – 2 this week – Please get someone from club there. Need input. Sign order forms available. July 3rd deadline. July 29 deadline Quad maps Survey will go out for staking, working with parks on it. What can clubs do – be ready to respond regarding DEC/APA when request come from NYSSA office. Executive Committee – Gary Broderick Page 29 Ways & Means – John Occhino Page 30 Budget approved by BOD at March meeting Motion: Tom Baker, Vic Dewenot– Motion Carried Membership – Mike Denapole Page 85 Membership 65,136 as of April 1 1800 landowner memberships Online 17,000 joined using this. Motion: Bob Eiselman, Ron Barnes – Motion carried. Trails – Jason Kowalczyk Thanked Doug Brownell for his past work. Thank Dave Perkins for all his work this year. Need to be more active in Adirondack issues. Safety – reduce insurance in past 3 years by 50%.


Don’t want to take trails away – want to make trails safer. Motion: Dave VanDerlinde, Anne O’Dell – Motion carried. Public Relations/Education – Deb Perkins Page 96 Thank you for last nights’ patience. Website – is only as good as the info that is there. Clubs need to keep info updated. Message Board – a lot of people look at it, use it wisely. Charity reports – only received a handful back – these go on to Congress – please get info in. Motion: Ron Hajdasz, Sue Paul – Motion Carried. Safety ‐ John Brinkman Page 103 Motion: John Occhino, Ed Zaler – Motion Carried By Laws – Anne O’Dell Page 97 One bylaw that did not pass BOD – think about changing delegate count for next year. Bylaw 2008‐1 Clarification of wording Motion: Verbal approval Bylaw 2008‐2 Meetings to include show of hands Motion: Verbal Approval Awards – Linda Middleton Nominating committee – Dick Knapp President – Robert Perry V. President – Gary Broderick Treasurer – Roger Secretary – Linda Middleton and Dave VanDerlinde Bill Hajdasz – Nominate Mike Fischer for president, 2nd Tom Bally Mike will accept nomination Mike Fischer, Bob Perry, Dave VanDerlinde and Linda Middleton spoke. Voting by paper ballot Tellers =Deb will get names for me. New Business Rick Pugh –Penn Mtn Oneida Cty Motion: I, Rick Pugh, from Penn Mountain Snow Riders, Inc. snowmobile club make a motion that: The President

of NYSSA shall appoint a study group to investigate how NYSSA could reduce the cost of doing business

as well as increase the effectiveness of the association on a month to month basis. This study group shall

consist of a minimum of six (6) members and a maximum of eight (8) members. There shall be an equal

number of Board of Director members and non‐Board of Director Members serving on this study group.


The study group shall report back to the full Board of Directors with its findings no later than January 2,

2009 and also report its findings to the membership of NYSSA at the 2009 Forum & Annual Meeting for a

vote on the proposed changes needed to accomplish the savings recommended by the study group.

Motion; Tom Baker, Mike Fischer ‐ To postpone until after the long range planning committee meets.

Motion carried.

Anne O’Dell Magazine Online – VS Printed Magazine Everyone is getting paper magazine – cost have increased. Company wants to charge $.25/copy. Would you accept lower quality? No paper magazine? Any other ideas? Have shopped for other proposals received 4 back and reviewing but don’t match Printcomm. Need to continue with print Take out repeat addresses. If you get multiple copies, let office know Make it a color paper instead of magazine. Must have 50% of magazine as ads to pay for it. Do an online survey to clubs to see what they want. Make it letter size as opposed to flat. Likes professional hard copy that we have now. Don’t mail online magazine unless requested. Deb Voting 389 delegate ‐ 396 ballots cast with 2 thrown out. President – Mike Fischer V.President – Gary Broderick Secretary – Linda Middleton Treasurer – Roger McCabe Motion to destroy ballots by Deb Perkins, 2nd Jason Kowalczyk – Motion carried Motion to adjourn: Carl Hubbell, 2nd Gary Broderick – Motion carried.

31 Committee Reports | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009

Committee Reports

Purpose

Committees of NYSSA are the heart of the organization. It is the committee that represents the real

work of the organization. Without the efforts of committees, the work assigned, delegated and assumed

by NYSSA will go undone. Therefore, each committee member has a responsibility to be an active

participant in the work of the committee.

Kinds

There are two kinds of committees in NYSSA: Standing Committees and Ad hoc Committees. The

Standing Committees are committed to an ongoing, never‐ending effort for the betterment of

snowmobiling in New York. Ad hoc Committees are those approved by the BOD and are assigned a

specific, short term temporary task. The President appoints all members of committees, unless

otherwise noted in the By‐Laws. Any individual interested in becoming a member of a committee must

notify the President of their interest in being appointed to a certain committee. A member’s request

does not guarantee appointment to a specific committee. The members of each standing committee will

select a chairman from its Committee membership during the first meeting after the Annual Meeting.

Persons that are not Directors, Alternate Directors, or employees that attend regularly may be assigned

to a committee at the discretion of the President.

Standing Committees

The NYSSA standing committees are: Executive, Legislative, Trails and Landowner Relations, Ways and

Means, Safety, Membership, Public Relations and Education and Awards and Presentations.

Each Director is obligated to serve on at least ONE Standing Committee.

Ad‐Hoc Committees

The NYSSA ad hoc committees are: By‐Laws , Nominating , Miscellaneous Business .


Executive Committee Chair: Gary Broderick

NYSSA’s Executive Committee consists of the:

* President (Mike Fischer)

* Vice‐President (Gary Broderick; Chairman)

* Secretary (Linda Middleton)

* Treasurer (Roger McCabe)

* Ways and Means Committee Chair (Gary Batchelder)

+ Immediate Past President (Bob Perry)

+ Hudson Region Director (John Occhino)

+ ADK/Tug Hill Region Director (Mike Denapole)

+ Central Region Director (Elwin Goff)

+ Mohawk Region Director (Jon Karker)

+ Western Region Director (John Brinkman)

* Executive Director (Jim Jennings; Non‐voting)

* Trail Coordinator (Dave Perkins; Non‐voting)

(* ‐ Required by By‐Laws; + ‐ By Presidential appointment IAW the By‐Laws/Policy Manual)

This committee’s charter, per the NYSSA Policy Manual is to:

To preview and act on issues involving NYSSA. Determine assignment of issues to committees, other

activities as contained in this policy manual.

Duties:

Secure BOD approval for activities and expenditures

Handle overnight, emergency, last minute issues

Items assigned by the BOD

Maintain NYSSA’s physical office

Present any new issues and information not assigned to any other standing committee

communicate with Directors and employees on issues affecting the organization

Maintain committee financial plan as approved in the NYSSA Budget and follow procedures as

stated in the NYSSA Financial Plan

Approve Press Releases prior to release

Use of e‐mail voting for press releases and other time sensitive decisions is authorized.

During the past year, the Executive Committee worked on the overall issues concerning the operations

of the organization as a whole. Our very first priority after the Forum 2008 was to work on retrieving

$1,000,000.00 taken by the state from the trail fund. Working with the Government Affairs Committee,

our lobbyist Capitol Group and various state agencies we were able to secure a promise from the

Governor to re‐appropriate one million dollars over three years from OPRHP and DEC to the snowmobile


clubs of New York State, where the money needs to be. Additionally, the Governor publicly promised

that the Trail Fund would never be raided again and ordered the department of budget to oversee fund

use and disbursement, resulting in a raise in reimbursement totals from $2.8M in 2007‐8 to $5.34M for

2008‐09. Most of this was accomplished due to your participation in the letter writing campaigns

suggested by NYSSA.

At the President’s discretion, the Executive Committee was expanded in 2008 to include Regional

Directors (5 regions). This is in accordance with the NYSSA Strategic Plan completed in 2007. Part of the

plan is to have less full Board Meetings, reducing expenses (this is not reflected in the budget you have

received) and having the expanded Executive Committee ensure day‐to‐day business is properly cared

for. We continue to implement the Strategic Plan, which includes re‐naming committees and re‐aligning

duties as seen in the proposed By‐Law changes to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. Additionally, we

are planning to use conference calling capabilities to further reduce meeting costs.

The Executive Committee makes decisions as needed on the Day‐to‐Day operations of NYSSA while

informing the Board of all items. At some times, this requires executive action in‐between board

meetings for time sensitive matters as designated by the President. These matters are voted on by all

voting members of this committee.

Additionally, the Executive Committee maintains the NYSSA Policy Manual which amplifies NYSSA’s By‐

Laws and provides guidance for areas unaddressed in the by‐laws as applied to the Board of Directors.

The Executive Committee builds additions/updates/deletions to the Policy Manual and presents them to

the Board of Directors for consideration prior to implementation. At no time does the Policy Manual

supersede the by‐laws.


Budget & Finance Committee Chair: Gary Batchelder

Auditors’ Financial Statements


2009 – 2010 Proposed Budget


Governmental Affairs Committee Chair: Hal Fleischman

The government Affairs Committee consisted of Gerry Mitchell, Don Roark, Robert Perry, John Karker,

Elwin Goff and Hal Fleischman‐Chair. Meetings were held prior to and in conjunction with the NYSSA

Board of Directors meetings.

Perhaps the most important action of the committee was the reversal of the sweep of $1,000,000.00

from the Snowmobile Trail Fund. We all owe a great deal of thanks to NYSSA President Mike Fischer for

his diligent effort in negotiating a solution for the return of our funds.

The changes in State Government starting with a switch to a Democratic governor, a lag in the turnover

of Commissioners, the subsequent resignation of that Governor and the installation of a new one, not to

mention a change in majority leadership in the Senate, yielded an impossible climate for promoting any

legislation. While this turmoil was very interesting and would probably make for good TV, it was

impossible to seriously move any bills toward reality. We did however have a good deal of discussion on

several topics and ideas such as the concept of a TRAIL PASS to promote out of state tourism. The

Sportsman’s bill lowering the registration fees for ice fishermen and trappers was revisited as well as a

request for discounted registration fees for antique/vintage snowmobiles. These items are still on the

table. Another item pending more thought and discussion involves changes to the way the Trail Fund is

distributed. We also authorized Capitol Group to begin the process of changing the law to allow the use

of the CSS lighting system.

Your input is always welcome. Please feel free to contact this committee with your comments and

ideas.

A report from Capitol Group follows.


NYSSA /GENERAL2009 Both Houses Bills

Run Date: 04/06/09 02:19 PM

Color Code: Green – Support Blue ‐ Watch

Yellow – Awaits Review Gray ‐ Concerns

Red ‐ Oppose

A495 Hoyt (MS) ‐‐

No same as

Primary Law: Public Authorities

AN ACT providing for the creation of a temporary state commission to determine the future governance

of the canal corporation; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

SUMM : Provides for the creation of a temporary state commission to determine the future governance

of the canal corporation to be called the commission on the future governance of the canal corporation.

Last Act: 03/03/09 reported referred to ways and means

Significant Act: Assembly Ways and Means

Old Bill: A9849 of 2008

A687 Destito (MS) ‐‐

Same as S 2916 DEFRANCISCO

Primary Law: Real Property Tax Law

AN ACT to amend the real property tax law, in relation to providing tax abatement for private

landowners who allow snowmobiling on such land


SUMM : Add S496, RPT L Provides a tax abatement of 10% for landowners allowing snowmobiling on

such land; such abatement limited to those parcels crossed by a trail which is maintained by a county,

city, town or village as a part of a system of trails and eligible for aid pursuant to the parks, recreation

and historic preservation law.

Last Act: 01/07/09 referred to real property taxation

Significant Act: Assembly Real Property Taxation

Same‐As S 2916 Last Act: 03/05/09 REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Same‐As S 2916 Significant Act: Senate Local Government


A868 DelMonte (MS) ‐‐

Same as S 3535 GRIFFO

Primary Law: Vehicle and Traffic Law

AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the registration of snowmobiles used solely

for the purpose of hunting or fishing

SUMM : Amd SS2222 & 2230, V & T L Establishes a non‐trail snowmobile registration for snowmobiles

which shall be used solely for the purpose of gaining access to hunting and fishing areas; requires a $25

registration fee, $15 of which shall be deposited in a snowmobile trail development and maintenance

fund.

Last Act: 01/07/09 referred to transportation

Significant Act: Assembly Transportation

Same‐As S 3535 Last Act: 03/24/09 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION

Same‐As S 3535 Significant Act: Senate Transportation



A1056 Destito (MS) ‐‐

No same as

Primary Law: Railroad Law

AN ACT to amend the railroad law and the state finance law, in relation to trespass on railroad property

and the establishment of the railroad crossing safety fund

SUMM : Amd SS83, 83‐a & 83‐b, add SS83‐c, 83‐d & 93‐c, Rail L; add S89‐h, St Fin L Limits railroads'

liability to intruders upon their property and rights‐of‐way; defines offenses of trespasses on and

damage to railroad property and establishes penalties therefor; also penalizes disruption of railroads

and causing death or serious injury in connection therewith; establishes the railroad crossing safety

fund, to be funded by fines and forfeitures from railroad‐related offenses; the fund is to be used for

training and education to improve safety at railroad grade crossings and along railroad rights‐of‐way

throughout the state.

Criminal Sanction Impact.



Old Bill: A6809A of 2008

A1102 Sayward (MS) ‐‐

No same as

Primary Law: Tax Law

AN ACT to amend the tax law and the general obligations law, in relation to the use of lands for

recreational activities and an income tax deduction for certain landowners

SUMM : Amd S615, Tax L; amd S9‐103, Gen Ob L Provides a specified tax deduction for taxpayer land

made available annually for recreation as part of a local, national, state or regional trail system; limits

liability of such landowners to willful or malicious creation or perpetuation of a dangerous condition, use

or structure.

Last Act: 01/07/09 referred to ways and means




A1177 Seminerio ‐‐

No same as

Primary Law: Penal Law

AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to vehicular manslaughter

SUMM : Amd S125.12, Pen L Includes within the crime of vehicular manslaughter in the second degree,

the operation of a motor vehicle by a person with three or more suspensions or revocations of his or her

driver's license, when such operation causes the death of another person.


Last Act: 01/07/09 referred to codes

Significant Act: Assembly Codes


A1888 Morelle (MS) ‐‐

Same as S 3085 VALESKY


AN ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to a four‐stroke snowmobile tax credit; and providing for the

expiration of such provisions after five years

SUMM : Amd S606, Tax L Provides a tax credit in the amount of five hundred dollars for the purchase

and registration of a four‐stroke snowmobile.



Same‐As S 3085 Last Act: 03/10/09 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Same‐As S 3085 Significant Act: Senate Investigations and Government Operations



A2156 Englebright ‐‐

No same as

Primary Law: Environmental Conservation Law

AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to prohibiting the use of all‐terrain

vehicles within the forest preserve, the Long Island central pine barrens and the Albany pine bush

preserve, and providing penalties for violations of all‐terrain vehicle laws in such sensitive areas

SUMM : Amd SS9‐0303, 46‐0111 & 57‐0121, add S71‐0717, En Con L Prohibits the operation of all‐

terrain vehicles by the general public in the state forest preserve, Long Island central pine barrens area

and Albany pine bush preserve; grants exceptions for the disabled, official purposes and law

enforcement; provides for the impoundment of all‐terrain vehicles operated in violation of such

provisions and the imposition of a $100 surcharge upon the owner thereof; provides for the deposit of

such surcharges into a separate all‐terrain enforcement fund.

Last Act: 01/15/09 referred to tourism, arts and sports development

Significant Act: Assembly Tourism, Arts and Sports Development


A2178 McEneny (MS) ‐‐

Same as S 3239 FLANAGAN


AN ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to exemptions from sales and use taxes

SUMM : Amd S1115, Tax L Exempts bicycle, motorcycle, snowmobile and equestrian helmets from sales

and use tax.



Same‐As S 3239 Last Act: 03/13/09 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Same‐As S 3239 Significant Act: Senate Investigations and Government Operations



A2418 Magee (MS) ‐‐

Same as S 2876 AUBERTINE





which shall be used solely for the purpose of gaining access to hunting and fishing areas.






A2612 Sweeney (MS) ‐‐

Same as S 183 FLANAGAN


AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to penalties for causing serious injury or death while

knowingly operating a motor vehicle with a revoked or suspended license

SUMM : Amd SS120.03 & 125.12, Pen L Penalizes crimes of vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter

as felonies when such crimes are committed while driving with a suspended or revoked license.


Last Act: 01/21/09 referred to codes

Significant Act: Assembly Codes

Same‐As S 183 Last Act: 01/07/09 REFERRED TO CODES

Same‐As S 183 Significant Act: Senate Codes



A3007 Barclay (MS) ‐‐

No same as


AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to registration fees for snowmobiles to be used

on frozen bodies of water for sport fishing or for access to hunting or trapping lands solely

SUMM : Amd S2222, V & T L Exempts snowmobiles used solely for sport fishing on a frozen body of

water or solely for access to hunting or trapping lands from certain additional registration fees.




A3274 Englebright ‐‐

No same as

Primary Law: Environmental Conservation Law

AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to the adopt‐a‐natural resource

stewardship program

SUMM : Amd S9‐0113, En Con L Prohibits stewardship agreements for the preservation of a natural

resource from authorizing the destruction or alteration of the natural resource in a manner inconsistent

with the state's natural resource preservation policies; requires the department of environmental

conservation to give public notice of any proposed adopt‐a‐natural resource stewardship agreement in

the state environmental notice bulletin not less than 30 days before final approval of such agreement.

Last Act: 01/23/09 referred to environmental conservation

Significant Act: Assembly Environmental Conservation



A3653 Oaks (MS) ‐‐

No same as


AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to notices of termination for policies of liability

insurance

SUMM : Amd S313, V & T L Requires notices of termination to apply to snowmobiles and all vehicles

insured or covered under an owner's policy of liability insurance.



A4207 Meng ‐‐

Same as S 1372 STAVISKY


AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the penal law, in relation to operating a vehicle while

fatigued; in relation to vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter; and providing for the mandatory

suspension of a driver's license upon conviction of operating a vehicle while fatigued

SUMM : Add S1212‐a, amd SS510 & 1193, V & T L; amd SS120.03, 120.04, 125.12 & 125.13, Pen L

Establishes the crime of operating a vehicle while fatigued; relates to vehicular assault and vehicular

manslaughter by including within the definition of such crimes the operation of a vehicle while fatigued

where the result of such operation is serious physical injury or death to another person.








A4357 Morelle ‐‐

No same as

Primary Law: Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law

AN ACT to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law and the environmental

conservation law, in relation to the survey of snowmobile trails

SUMM : Add S21.09, Pks & Rec L; add S9‐0115, En Con L Requires that no snowmobile policies be

implemented or trail length be altered until the completion of a survey of the existing snowmobile trails;

requires the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to work in conjunction with the

commissioner of environmental conservation to produce a survey of the current snowmobile trails in

New York.

Last Act: 02/03/09 referred to tourism, arts and sports development

Significant Act: Assembly Tourism, Arts and Sports Development


A5331 Butler ‐‐

Same as S 3042 SEWARD


AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the registration of vintage snowmobiles

SUMM : Amd S2222, V & T L Allows for a fee reduction for the registration of vintage snowmobiles;

prescribes the use of a different color registration sticker for vintage snowmobiles; defines vintage

snowmobiles; creates a violation for misuse of a vintage snowmobile registration.







A6572 Burling (MS) ‐‐

No same as

Primary Law: General Obligations Law

AN ACT to amend the general obligations law, in relation to the duty to keep premises safe for certain

uses and the inherent risk for use of off highway recreational vehicles

SUMM : Amd S9‐103, add S9‐107, Gen Ob L Provides that the owner, lessee or occupant of premises

owes no duty to keep the premises safe for entry or use by others performing certain activities,

including recreational activities such as snowmobiling and motorized vehicle operation for recreational

purposes.

Last Act: 03/06/09 referred to judiciary

Significant Act: Assembly Judiciary


S183 FLANAGAN ‐‐

Same as A 2612 Sweeney


AN ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to penalties for causing serious injury or death while

knowingly operating a motor vehicle with a revoked or suspended license

SUMM : Amd SS120.03 & 125.12, Pen L Penalizes crimes of vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter

as felonies when such crimes are committed while driving with a suspended or revoked license.


Last Act: 01/07/09 REFERRED TO CODES

Significant Act: Senate Codes

Same‐As A 2612 Last Act: 01/21/09 referred to codes

Same‐As A 2612 Significant Act: Assembly Codes


S300 LITTLE ‐‐

No same as


AN ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to exempting Diesel motor fuel and residual petroleum product

used at or in a non‐road operation from taxation

SUMM : Amd SS282‐a, 285‐b, 301‐b & 1115, Tax L Exempts from taxation, diesel motor fuel and residual

petroleum product which will be used at or by a non‐road operation.

Last Act: 01/07/09 REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Significant Act: Senate Investigations and Government Operations

Old Bill: S7947B of 2008

S837 MARCELLINO ‐‐

No same as


AN ACT to amend the general obligations law, in relation to the liability of landowners who permit

recreational uses

SUMM : Amd S9‐103, Gen Ob L Relates to the liability of landowners who permit recreational uses of

their land; establishes landowners owe no duty to keep premises safe for entry, passage over premises

or other recreational uses or to give warning of any hazardous condition of use of or structure or activity

on such premises to persons entering for such purposes.

Last Act: 01/18/09 REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

Significant Act: Senate Judiciary

Old Bill: S2761 of 2008


S856 MARCELLINO ‐‐

No same as


AN ACT to amend the general obligations law, in relation to landowner liability

SUMM : Amd S9‐103, Gen Ob L Relates to landowner liability for injury during recreational use of

property; defines occupant to include organizations who develop or maintain trails and recreational

facilities.

Last Act: 01/21/09 REFERRED TO JUDICIARY

Significant Act: Senate Judiciary


S1372 STAVISKY ‐‐

Same as A 4207 Meng


AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law and the penal law, in relation to operating a vehicle while

fatigued; in relation to vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter; and providing for the mandatory

suspension of a driver's license upon conviction of operating a vehicle while fatigued

SUMM : Add S1212‐a, amd SS510 & 1193, V & T L; amd SS120.03, 120.04, 125.12 & 125.13, Pen L

Establishes the crime of operating a vehicle while fatigued; relates to vehicular assault and vehicular

manslaughter by including within the definition of such crimes the operation of a vehicle while fatigued

where the result of such operation is serious physical injury or death to another person.


Last Act: 01/29/09 REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION

Significant Act: Senate Transportation

Same‐As A 4207 Last Act: 01/30/09 referred to transportation

Same‐As A 4207 Significant Act: Assembly Transportation



S2876 AUBERTINE ‐‐

Same as A 2418 Magee





which shall be used solely for the purpose of gaining access to hunting and fishing areas.






S2916 DEFRANCISCO ‐‐

Same as A 687 Destito

Primary Law: Real Property Tax Law

AN ACT to amend the real property tax law, in relation to providing tax abatement for private

landowners who allow snowmobiling on such land

SUMM : Add S496, RPT L Provides a tax abatement of 10% for landowners allowing snowmobiling on

such land; such abatement limited to those parcels crossed by a trail which is maintained by a county,

city, town or village as a part of a system of trails and eligible for aid pursuant to the parks, recreation

and historic preservation law.

Last Act: 03/05/09 REFERRED TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Significant Act: Senate Local Government

Same‐As A 687 Last Act: 01/07/09 referred to real property taxation

Same‐As A 687 Significant Act: Assembly Real Property Taxation


S2917 DEFRANCISCO ‐‐

No same as

Primary Law: Navigation Law

AN ACT to amend the navigation law, the parks, recreation and historic preservation law and the vehicle

and traffic law, in relation to the effect of prior conviction for operation of certain vehicles while

intoxicated upon imposition of penalties for boating while intoxicated

SUMM : Amd S49‐a, Nav L; amd S25.24, Pks & Rec L; amd S1192, V & T L Provides that a conviction for

operation of a motor vehicle, snowmobile, or all terrain vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or

drugs shall be deemed a prior conviction for the purpose of imposing penalties for boating while under

the influence of alcohol or drugs and a conviction for operating a vessel, snowmobile or all terrain

vehicle under the influence to be a prior conviction of operating a motor vehicle while under the

influence.





S3042 SEWARD ‐‐

Same as A 5331 Butler


AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to the registration of vintage snowmobiles

SUMM : Amd S2222, V & T L Allows for a fee reduction for the registration of vintage snowmobiles;

prescribes the use of a different color registration sticker for vintage snowmobiles; defines vintage

snowmobiles; creates a violation for misuse of a vintage snowmobile registration.






S3085 VALESKY ‐‐

Same as A 1888 Morelle


AN ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to a four‐stroke snowmobile tax credit; and providing for the

repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

SUMM : Amd S606, Tax L Provides a tax credit in the amount of five hundred dollars for the purchase

and registration of a four‐stroke snowmobile.



Same‐As A 1888 Last Act: 01/14/09 referred to ways and means

Same‐As A 1888 Significant Act: Assembly Ways and Means

S3239 FLANAGAN ‐‐

Same as A 2178 McEneny


AN ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to exemptions from sales and use taxes

SUMM : Amd S1115, Tax L Exempts bicycle, motorcycle, snowmobile and equestrian helmets from sales

and use tax.



Same‐As A 2178 Last Act: 01/15/09 referred to ways and means

Same‐As A 2178 Significant Act: Assembly Ways and Means



S3535 GRIFFO ‐‐

Same as A 868 DelMonte





which shall be used solely for the purpose of gaining access to hunting and fishing areas; establishes a

$25 registration fee, $15 of which shall be deposited in the snowmobile trail development and

maintenance fund.







Membership Committee Chair: Mike Denapole

Committee Members: Jim Bode, Chuck Rose, Kevin Makuen

The Membership Committee was very busy and worked hard on Phase 11 of the NYSSA/Club On‐line

Database application.

Jim Bode and I have worked hundreds of hours on this project with Cifarelli Technology LLC to further

develop and enhance the On‐line Database.

The data of near 70,000 members who joined NYSSA is managed by the NYSSA/Club On‐Line Database.

Over 24,000 members have joined the Club of their choice and received their voucher instantly online

this year, up 41% from last season.

Member log in and joining have been made easier and Club Membership Administers have new features

including accounting reports and monthly statements that manage $820,000 for NYSSA, Clubs and PAC .

NYSSA membership dues represent an income of approximately $340,000 to NYSSA.

The NYSSA/Club On‐Line Database now has a dedicated e‐mail server. Response time has been reduced

to seconds, and we have unlimited capacity.

Membership Cards with each primary members ID number have been provided to each member at no

cost.

RESOLUTION

Clarification of NYSSA Trail Defender Membership category: NYSSA Trail Defender is an optional

membership category with $25 total NYSSA dues. Each Trail Defender membership card will have TRAIL

DEFENDER printed on it. The additional $20 is used to support the NYSSA Mission Statement, preserving

and protecting snowmobile trail access and support the Trail Defender Fund. Use of these funds will be

defined each year in the NYSSA budget.

JUSTIFICATION

In view of the rather ill‐defined and out‐of‐date definition of Trail Defender membership category that

was established 9 years ago, we propose to redefine this membership category, dropping the $6 TD and

$8 allocation used many years ago when membership was optional and before SRRA.


Trails Development & Funding Committee Chair: Jason Kowalczyk

The members of the Trails Committee are: Rick Burt, Cortland; Aaron Fischer, Hamilton;Tom Highers,

Clinton; Mike Hill, Warren; Robert K. Jennings, Tioga‐Chemung; Jon Karker, Otsego; Jason Kowalczyk ,

Lewis(Chair); Dan Middleton, Oswego; Tim Taylor, Onondaga; Barry Wilson, Washington.

Mission Statement

The following Mission statement was developed in response to the new formation of committees and

was approved by the Committee. If the By‐Law changes are approved by the membership, it will be

entered into the policy manual.

“Responsible for all issues related to trails. Works closely with Legislative committee and OPRHP on trail

related legislation. Works on the funding crisis for extended season areas. Responsible for Trail

Insurance policy management. Responsible for grooming policy, GPS policy, trail inspection policy, etc. “

Goals and Objectives

A goals and objectives statement was also approved as follows:

• Right‐of‐way permit: assist clubs in securing permission to use public rights‐of‐way

such as utility lines

• Assist clubs in the preparation of trail maps

• Follow up on potential trail opportunities and closures

• Provide input to state trail manual and trail policies

• Develop and administer GPS Program

• Develop and administer Grooming Policy

• Review and act on monthly trail coordinator's report

• Participate in planning efforts statewide, e.g. DEC UMPs

• Disseminate trail issue information so members can act in support

• Develop materials to address landowner liability concerns

• Establish and promote cordial landowner relations

• Administer the Trail Insurance Policy

• Identify funding issues affecting clubs and provide recommendations to OPRHP via

the BOD

• Work with OPRHP to protect the Trails Fund from unauthorized legislature actions

• Complete a statewide analysis of trails funding issues and report to the BOD

Yearly Highlights

This year I was proud to continue the Chair responsibilities of the Trails Committee. There have been

significant changes in the formation of committees. Now that we have been through the growth

process, we should be more effective in 2009.


We have established a process to track and inventory club trails. This process will allow the Trails

Coordinator to track unfunded trails and have a complete picture of each Clubs’ trails. Please work with

Dave to start tracking your club trails.

Last year the bulk sign order saved participating clubs approximately 50% on the usual cost of signs. The

bulk order sign order form will be available shortly. Please take time to utilize this effort for your

benefit.

The Insurance Subcommittee successfully managed the RFP process for the new trails insurance

program. This process saved approximately $150,000.00 that was made available for trail maintenance.

As with any change of this magnitude, we had our growing pains with insurance forms and additional

insured certificates. The insurance company issued certificates to 255 organizations and over 8,000

additionally insured. I want to thank everyone that was a part of the Insurance Subcommittee for their

work and the savings this has provided.

We are working on instituting an on‐line process to request certificates and receive them if you would

like. This will significantly reduce the amount of paper and problems associated with the process. The

Committee is also pursuing a 6‐month extension to push the effective date of the policy to April. This

will allow for any problems obtaining coverage to occur at the beginning of the season instead of

October when clubs are readying their trails for the season.

The Satellite STEP program was a success last year with over 10 districts participating. The goal of this

program is to promote safety issues on the trail system. This program will also reduce the need for the

Trails Coordinator to coordinate with hundreds of safe trail advisors, and allow for closer coordination

with County organizations. Evaluating the success of a program like this is challenging, and the Trails

Committee has implemented a mandatory summary report feature for the Committee so that we can

track progress. This STEP program benefits all snowmobilers by not only making riding safer, but

reducing the cost of the trails insurance program by having less accidents.

In response to the "million dollar sweep" from our trail fund, and to better serve the Clubs, the Trails

Committee approved the following motion. The Governmental Affairs committee to pursue changing

the laws in regards to trails funding laws:

a) The 70%/30% payment system be removed from law and replaced with a payment system that

depletes the fund as much as possible, with regard for reserves necessary for the proper function of the

Unit. This would be done as of January 1st and June 1st of each year.

b) All additional grants should be proportionally paid out as of January 1st and June 1st of each

year.

We also would like to encourage OPHRP to utilize a 3 year average of both Snowmobile Registrations

and Trails mileage to produce trails funding rates for the funding year.

The Committee will continue to pursue all programs we have initiated, and will continue to seek input

from all clubs on issues relating to snowmobile trails.


Public Affairs & Communications Chair: Anne O’Dell (to 1/2009) John Buckley, Debbie Perkins (1/2009 – 4/2009)

Committee Members: Mike Blance, Gary Broderick, Kathi Bryant, John Buckley, George Couell, Gerry

Ivison, Mark Kerling, John Linton, Lester Lucas, Sean Mullen, Anne O’Dell, Debbie Perkins, Ernie

Roosevelt, Rich Rozzi, Tony Testani.

With changes to the committee this year, our focus was to enhance our website, our direct communications with our members and at events that we attend.

Awards, Presentations, & Benevolence (Includes Charities) – Ernie Roosevelt

Scholarships In 2007‐2008, four scholarships were awarded! Thank you to all who applied. The deserving winners for

2007‐08 were:

Norris Brusoe Scholarship McKayla Nuffer

(also won the NEC Scholarship of $500)

Norris Brusoe Scholarship Amy Renee Moore

Joan and Digger Vriessen Scholarship Chelsea Shaw

Joan and Digger Vriessen Scholarship Amanda Nevlezer

2008‐2009 Scholarship Awards will be presented in June, 2009.

Awards The Awards, Presentations and Benevolence Committee's mission is to promote NYSSA by annually

recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations that improve snowmobiling in New York State.

Award categories are listed below. Click on each for the current application form. Applications may be

submitted throughout the Fiscal Year to the NYSSA Office. The awards are presented at the Awards

Banquet held in conjunction with the NYSSA Annual Meeting and Forum at the end of each season.

Below is the Awards History.

2007‐2008

Club Of The Year Pleasant Riders Snowmobile Club, Hamilton County

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B Quinn Lewis/Osceola Snowmobile Club

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Albert Hundley,/St. Lawrence County Association

Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Senator George Maziarz, Assemblywoman Francine Delmonte

John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Anne O'Dell (Shawangunk Snowmobile)

Family of the Year Rick and Larry Engasser, Cherry Creek Sno‐Goers

Dealership of the Year Rodgers and Sons, Chautauqua County


President's Award Mike Denapole (Herkimer County) and Jim Bode (Fulton County)

2006‐2007

Club Of The Year Cranberry Lake Mountaineers

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B Ralph Collins/Cranberry Lake Mountaineers

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Barry Staves/Shu‐make Mountain Climbers

Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Assemblywoman RoAnn Distito/Senator James Seward

John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Mike "Gunner" Cook (Penn Mountain)

President's Award Don Roark

2005‐2006

Club Of The Year Shawangunk Snowmobile & Rescue Club

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B Al VanSanford/Square Valley Trail Blazers

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Clay Albright & Evan Pearl/Deerfield Snow Trails

Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Senator Meier/Assemblyman Morelle

John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Marty Bull

President's Award Ernie Roosevelt

2004‐2005

Club Of The Year East Herkimer Sno‐Riders

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B Bill Cole/Penn Mtn Snow Riders

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Pete Moore/Tully Trailblazers

Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Senator James Wright

John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Jim Jennings

President's Award Gary Broderick

2003‐2004

Club Of The Year Canadarago Snowtoppers

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B John Meyer/South Warren

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Gary Thompson/Delaware Valley Ridge Riders

Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Assemblyman Joseph Morelle

John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Vic Wood

President's Award Joan Vriesen


2002‐2003

Club Of The Year Allegany County Federation

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B Ron Hajdasz/Deerfield F&G Snow Trails

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Carl Hubbell/Twin Lakes Snowmobile Assoc

Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Senator James Seward

John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Mary Brusoe

Snowmobile Safety Instructor‐Parks Award Victor Daino Jr/Jean Blanchard‐Daino

President's Award Mike Fazio

2001‐2002

Club Of The Year Central Catskill Trail Association

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B Martin Beyer/Valley Snow Travelers

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Jim Waite/Charlton SM Club

Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Assemblyman David R. Townsend Jr.

John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Jim Stevenson/Marilla Sno Mob

Governors Award George E. Pataki

President's Award Jeff Johnson

2000‐2001

Club Of The Year Marilla Sno Mob

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class A/B Larry Fuller/Lewis County

Groomer Of The Year ‐ Class C Charles McKusic

Senator Bill Sears Appreciation Senator John DeFrancisco

John Albert/Ed Dutcher Most Valuable Snowmobiler Doug Polovic/Penn Mountain

President's Award Don Woodin


NYSSA Charities of Choice

NYSSA CHARITIES

Pink Ribbon Riders www.pinkribbonriders.com

The Pink Ribbon Riders mission is to promote awareness of

breast cancer in the motor sports industry for both men and

women while raising funds for those in need.

Easter Seals www.easterseals.com

Easter Seals has been helping individuals with disabilities

and special needs, and their families, live better lives for

over 85 years.

NYSSA encourages its individual members and its Clubs to

support the following charitable organizations:

The USO www.uso.org/howtohelp

The USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose

mission is to support the troops by providing morale,

welfare and recreation-type services to our men and

women in uniform.


Corporate Relations – Gary Broderick

NYSSA Member Discounts Gary Broderick, Team Leader

We have more than doubled the sponsors in the NYSSA Membership Discount Program this year, largely

thanks to the efforts of Cathy Light (Blue Line By Design) working in Old Forge and the surrounding

areas. These discounts are only available to NYSSA Members. These Discounters and Sponsors have

helped us to turn the Membership Card Program into a profitable venture this and last year. Using this

program not only saves you, the NYSSA Member, money, but allows us to attract new discounters and

more sponsors to the program!

Exclusive for members of NYSSA: you can save up to 30% a year on snowmobile insurance with a special offer from Nationwide. Whether you have a perfect driving record, or a lapse in coverage, Nationwide is on your side. For more information call 1‐866‐447‐SNOW (7669) or click http://nwagent.nationwide.com/agentwebpages/OfficePage.asp?agent=grant_getzoni.html&Language=en&navRef=

Allstate offers extensive discounts, up to 40%, such as the Good Rider Discount, Multiple Vehicle Discount, Transfer Discount, Multiple Policy Discount and Safety Course Discount. Stop by and receive a quote from your local agent today. http://www.allstate.com/orv‐snowmobile‐insurance/main.aspx

NYSSA members save 15% off at over 5,000 participating Choice hotels worldwide! Call 800.258.2847 & mention NYSSA ID# 00803214, or go to choicehotels.com and enter the NYSSA ID # 00803214 to book online. Discount subject to availability at participating hotels and is not for use in conjunction with any other discount, offer or promotional rate. Advance reservations are required.

Save up to 15% on your rental car needs. Call 1‐800‐654‐2200 (members only hotline) or www.hertz.com to reserve. Use code ‘CDP#1708788’ when reserving.

SnowTrails TV is a touring and destination TV show on PBS. SnowTrails TV is offering NYSSA members: buy 2 DVDs from any season and get the third one free to complete the 10 show season series. Visit www.snowtrailstv.com for ordering/program information.


Impact Global Industries, the maker of the C.S.S. (Communication Safety System), an LED light system used to replace the unsafe outdated hand‐signals, is exclusively offering 10% off to NYSSA members. Discount orders must be placed by phone at 508‐865‐9144. www.impactglobalindustries.com.

AmerLink offers 25% off the purchase of a log home to NYSSA members, plus a $10 full color planning guide/free construction DVD. For 25 years we’ve been crafting dream homes that nurture, inspire and rejuvenate. To get inspired, visit us at www.amerlink.com to order a planning guide and to see over 70 custom home designs we offer or call us toll free at 877‐216‐5647.

Exclusive discounts for NYSSA members. With new service activations you are eligible for free or deeply discounted equipment (phones/BlackBerrys/PDAs), waived activation fees ($35 per line), and a contract based on a 1 year term instead of 2 years. Please call 866‐464‐8662 (option 3) and mention NYSSA and promo code (6619TMOFAV). For questions please contact eric.sarafin@t‐mobile.com or call 516‐707‐1758.

Sled Insure offers NYSSA members an additional 5% discount on their snowmobile insurance premium! Other discounts also available, such as Multiple Sled Discounts and Safety Course Discounts. We can write your coverage the same day and fax or email your NYS Insurance ID Cards immediately! Call us at 1‐800‐562‐6036 or visit us at www.SledInsure.com.

Book any two consecutive nights’ lodging for the winter season at the Big Moose Inn and Restaurant and receive a third contiguous night free. You will also receive a discount card good for 10% off through April 2009 on all meals, drinks, gift shop items and any future stay. Cannot be used for any other promotional pricing or package deals. Free night limited to Sunday‐Thursday. Excludes New Year's Eve and the Sunday before Martin Luther King's birthday. Must be booked by telephone: 888‐924‐4666. The Big Moose Inn and Restaurant , 1510 Big Moose Road, Eagle Bay, NY 13331 (http://www.BigMooseInn.com)

NYSSA WINTER SPECIAL: Use this 10% OFF COUPON FOR ROOM, FOOD OR DRINKS. Stay at this lake front resort and conference center and receive 10% off everything! (NYSSA Membership Number and Promotional Code NYSSA0809 required) Book one of our Jacuzzi suites—or call and ask about other Room Discounts or seasonal rentals. North Woods Inn Resort, 4920 NYS CRT 28, Fourth Lake, Old Forge, NY 13420 (www.NorthWoodsInnResort.com) Reservations: 315‐369‐6777.(Clip and Use this coupon!) (2008‐09)


Blue Line By Design, a marketing firm in Old Forge, offers its $1000 Discount Coupon Book ($20 Retail Value) FREE to NYSSA Members who purchase a Trail Permit in Old Forge or Inlet when snowmobiling the Central Adirondacks! To see what is offered in the book, visit www.a1000thanks.com! Coupons for lodging, restaurants, entertainment, and services are available in the book, which is good through May 15th. Questions? Call Catherine Light, Blue Line By Design, www.bluelinebydesign.com (315) 868‐8436

NYSSA members save 20% on overnight lodging Sun‐Thurs (excluding holidays), December through April at The Loft in Raquette Lake, in the Central Adirondack Region. Fireplace, sauna, heated garage for sled storage & repair. No permit required for Raquette Lake/Long Lake/Indian Lake/Newcomb/Tupper trails. For description, rates, & photos visit http://www.raquettelakerentals.com

Water’s Edge Inn: SAVE 20% OFF ANY ROOM OR SUITE SUNDAY – THURSDAY NIGHTS! Rest assured at Water’s Edge Inn, located lakeside directly across from Water Safari, Snowmobile Trails 1&5 and Enchanted Premium Gas! (NYSSA Membership Number/Card required for discount, not to be combined with any other offer/discount, limit 1 offer per reservation, excludes holiday/event weeks) Water’s Edge Inn, 3188 St. Rte. 28, Old Forge, NY 13420. Reservations (315) 369‐2484. www.WatersEdgeInn.com

Old Forge Camping Resort: STAY 2 NIGHTS, GET THE 3RD NIGHT FREE! Offer good weekdays and weekends. Drive your sled right to your door! Direct access to Snowmobile Trail 5 and Premium Gas. (NYSSA Membership Number/Card required for discount, not to be combined with any other offer or discount, limit one offer per reservation, must be used for 3 consecutive nights) Old Forge Camping Resort, 3347 State Route 28, Old Forge, NY 13420. Reservations: 1‐800‐CAMPING. www.OldForgeCamping.com

Makovic Homes offers a free Stainless Steel Appliance Package Upgrade to any NYSSA Member purchasing a Modular or Manufactured Home from Makovic homes. Must provide proof of current membership. Visit our Model Center at 411 State Rt 17B, Monticello, NY 12701 or call us at 845‐796‐4663.

The Rocky Acres Inn invites NYSSA Members to enjoy our facilities and receive $10 per night off the regular room rate ($15 off for the Floral Room). The Rocky Acres Inn is located on Trout Brook Rd. in Schroon Lake with easy access to trails taking you to local restaurants and Olmstedville/Minerva. Reservations required along with your NYSSA Membership Number. For more information, go to www.RockyAcresInn.com or call us at 518‐532‐9709.


Fundraising– Rich Rozzi See Rich’s Director at Large Report.

Meetings, Events & Promotions – Debbie Perkins This year we attended many shows and events on behalf of snowmobilers across New York State. We thank you for the invitations and look forward to our continued efforts to make snowmobiling in New York be the best it can be.

Publications – Anne O’Dell The NYSSA New York Snowmobiler Online Magazine was distributed monthly via a new email tool called

Constant Contact. This software allows us to manage the email list efficiently and observe statistics on

each issue sent. Approximately 55,000 emails were sent to members each month. Response has been

great, although many are wishing for a print publication again.

We are hoping to support some form of print publication for the 2009‐2010 season with advertising

revenue.

Website Team – John Buckley, Jason Kowaczyk, Sean Mullen, Anne O’Dell

With the diligent work of the website team we are proud to Announce the enhanced site with both public and private information. Upgrades continue even now, so your patience is also appreciated during this time. Keeping websites current is a responsibility for all of us, and your help in moving forward with updated information is necessary.


Safety & Education Committee

Note to all delegates: Due to situations beyond the 2007‐08 Safety Chair’s control the committee was not

able to function as well as it had in previous years. The Safety Committee had been making very positive

strides and hopefully for the 2009‐10 season will continue to do so. I fully anticipate the 2007‐08 Chair to

be able to resume his duties in 2009. I have taken the liberty of reprinting the report from 2008 with full

expectation these projects will be pursued.

Jim Jennings, Executive Director

NYSSA continues to promote snowmobile safety. The NYSSA mission statement is a single sentence as

follows: "It is the mission of the New York State Snowmobile Association to coordinate and provide

leadership for New York State snowmobile clubs and organizations in developing and implementing

policies, strategies and action plans which foster the growth of safe snowmobiling." (NYSSA Policy

Manual, approved by BOD August 1997). As NYSSA grows we can never forget the need to promote

safety to members and non‐members alike. We must take every opportunity to promote safety in this

sport.

At the time of this report I haven’t gotten any official information on accidents or fatality for this current

season. The safety committee will have this information available for display at the forum. Please look

for our safety display.

2007‐2008 season saw an increase in fatalities from the previous year. The safety committee has

drafted a proposal for increased law enforcement on our trails. This is currently being reviewed by our

lobbyist. This proposal would add a $2 fee to your sled insurance policy. This is currently done on every

auto policy in the state of New York. This fee would increase the much needed funding to get the

policing of our trails that we need, without taking any additional monies out of the trail fund. We will

need every snowmobilers help in getting this done.

Your safety committee is here to get the message of safety out to every snowmobiler and non‐

snowmobiler. We need to take a pro‐active approach to safety. Local clubs need to work with their

local law enforcement and get them involved.

Every year NYS OPRHP provides a law enforcement training seminar that helps train officers on how to

handle snowmobile related accidents and how to write tickets.

Our Safety Trailers are on display here. In the upcoming year we will try to replace the old safety trailer.

We are going to look into getting one donated by one of the trailer manufacturers. The safety trailers

are available for events and parades if needed. Please contact the NYSSA Office to schedule a trailer for

your event. We do need to know well in advance as we try to keep a schedule. We will also work on

getting the trailers equipped to do shows. We have asked for an increase in our safety budget to get

this accomplished. We need to include the following on each trailer, pop‐up tent, table, chairs, NYSSA

banner, and the other stuff needed to put up a proper display at events. The new trailer also serves as a


rolling billboard. This past season we only had one permanent billboard located in the Watertown area.

Again we would like to thank Lamar for their help with this endeavor.

With the onset of a new season fast approaching the Safety Committee is always open to new ideas. If

anyone has anything that they would like to see this committee work on please feel free to contact us

through your District Director. We will try and get some type of safety article in every New York

Snowmobiler Online Magazine. If anyone has a safety article please feel free to submit it to the office.


Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee presents the following candidates for 2009—2010 Officers, to be voted on

by Delegates present at the 2009 NYSSA Annual Meeting, Sunday, April 19, 2009:

President Michael D. Fischer

Vice President Gary Broderick

Treasurer Roger McCabe

Secretary Ginny Ivison

Linda Middleton


Bylaws Committee Gerald Mitchell, Chair

2009 Proposed ByLaw Revisions

BY‐LAWS REVISION FORM

IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 2009‐001

NAME ___Gerald F. Mitchell__________________ DATE December 1, 2008

By‐Laws Article, Section, Part: ARTICLE XI. COMMITTEES, Section 3

Current Wording (Show only the part to be changed):

Executive

Governmental Affairs

Trails and Landowner Relations

Ways and Means

Safety

Membership

Public Relations and Education

Awards, Presentation and Benevolence

Proposed Wording:

Executive

Governmental Affairs

Trails and Landowner Relations

Budget and Finance

Safety and Education

Membership

Events and Promotions

Communications

Justification: Re‐align the Standing Committees and their respective responsibilities and functions to

reflect the research and conclusions, which were developed by the 2007 Strategic Conferences.


BY‐LAWS REVISION FORM (CONT’D)

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REVIEW

Recommended by: Gerald F. Mitchell

Article, Section Part: ARTICLE XI. COMMITTEES, Section 3

Date Reviewed by Executive Committee: 2/7/2009

Recommendation to Board: Approve

Justification:

See Justification above.

Date of Board Action: 2/7/2009

Board Disposition: Approved

Date Presented to Delegates: 4/19/2009

Delegate Decision at Annual Meeting:

__________________________________________

(Signature of presiding President)



Identification Number: 2009‐003

NAME: James Jennings DATE: January 15, 2009

By‐laws Article, Section, Part: Article III, Section 1(a) and Section 2

Current wording: (show only part to be changed)

Section 1

A District shall be defined by the following criteria:

(a) A single-county district, in which a county shall be considered a District if it has an incorporated county association, has its own set of By-laws, meets regularly, and secures dues from each member club. The county association shall pay dues to be a member of the Association as prescribed by the Board of Directors.

Section 2

Any county within a multiple-county district that forms a county association as defined in Article IV, Section 1(a) may seek to become a single-county district immediately following the Annual Meeting held after the formation of the county association. If the affected District has only one (1) county remaining in the District, that county will be assigned to the closest multiple-county District, if it does not form its own county association. If the affected District has two (2) counties remaining in the District, that District will remain intact with the two (2) remaining counties.

Proposed wording:

(a) A single-county district, in which there is at least one NYSSA member club.

Delete Section 2

Justification:

Over the years many Single County Districts have been formed. In many cases this has caused a single

county that does not have a county association to exist outside the by‐laws. The board has desired every

area to be represented, meaning the NYSSA BOD was not adhering to its own by‐laws. It is quite evident

that these single counties with a county association are functioning just fine and should be allowed to

exist. Because of SRRA it is not necessary for County Associations to pay dues to NYSSA as all the club

members are already paying dues. Passage of this By‐Law Amendment will require an Amendment to

Article IV Section 2




Recommended by: James Jennings

Article, Section Part: Article III, Section 1(a) and Section 2



Justification:






__________________________________________




Identification Number: 2009‐004

NAME: James Jennings DATE: January 15, 2009

By‐laws Article, Section, Part: Article IV, Section 2

Current wording: (show only part to be changed)

Section 2

In single-county districts, the Association shall receive each member club’s authorized vote from the member county association, as prescribed in Section 10 of this Article. In multiple-county districts, the authorized votes of each member club shall be received by the Association.

Proposed wording:

In single-county districts with a County Association that is incorporated and has a set of bylaws, the Association shall receive each member club’s authorized vote from the member county association, as prescribed in Section 10 of this Article.

In single-county districts with no County Association, the Association shall receive each member club’s authorized vote directly. In multiple-county districts, the authorized votes of each member club shall be received directly by the Association.

Delete Section 2

Justification:

This amendment allows for single county district to exist whether they have a county association or not

and clarifies voting.




Recommended by: James Jennings

Article, Section Part: Article IV, Section 2



Justification:






__________________________________________



NYSSA BYLAWS (Revised April, 2008)

NYSSA BY-LAWS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

By-Laws Revised April, 2008

ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE ............................................................................................ 85 ARTICLE II. ORGANIZATION ...................................................................................................... 85 ARTICLE III. ORGANIZATION OF DISTRICTS ........................................................................... 86 ARTICLE IV. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS ................................................................................... 87 ARTICLE V. DUTIES OF DIRECTOR .......................................................................................... 89 ARTICLE VI. MEMBERSHIP ......................................................................................................... 90 ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS........................................................................................ 90 ARTICLE VIII. DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ........................................................ 91 ARTICLE IX. OFFICERS ............................................................................................................... 92 ARTICLE X. DUTIES OF OFFICERS ........................................................................................... 92 ARTICLE XI. COMMITTEES ......................................................................................................... 94 ARTICLE XII. DUTIES OF COMMITTEES .................................................................................... 95 ARTICLE XIII. MEETINGS ........................................................................................................... 95 ARTICLE XIV. AMENDMENTS ....................................................................................................... 97


ARTICLE I. NAME AND PURPOSE

Section 1

The name of the Corporation, hereinafter called the Association, shall be the New York State Snowmobile Association, Inc., and shall be a not-for-profit corporation.

Section 2

The purposes of the New York State Snowmobile Association, Inc., are:

(a) To further and improve the sport of snowmobiling in New York State by promoting the safe, lawful, and responsible use of snowmobiles for recreation, commerce, and public safety.

(b) In furtherance of (a), to coordinate the efforts of persons affiliated with snowmobiling, including without limitations, individuals, Industries, Chambers of Commerce, landowners, snowmobile clubs, dealers, government officials, and other state and national organizations.

(c) To work toward making more private and public areas open to snowmobiling. (d) To assist local snowmobile clubs, county and district associations and state agencies in all

manner possible with the development and maintenance of a statewide network of snowmobile trails.

(e) To minimize the detrimental effects of the use of snowmobiles upon our environment. (f) To foster a close relationship with, and appreciation and recognition of the landowners of New

York State.

ARTICLE II. ORGANIZATION

Section 1

The Association shall be managed by a Board of Directors, consisting of one (1) Director from each of the Districts in New York State as established by these By-Laws under Article III, Sections 1 and 2, and elected by the member clubs of the Association as prescribed under Article IV, Sections 1 and 2, together with the elected officers of the Association, as prescribed under Article IX, the Directors-at-large, as prescribed in Article VII, Section 2, and the immediate past-president of the Association, as prescribed under Article VII, Section 1.

Section 2

The Association may purchase, lease or rent offices, buildings or lands as may be proper to the objectives of the Association and may purchase, lease or rent the necessary equipment and/or services for said properties. The Board of Directors shall have all authority in the selection, operation and management of said properties, equipment and/or services.

Section 3

The Association shall organize the State in Districts for the purpose of electing representation to the Association and will form the Board of Directors as prescribed in Article II, Section 1. Each elected District Director, the immediate past-president of the Association, and the Directors-at-large, and all officers except the President shall be entitled to one vote on any issue presented to the Association at any meeting. Each District is entitled to one vote at all meetings of the Board of Directors. A Director


may not serve as a proxy for any other District. As per Article X Section I, the President will vote only to break a tie.

Section 4

Member clubs of a District shall mean those incorporated local snowmobile clubs that meet regularly, have written by-laws, collect dues from its members, and member clubs to the Association are clubs which enroll all of their club membership to also become individual members of the Association. Clubs become member clubs on the date of signing of the letter of understanding form, committing the said club to this membership agreement. All references to clubs includes those local clubs that do not belong to the Association.

Section 5

All Directors, officers, committee members and other individuals undertaking any activity on behalf of the Association must be a member of the Association. Exceptions may be granted only by majority vote of the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE III. ORGANIZATION OF DISTRICTS

Section 1

A District shall be defined by the following criteria:

(b) A single-county district, in which a county shall be considered a District if it has an incorporated county association, has its own set of By-laws, meets regularly, and secures dues from each member club. The county association shall pay dues to be a member of the Association as prescribed by the Board of Directors.

(c) A multiple-county district shall be comprised of contiguous counties (except as prescribed in Section 2 of this Article), with no more than three (3) counties making up a multiple-county district.

(d) District boundary lines may be changed by majority vote of the Board of Directors and by a two-thirds vote of member clubs in the affected Districts.

Section 2

Any county within a multiple-county district that forms a county association as defined in Article IV, Section 1(a) may seek to become a single-county district immediately following the Annual Meeting held after the formation of the county association. If the affected District has only one (1) county remaining in the District, that county will be assigned to the closest multiple-county District, if it does not form its own county association. If the affected District has two (2) counties remaining in the District, that District will remain intact with the two (2) remaining counties.


ARTICLE IV. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Section 1

The member clubs in each District of the Association shall elect the Director that will represent the District to the Board of Directors. Each member club of the Association in the District shall complete the certification form for the Director-candidate of their choice. The certification form must be signed by the member club and verified in the minutes of that club, and will then be considered an authorized vote for the individual seeking the position of District Director. The District Director candidate named by a majority of authorized votes of the member clubs of the Association in that District will be declared and recognized as the Director for that District.

Section 2

In single-county districts, the Association shall receive each member club’s authorized vote from the member county association, as prescribed in Section 10 of this Article. In multiple-county districts, the authorized votes of each member club shall be received by the Association.

Section 3

If several candidates secure the authorized votes of member clubs in a District, no individual will be recognized as the District Director until that individual secures the authorized votes of the majority of the member clubs in the District that have voted.

Section 4

(reserved for future use)

Section 5

Each member club of the Association is entitled to one vote to elect the District Director in the member club’s District. Each member county association is not entitled to a vote for the District Director.

Section 6

Any District may elect, designate, or choose an Alternate Director to represent the District at Association meetings. Alternate Directors would represent the District only in the event the duly elected Director is not able to attend an Association meeting. Alternate Directors shall not be eligible to represent the District Director until the elected Director has been officially seated as a member of the Board of Directors.

Section 7

A Director may serve consecutive terms.

Section 8

In the event a District is not represented, and after a minimum of three (3) months after the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors may appoint a District Director to represent that District to the Board of Directors until the next Annual Meeting or until appropriate certification is received from the member clubs or member county association in that District.


Section 9

Each District may set its own residency rules for its Director-candidate seeking election to the Association Board of Directors for that District. A Director shall represent only one (1) district. An elected Director must be a resident of New York State and a member of a local club in that District.

Section 10

The Association Board of Directors shall design the certification form for use by member clubs in each District, through which each member club will determine its authorized vote for its District Director. The Association Office shall mail or electronically mail each member club a certification form at least sixty (60) days prior to the Annual Meeting. The Association shall design a county association certification form, through which each member club in the county association may list the authorized vote of each member in lieu of each member club of the member county association completing individual certification forms. When the member county association certification form is used by the member clubs in the member county association, a record of the authorized votes shall be recorded in the minutes of the member county association. The Association Office shall mail to each member county association the county association certification form at least sixty (60) days prior to the Annual Meeting.

Section 11

All elected District Directors, having met the criteria as prescribed in this Article, shall assume their position immediately following the Association Annual Meeting until the conclusion of the Annual Meeting of the following year.


ARTICLE V. DUTIES OF DIRECTOR

Section 1

The duties of the District Director shall be to provide active leadership for the Association and its activities in the District and:

(a) Serve on the Association Board of Directors and attend all its meetings. (b) Act as a liaison and prime link for communication between the Association and the member

clubs and member county association in the District; between the Association and local clubs in the District; between the Association and state agencies at the District level; between the Association and other organizations at the District level.

(c) Serve on at least one (1) Association standing committee. (d) Be familiar with these By-laws and perform duties in accordance with the By-laws. (e) Work under the general direction of the Board of Directors of the Association. (f) Attend at least one (1) regular meeting per year of each club in the District for the purpose of

addressing the club meeting and seeking all inputs possible from those at the meeting. (g) In a single-county district, attend as many District (county association) meetings as possible

to report information from Association meetings and to solicit input from those at the District meetings for the Association.

(h) Meet with the Association membership at any reasonable time and help in the formation of new clubs.

(i) Be present to assist in the conduct of the Annual Meeting, Special meetings and Board of Director meetings.

(j) Undertake efforts to secure membership in the Association by clubs, associations, and individuals that are not members of the Association.

(k) Attempt to secure financial assistance from the clubs and/or county association that are in the district the Director represents.

Section 2

Removal of an elected Director, Director-at-large, or Officer of the Association.

(a) Any Officer, elected or appointed Director, or Director-at-large that is not in attendance at three (3) consecutive meetings of the Board of Directors may be removed from his/her position by a two-thirds vote of the members of the Board of Directors in attendance at the regular meeting at which the action is taken. Any elected Director that is being represented by an alternate director is exempt from this action.

(b) Any officer or Director may be removed from their office or as a Board of Director member for lack of performance of their office or duties as a Director or conduct unbecoming an officer or member of the Board of Directors of NYSSA with a seventy-five percent (75%) vote of all directors that are present at any board of directors meeting that has a voting quorum of Directors and Officers. A member of the Board of Directors or Officer must be allowed to address the Board of Directors before a vote for their removal is put before the Board of Directors for anything other than lack of attendance at three (3) consecutive meetings as stated in Section 2(a) of these By-Laws. If a member has been removed under Section 2(b) of the By-Laws they will not be allowed to serve as a Director or Officer of the Board in the future.)


ARTICLE VI. MEMBERSHIP

Section 1

Membership in the Association shall be open to all individuals or organizations who are interested in the recreational use of snowmobiles and are willing to subscribe to the purposes of the Association as set forth in these By-laws.

Section 2

Different classifications of membership in the Association shall be established by the Board of Directors, subject to approval by the membership at the Annual Meeting.

Section 3

All dues assessed at each category of membership are determined by the Board of Directors and approved at the Annual Meeting as part of the budget vote by the Association’s club delegates.

ARTICLE VII. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1

The Board of Directors shall be comprised of one (1) Director from each District of the State, Directors-at-large, the elected Officers of the Association, and the immediate past-president of the Association.

Section 2

The Board of Directors may designate up to three (3) Directors-at-large, who will not be assigned a specific District, but will be available to offer assistance wherever possible. To be elected at Director-at-large, candidates must secure a majority vote of the Board of Directors at the Directors meeting following the Association Annual Meeting.


ARTICLE VIII. DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1

The duties of the Board of Directors are as follows:

(a) Appoint an Executive Director and determine compensation, if any. (b) Appoint a Trails Coordinator and determine compensation, if any. (c) Develop short-term and long-term goals and stated objectives as part of an Association Strategic

Organization Plan. (d) Formulate and adopt policies consistent with the By-laws, the Association Mission Statement, and

the Association Strategic Organization Plan; measure the effectiveness of those policies adopted and make necessary corrections to achieve the stated objectives.

(e) Ensure that duly adopted policies are implemented either through an Executive Director or appropriate committee or sub-committee.

(f) Monitor the progress of committees through written committee reports or committee meeting minutes, that each is performing its duties in accordance with the Association Mission Statement and the committee mission statement. Through a majority vote of the Board of Directors, it may require a committee to revise its proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

(g) Approve payment of Association expenses during the time from the end of the fiscal year to the approval of the Association budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

(h) Develop a process through which standing committees will determine their funding for the upcoming year.

(i) Section 2

The Fiscal Year of the Association shall begin on April 1 and end on March 31 of the following year.

Section 3

The Board of Directors shall enter into contract for the purpose of performing services on behalf of the Association.


ARTICLE IX. OFFICERS

Section 1

The Officers of this Association shall be the President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer. Each Officer shall be a member of the Association, a member of a local club, and a resident of New York State.

Section 2

The Officers of this Association shall be elected by the club delegates at the Association Annual Meeting, with member clubs being notified in writing at least thirty (30) day prior to the Annual Meeting of a proposed slate of officers as presented by the Nominating Committee. Officers of this Association shall hold office beginning at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting at which the Officer was elected. The term of office for the Officers of this Association ends at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting of the following year.

Section 3

Any compensation accorded an officer shall be recommended by the Board of Directors and voted on at the Annual Meeting by the club delegates present.

Section 4

No person shall simultaneously act as an employee of the Association and either an officer or director of the Association.

Section 5

Unexpired terms of any vacated office may be filled by appointment by the Board of Directors.

Section 6

An individual may serve as President for a maximum of three (3) consecutive one-year terms. After one (1) year has passed, a past-President may be a candidate for President of the Association.

ARTICLE X. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section 1

The duties of President are to preside at Board of Director meetings, serve as chairman of the Board of Directors, (preside at all meetings of the Board,) but to vote only to break a tie, be an ex-officio member of all committees, except the Nominating Committee, (and) shall not chair any more than one special project committee, and shall not chair any Standing Association committee, to provide active leadership for the Association, to carry out the recommendations and policies set by the Board of Directors, appoint members to standing and temporary committees as are necessary with the advice and consent of the Board of Directors, and to ensure the right of all visitors to speak to the Board of Directors at each meeting of the Board of Directors during the part of such meetings assigned to public comment.


Section 2

The duties of Vice-president are to officiate in the absence of the President and to assist the President in carrying out his/her duties.

Section 3

The duties of the Recording Secretary are to keep a permanent record of the minutes of all Annual, Special, and Regular Meetings of the Board of Directors. The Recording Secretary shall serve on the Awards, Presentations,and Benevolence Committee.

Section 4

The duties of Treasurer are to maintain or cause to be maintained all accounts of the Association and have charge of its funds. He/she or his/her designate shall deposit all sums received in any bank which shall be designated by the Board of Directors in the name of the Association. He/she shall disburse the funds of the Association under the direction of the Board of Directors. He/she shall cause a certified audit to be made at least annually and submitted to the membership at their Annual Meeting. The Treasurer shall serve on the Ways and Means Committee.

Section 5

The duties of Executive Director shall be to perform all duties prescribed to the position by the Association Board of Directors.

Section 6

The duties of Trail Coordinator shall be to perform all duties prescribed to the position by the Association Board of Directors through the Trails and Landowner Relations Committee.

Section 7

It is the duty of all officers to carry out assigned and designated tasks at the direction of the Association Board of Directors.


ARTICLE XI. COMMITTEES

Section 1

Each Director shall be required to be a member of at least one standing committee of the Association. The committees shall review and recommend policy and procedures to the Board of Directors for their disposition. The President appoints Directors to committees. Each committee will select a chairman from its own ranks. The President may appoint non-directors to serve on standing committees of the Association. The members of all standing committees are reappointed annually after the Annual Meeting.

Section 2

Temporary (ad hoc) committees shall be appointed as necessary by the President upon approval of the Board of Directors to assist in carrying out the mission of the organization. Ad hoc committees shall be appointed to complete activities associated with functions of nominating, audit,and by-laws of the Association, in addition to other needs for an ad hoc committee. Ad hoc committees may seek funding necessary to complete their functions and activities from the Board of Directors.

Section 3

The following Standing Committees shall be established:

(a) Executive (b) Governmental Affairs (c) Trails and Landowner Relations (d) Ways and Means (e) Safety (f) Membership (g) Public Relations and Education (h) Awards, Presentation, and Benevolence

Section 4

Standing Committees shall be created by approval first of the Board of Directors and then by the club delegates at the Annual Meeting.

Section 5

Standing Committees are the only committees that can present a budget proposal for inclusion in the Association budget.


ARTICLE XII. DUTIES OF COMMITTEES

Section 1

(a) It is the responsibility of each Committee to meet as necessary to carry out its goals and objectives.

(b) Each Committee shall determine a chairman from its membership. (c) Each Committee shall develop a mission statement and goals and objectives, subject to

approval of the Board of Directors. (d) Each Committee shall thoroughly and completely inform the Board of Directors of issues the

committee discusses through written reports and/or committee meeting minutes. (e) Each Committee shall prepare a written report to be presented to the club delegates at the

Annual Meeting. (f) Through the budget process, each Committee must prepare and submit a budget at least

ninety (90) days prior to the Annual Meeting to the Ways and Means Committee for inclusion in the Association budget.

ARTICLE XIII. MEETINGS

Section 1

Board of Directors Meetings

(a) Board of Directors meetings are held the first Saturday of each month unless otherwise rescheduled, postponed or canceled by a two-thirds approval of the Board of Directors. An Agenda of each meeting of the Board of Directors shall be sent to Directors and Officers at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting. Minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors shall be kept by the Recording Secretary or temporary designee.

(b) A quorum for Regular and Special Board of Directors meetings shall be a number representing 50% of the Districts that have elected Directors. All members of the Board of Directors, as defined in Article II, Section 1, shall be included in determining attendance at Board of Directors meetings.

Section 2

Annual Meeting

(a) The Annual Meeting of the Association shall by held in April of each year at a time and place designated by the Board of Directors. The Association Office shall mail or electronically mail notice to the member clubs of the Association at least sixty (60) days in advance of the Annual Meeting.

(b) The business of the Annual Meeting will be for each Standing Committee to present its written report to the club delegates for their approval, to follow a procedure that cause votes to be taken according to part (d) of this Section, and to complete any other business as part of the Agenda as determined by the Executive Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. A Parliamentarian shall be appointed to settle points of order. Any club delegate that wishes to speak shall be provided opportunity to address the Annual Meeting.

(c) A quorum at the Annual Meeting shall be ten(10)% of all the club delegates qualified to attend the Annual Meeting.

(d) Club delegates representing the member clubs of the Association shall vote at the Annual Meeting, with a majority vote of the club delegates, on the following issues:


(1) Association Budget. If the budget is not approved by a majority of the member club delegates, discussions will be undertaken to resolve the issues preventing support by a majority of the club delegates present at the Association Annual Meeting. If agreement is not reached, the Board of Directors shall operate under the previous year’s budget.

(2) Amendments to the By-laws, as prescribed in Article XIV of these By-laws. (3) Officers of the Association, in accordance with Article IX, Section 2 of these By-laws. (4) Reports to the Annual Meeting, followed by a general question and answer period

before the vote is called. (e) The number of delegates calculated for each member club of the Association shall be

calculated by the number of NYSSA memberships sold by that club. A club having a member who also belongs to another club may count him/her in their NYSSA delegate representation, provided NYSSA membership is documented by the member. Modification of club dues structure to meet this end shall be a function of the club.

(f) Each member club of the Association shall be entitled to one (1) voting delegate according to the following table of increments: (5) up to 30 NYSSA members = 1 voting delegate (6) 31 to 60 NYSSA members = 2 voting delegates (7) 61 to 90 NYSSA members = 3 voting delegates (8) 91 to 120 NYSSA members = 4 voting delegates (9) 121 to 150 NYSSA members = 5 voting delegates (10) 151 to 180 NYSSA members = 6 voting delegates (11) The number of voting delegates for each member club shall continue to increase by one

delegate for each additional block of 30 NYSSA members. (g) Election of officers shall be done by ballot; all other voting shall be done by voice vote unless

requested to be done by show of hands or by ballot. (h) There shall be no delegate voting done by proxy. Any voting delegate can represent only

one club. (i) Each member club shall verify and be in agreement with the Association in identifying the

number of members belonging to the member club and the number of voting delegates the member club is therefore entitled to represent the member club at the Association Annual Meeting at least (30) days prior to the Annual Meeting. Member clubs that complete this verification less than thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Meeting shall lose one (1) voting delegate from the member club’s voting delegate count, except as prescribed in part (j) of this Section. Membership totals and delegate count of the member club must be verified with the Association Office.

Section 3

Special Meetings

Special meetings of the Association may be called by the President, by five (5) District Directors or by five (5) member county associations. All Directors and Officers shall be notified at least three (3) days by mail or electronic mail, prior to any Special meeting called, including a written agenda. A quorum for a Special meeting is the same as for a regular meeting of the Board of Directors.

Section 4

All meetings of the Association shall be conducted under the procedures prescribed in Robert’s Rules of Order, Revised.


ARTICLE XIV. AMENDMENTS

Amendments of these By-laws shall be presented to the Association by the By-laws Committee for action and approval of the Board of Directors, after which the club delegates at the Association Annual Meeting shall vote on the amendments. A two-thirds vote is needed to amend these By-laws. All member clubs must be notified in writing of By-laws changes at least sixty (60) days prior to the Annual Meeting at which the changes will be voted on. All changes to the By-laws will take effect following the conclusion of the Annual Meeting at which the changes were approved by the voting delegates of the member clubs of the Association.

Amended April, 2004:

Article XIII, Section 3

Article XIII, Section 2(j)

Article X, Section I

Article V, Section 2

Article I, Section 3

Article IV, Section 10

Article XIII, Section 2(a) and 2 (i)


Article VIII, Section 1

Article X, Section 6

Article XI, Section 3

Article IV, Section 10





Article II, Section 4


Article XI, Section 3


Article II, Section 3

Article XIII, Section 2g

99 NYSSA Organization | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009

NYSSA Organization

200809 Officers and Staff Officers Staff

President Michael D. Fischer PO Box 111 Chittenango, NY 13037 Tel: (315) 420‐8208 [email protected]

Executive Director Jim Jennings PO Box 612 Long Lake NY 12847‐0612 Tel: 518‐624‐3849 Fax: 518‐624‐2441 Cell: 518‐791‐8637 [email protected]

Vice President Gary J. Broderick 5785 West Street Sanborn NY 14132‐9206 Tel: 716‐731‐1719 Cell: 716‐807‐7002 [email protected]

Trails Coordinator Dave Perkins PO Box 13 Hudson Falls NY 12839 Tel: 518‐747‐4609 Fax: 518‐747‐4609 Cell: 518‐796‐0897 [email protected] or [email protected]

Secretary Linda Middleton 108 Baum Rd Hastings NY 13076 Tel: 315‐668‐2127 [email protected]

Office Administrator Stephanie Howe PO Box 612 Long Lake NY 12847 Tel: 518‐624‐3849 Fax: 518‐624‐2441 [email protected]

Treasurer Roger McCabe S 3915 Four Rod Rd East Aurora, NY 14052 Tel: 716‐655‐1593 [email protected]

Office Administrator Anne O’Dell 310 Brimstone Hill Road Pine Bush NY 12566 Tel: 845‐527‐9251 Fax: 845‐853‐1518 Email: [email protected]

Past President Robert V. Perry 27 Kellogg St Fort Plain, NY 13339 Tel: 518‐993‐2653 [email protected]


NYSSA Past Presidents

1976 – 1980 Russell (“Skip”) Snyder, Holland, NY

1980 – 1981 Jerry Reider, Syracuse, NY

1981 – 1983 Russell (“Skip”) Snyder, Holland, NY

1983 – 1986 Lee Supensky, Norwich, NY

1986 – 1989 Dwayne Daigle, Granville, NY

1989 – 1991 Peter Costa, Syracuse, NY

1991 – 1993 Lynn Truesdell, Watertown, NY

1993 – 1994 Dave Perkins, Hudson Falls, NY

1994 – 1996 Lynn Truesdell, Watertown, NY

1996 – 1998 Ray Quackenbush, Stillwater, NY

1998 – 2000 Dave Perkins, Hudson Falls, NY

2000 – 2002 Jeff Johnson, Ilion, NY

2002 ‐ 2003 Don Roark, West Winfield, NY

2003 ‐ 2006 Hal Fleischman, Buffalo, NY

2006‐ 2008 Robert Perry, Fort Plain, NY

2008‐ Michael D. Fischer, Chittenango, NY


20082009 NYSSA Regions

Regional Directors

Adirondack & Tug Hill Mike Denapole (Herkimer)

Central Elwin Goff (Madison)

Hudson Anne O’Dell (Ulster) (through 1/2009)

John Occhino (Dutchess) (2/2009 – 4/2009)

Mohawk Jon Karker (Otsego)

Western Jim Meyer (Monroe/Livingston)


20082009 NYSSA Districts

Shaded are multi‐county Districts.

Albany‐Greene

Allegany

Broome‐Chenango

Cattaraugus

Cayuga

Chautauqua

Clinton

Columbia

Cortland

Delaware‐Schoharie

Erie

Essex

Franklin

Fulton

Genesee

Hamilton

Herkimer

Jefferson

Lewis

Madison

Monroe‐Livingston

Montgomery‐Schenectady

Nassau‐Suffolk

Niagara

Oneida

Onondaga

Ontario

Orange‐Sullivan

Orleans

Oswego

Otsego

Putnam‐Westchester‐Dutchess

Rennselear

Rockland

Saratoga

Schuyler‐Tompkins

Seneca

Steuben‐Yates

St. Lawrence

Tioga‐Chemung

Ulster

Warren

Washington

Wayne

Wyoming


2008—2009 Board of Directors

Albany‐Greene Vacant

Allegany John Brinkman, Jr

Allegany (Alt) Mark Kerling

Broome‐Chenango Michael Blance

Broome‐Chenango (Alt) Richard Knapp

Cattaraugus George Couell

Cattaraugus (Alt) Joe Williams

Cayuga Randy Coleman

Cayuga (Alternate) Mike Major

Chautauqua Steve Smith

Chautauqua (Alt) Lester Lucas

Clinton Tom Highers

Columbia Vacant

Cortland Rick Burt

Delaware‐Schoharie Gerald F.Mitchell

Erie Hal Fleischman

Erie (Alt) Vic Doino

Essex Vacant

Franklin Vacant

Fulton Charles Rose

Fulton (Alt) Emory Chase

Genesee Gerald Ivison

Hamilton Aaron Fischer

Hamilton (Alt) John Buckley

Herkimer Mike Denapole

Herkimer (Alt) Don Roark

Jefferson Fritz Delaney

Lewis Jason Kowalczyk

Lewis (Alt) Gary Stinson

Madison Elwin Goff

Madison (Alt) Thomas Baker

Monroe/Livingston Jim Meyer

Monroe/Livingston (Alt) Randy Gurnsey

Montgomery/Schenectady Jim Bode

Nassau‐Suffolk Don Barrett

Niagara Gary J Broderick

Oneida Bill Hajdasz

Oneida (Alt) Jim Rolf

Onondaga Ernest J. Roosevelt

Onondaga (Alt) Tim Taylor

Ontario Vacant

Orange‐Sullivan Kevin Makuen

Orange‐Sullivan (alt) Carl Vogt

Orleans Sean Mullen

Oswego Dan Middleton

Otsego Jon Karker

Otsego (Alt) John Dyn

Putnam‐Westchester‐Dutchess John Occhino

Renssaelaer John Linton

Renssaelaer (Alt) Scott Newell

Rockland Vacant

Saratoga Bob Bryant

Saratoga (Alt) Kathi Bryant

Schuyler‐Tompkins Carl Hubbell

Seneca Vacant

St. Lawrence "Tony" Testani

St. Lawrence (Alt) Craig LaPlante

Steuben‐Yates Steve Hubertus

Tioga‐Chemung Robert K Jennings

Tioga‐Chemung (Alt) Sean Morris

Ulster (05/08 ‐ 01/09) Anne O'Dell

Ulster (01/09 ‐ 04/09) John Hart

Warren Mike Hill

Washington Barry Wilson

Washington (Alt) Keith Elms

Wayne David VanDerlinde

Wayne (Alt) Richard Cowley

Wyoming (7/10/08‐) Roger McCabe

Director at Large Richard Rozzi

Director at Large Gary Batchelder

Director at Large Debbie Perkins


Director at Large Notification Form

Please complete the following information. It must be returned to NYSSA no later than April 24, 2009:

DATE

NAME

ADDRESS

TEL

CELL

FAX

EMAIL

I WISH TO BE CONSIDERED A CANDIDATE TO BE ELECTED AS DIRECTOR‐AT‐LARGE. I BELIEVE THAT I AM QUALIFIED

FOR THIS POSITION FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:

Submit Form to: NYSSA

PO BOX 612, Long Lake, NY 12847‐0612 Fax: 518‐624‐2441 Email: [email protected]

(Signature)


Director Reports Albany‐Greene District VACANT – PLEASE VOLUNTEER!

Allegany County District John Brinkman, Jr, Director [email protected] (585) 973‐3160 6680 County Rd 31 Friendship NY 14739

Mark Kerling, Alternate [email protected] (585) 968‐3002 9703 West Cuba Rd Cuba NY 14727

Allegany County Federation of Snowmobilers (A.C.F.S.)

PO Box 195 Friendship, NY 14739

Phone # 585‐973‐3160

Chapters of A.C.F.S.

Alma Ridge Runners

Almond (Southern Tier Snowdrifters)

Angelica Snowdrifters

Bolivar Trail Blazers

Centerville Hill Riders

Cuba Driftbusters

Fillmore

Rushford Snowmobile Club

Scio‐Amity Pathfinders

Wellsville/Andover Touring Club

Whitesville Association of Snowmobilers, Inc.

374 miles of funded trails 74 miles of unfunded trails

Trail Grooming Equipment County wide:

4 ‐ Class A groomers 3 ‐ Class B Groomers 27 ‐ Class C groomers

Membership: Individual total membership for the county is 786 members.

Summary of season/ district issues, problems, accomplishments:

This season with early snow brought out all sorts of snowmobilers. Be those old timers or new people to

the sport. Clubs also saw an increase in new members. Many of the clubs have continued to improve

their trails with brushing, building bridges, placing sluice pipes and dozer work all to widen and improve

the trail system.

We have also started to work with the county planning department to improve snowmobiling with in

the county. The county tourism guide now includes information on snowmobiling in the county and also


includes a generic snowmobile map. We are work close with them to get the message out to the public

about snowmobiling in beautiful Allegany County.

The county clubs held 4 youth safety classes around Allegany County, Training more kids and adults to

be better, responsible snowmobilers. This course is a valuable tool in getting a positive message out to

the local newspapers about the good there is in snowmobiling. Allegany County Federation of

Snowmobilers was once again host for a signing and STEP training class held late in October at the Cuba

VFW located on Rt 305 just off of I86. We plan on having this class again this upcoming season also.

Again this year we participated in STEP as a satellite partner. We have 19 locally trained inspectors that

where able to complete 6 inspections. We are seeing a big improvement in the consistency of signing.

With a little instruction from those inspection a few correction will be made for the upcoming season.

Numerous clubs in the county held fund raisers for a variety of events and causes. From chicken BBQ’s

to ice races. The local clubs in Allegany County are trying anything to get more money back into the

trails and grooming equipment.

All of the clubs here in Allegany County want to take the time to say THANK YOU to all of our

landowners, towns, villages, and county officials that help make snowmobiling here in Allegany County

possible. Without them there is no way we can have the great trails that we do.

To all the volunteers that keep our trails open and safe, Thank You. And to all of you, we invite to enjoy

our part of your trail system. Come ride and enjoy Allegany County.

Broome‐Chenango District Michael Blance, Director [email protected] (607) 648‐4564 PO Box 405 Chenango Bridge NY 13745

Richard Knapp, Alternate [email protected] (607) 648‐3669 523 Dunham Hill Rd Castle Creek NY 13744

What a great season this was! Snow came early, followed by cold temperatures, up until mid

February. The nine clubs in this district had their 500 plus miles of trails well signed. As the season went

on, trails kept on getting smoother. After three years of low snow clubs finally had a chance to put many

hours on the groomers.

Eight of the clubs meet once a month to attend the Chenango County Federation meetings. We all

talk about many important topics including trail issues, laws concerning snowmobiles, and ways to

improve communication within clubs. The general consensus on field staking was to use single stakes

with a keep right at each end. The Federation’s website, ccsf.snowclubs.com, will show all the club’s

events during the season. This district is located just north of Binghamton. If planning a ride for next

year look for a new map in November 2009. You will enjoy all types of terrain fields, woods, and rolling

hills.


BC Sno Riders Chenango Sno Riders

Po Box 312 Po Box 1244

Port Crane, NY 13833 Norwich, NY 13815

DOCS Greene Drift Riders

Po Box 33 282 County Rt. 3A

Sidney, NY 13838 Greene, NY 13778

SHASTA Tioga Ridge Runners Snowmobile Club

Po Box 37 Po Box 0578

Sherburne, NY 13460 Owego, NY 13827

Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club Trail Hounds Snowmobile Club

Po Box 1004 351 County Rt. 12

Whitney Point, NY 13862 Pitcher, NY 13136

Unadilla Valley Snowdrifters

Po Box 423

New Berlin, NY 13411

Cattaraugus County District George Couell, Director [email protected] (716) 992‐9019 4898 Enser Rd Eden NY 14057

Joe Williams, Alternate [email protected] (716) 938‐2331 130 South Union Street Suite 200 Olean NY 14760

Clubs: Ashford Snowmobile Club Elibomwons Enchanted Mountains Snowmobile Club, Inc. Franklinville Sled Club, Inc. Portville Snowmobile Club, Inc. Snow Bounders, Inc. Southern Tier Snow Drifters, Inc. Tri‐County Drifthoppers, Inc. Western New York Snowmobile Club of Boston, Inc. Trail Mileage: 368 funded miles plus an additional 75 miles in Allegany State Park The Federation, Clubs and Cattaraugus County continue to have an outstanding working relationship. We are fortunate to have a legislative body that understands the economic impact of snowmobiling and we appreciate their support. The County provides landowner maps and lists, assists in re‐routing, GPS trails and this year provided a file that Garmin and Tom Tom GPS users could dowmload that showed where the trails and roads crossed. This will build awareness for safer trails. Cattaraugus County Economic Development, Planning & Tourism completed a GIS project this year that will assist the clubs


and the county with promoting the snowmobile trails in Cattaraugus County. The department completed a GPS project that will allow GPS users to download trail heads, gas stations, restaurants, bed & breakfasts and hotel/motel locations in the County. There were over 450 downloads of the snowmobile file from December until February. They also created a major road and snowmobile trail crossing GPS file that will make motorist aware of the crossings This January the County trails and clubs were featured on SnowTrailsTV.com. We would like to thank NYSSA and Cattaraugus County for providing the assistance to make this happen.. The segments were filmed March 08. Mike featured our area as on the best kept secrets in snowmobiling. We enjoyed working with Mike. Video Mike did an outstanding job on the segments and we look forward to having him back in the future. The Federation and clubs have completed the necessary paperwork to become 501‐C3 and most of the clubs are now sales tax exempt. We had a very successful year due to the snowfall that we received this year.

Cayuga County District Randy Coleman, Director [email protected] (315) 252‐8358

Mike Major, Alternate Director [email protected] (315) 253‐2096 PO Box 131 Skaneateles Falls NY 13153

This year the Cayuga County Snowmobile Association sponsored a STEP signage program for the county.

The training class was sponsored by NYSSA with our own trainer and assistant. By providing this in‐

house training, problems were corrected quicker and club members had a great learning experience.

Attendees represented all of the county’s seven clubs.

Our county snowmobile association continues to actively work between the sponsor and local clubs to

ensure that the paperwork and deadlines are met. Currently, there are seven clubs that are members of

the county association:

Cato Trail Blazers, Inc.

Fingerlakes Ridge Runners

Poor Folks Snowmobile Club

Port Byron Snow Panthers

Ridge Runners of Groton Snowmobile Club

Sterling Trail Tamers

Weedsport Winter Wanderers

There are 262 miles of funded trails in Cayuga County. Of these funded trails, there are 143 miles of

Corridor A and 119 miles of Secondary A. The clubs also have approximately 50 miles of club trails that

are not funded yet. Most of the clubs in the county association own trail grooming equipment. The

equipment consists of 9 Class A groomers, 1 Class B groomer, and 6 Class C groomers.


The clubs participated in several events this year, such as an antique car show, antique snowmobile

show, chicken barbecues, landowners’ appreciation breakfasts and dinners, meat raffles, motorcycle

raffle, mad‐cash raffles, poker runs, spaghetti dinners, and the Great Eastern Whiteout. The clubs

continue to sponsor various youth and adult safety courses and groomer training classes throughout the

season.

Alternate Director Mike Major taught and oversaw the trail STEP signage program. He devoted a lot of

his time to setting up and executing all of the training, and he has been of great assistance.

I look forward to continue working with the other counties and NYSSA to improve the sport of

snowmobiling.

Chautauqua County District Steve Smith, Director [email protected] (716) 792‐9802 28 Central Ave Brocton NY 14716

Lester Lucas, Alternate [email protected] (716) 753‐7925 PO Box 103 Dewittville NY 14728

Chautauqua County Federation Of Snowmobile Clubs‐ With 400 miles of funded trails and over 75

miles of unfunded trails nestled into southwestern New York the area clubs offer some of the best

groomed trails in the state. The clubs of Chautauqua County have a total of 20 class A groomers. Below

is a little bit about each club in Chautauqua County.

Chautauqua Lake Snowmobile Club ‐ www.chautauquasnow.com

This club has over 180 miles of funded trails and over 30 miles of unfunded trails. the club has recently

updated its groomer fleet to include three newer Tucker 2000 Sno‐Cats in the 08‐09 season alone, to

bring our fleet to seven groomers. We have trails in several Towns and Villages throughout Chautauqua

County including, Stockton, Brocton, Clymer, Mayville, Sherman, Findley Lake, French Creek,

Westfield and Panama.

The Club has over 1600 members, and offers a variety of member activities virtually every weekend

including Mystery Dinner rides, a Memorial run, Pancake Breakfast, Landowner appreciation Dinner and

an End of Season Banquet.

President: Chris Jaynes

Vice President: Steve Smith

Secretary: Paul Weatherlow

Treasurer: Robert Perry

Membership Coordinator: Brandy Smith


Lake Effect Trailbreakers ‐ www.trailbreakers.com

This club is located in Southern Chautauqua County. We have 45 miles of funded trails in our territory,

but our club grooms over 70 miles of trails in and around the towns of Gerry, Kennedy, Ellington,

Conewango Valley and Sinclairville using a Tucker Sno‐Cat 1000 with an 8 foot Mogul Master drag and a

Sno‐Plane with an 9 foot Mogul Master drag.

We currently have 360 club members and 150 landowners that receive our monthly club newsletter.

Doug Mann – President

Bob Volpe – Vice‐President

Dianne Cornell – Treasurer

Dave Robbins – Secretary

The Ellery Sno‐Cruisers

The Ellery Sno‐Cruisers was incorporated in early 1994 as a club dedicated to building and maintaining

snowmobile trails in Chautauqua County. With the gracious cooperation of our landowners, we have

managed to build approximately 70 miles of trails in the heart of Chautauqua County (56 funded miles

with 14 miles of non‐funded trails). Our trails run through 4 townships (Ellery, Bemus Point, Ellicott,

Gerry and Stockton), connect 3 state parks/forest, and also connect trails maintained by 3 other local

snowmobile clubs.

We are a volunteer organization and received status as a 501C3‐Not for Profit Organization in 2007.

Each of our participating members gives of his or her time freely in order to keep up the clubs day to day

operation. We currently maintain 580 family memberships from several states throughout the country.

Each loves to snowmobile and spend time with their families here in western New York, where the

snowfall totals can easily exceed 200 inches per season.

President – Steve Latone

Vice President – Jim Zipp

Treasurer – Sandy Carlson

Secretary – Jamie Carlson

Cherry Creek Sno‐Goers

Current Membership‐ 701

Miles of Trail‐ 117 Funded, 22 miles unfunded

Number of Groomers, 7, 5 Class A, 2 Class B

2009 Events :

Poker Run

Landowner Appreciation Dinner

Volunteer Appreciation Pig Roast

Groomer Safety Training


President‐ Joe Sorrento

Vice President‐ Bob Rodgers

Secretary‐ Sue Penhollow

Corresponding Secretary‐ Darlene Gilbert

Treasurer‐ Jackie Dybka

Membership Chair‐ Sandy Colvenback

Sunset Drifters:

Established 1969 ‐ Located in Northeastern Chautauqua County in the Silver Creek‐Irving area ‐ Current

membership 116 ‐ Club members originally put in approximately 17 miles of trail in our area but in

recent years the trails have been taken over by the Cherry Creek Sno‐Goers who do all the grooming

throughout the winter. Our club members still maintain and sign the trails throughout the year. Every

July the club puts on a family picnic for members and for the last two years we've held a ride in picnic in

January for members and other snowmobilers in the area who drop by to join us.

President ‐ Don Dalrymple

V. Pres. ‐ Dave Diefenbach

Treasurer – Mike Logan

Secretary ‐ Paul Erwin

Clinton County District Tom Highers, Director [email protected] (518) 643‐8944 6 Ratcliffe Dr Peru NY 12972

There are five club in Clinton County that maintain 184 miles of corridor trail and 194 miles of secondary

trail.

Mountain Lions Snow Sled Club President ‐ Allision Trucker

Northern Adirondack Trailbreakers President ‐ Larry Trombley

Northern Tier Sno‐Runners President ‐ Charles Lapier

Trailgroomer Snowmobile Club President ‐ Gary Schnieder

Trailfinders Snowmobile Club President ‐ Michael Relation

All five have worked together to produce the first Clinton County Snowmobile Trail Map. They also held

The Second Annual Clinton County Snowmobile Clubs Grass Drag, Vintage Show and Swap Meet. This

year ‘s show will be September 26, 2009 at Airborne International Speedway.


Columbia County District VACANT – PLEASE VOLUNTEER

Cortland County District Rick Burt, Director [email protected] (315) 591‐5650

Cortland County has just experienced one of the best seasons that it has ever seen. With great snow

early in the season we were able to ride every day, from the open of the season until an unfortunate

warm up ended it for us in mid February. Cortland County has proven to be one of the hidden jewels of

snowmobiling in New York State. With over 350 miles of trails split between 9 clubs, you can always find

a different, challenging, and exciting place to ride. Weather you enjoy a technical ride through the

woods or a ride to see some of the most breath taking views anywhere, Cortland County has it all.

With the increase in funding this year, our trails will be even better for years to come. I personally can’t

wait for next season.

I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all of the volunteers and landowners who

make this possible year after year. We just wouldn’t be able to enjoy our sport without you.

Twin Bridges Snowmobile Club Inc., McGraw ‐ www.tbsci.com

Marathon Snow Dusters Club Inc., Marathon ‐ www.snowdusters.com

Seven Valley Snow Goers Inc., Cortland ‐ www.svsginc.com

Truxton Trail Riders, Truxton ‐ www.truxtontr.com

Tully Trailblazers, Tully ‐ www.tullytrailblazers.com

Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club Inc., Whitney Point ‐ www.ridgeriderswp.org

Trail Hounds Snowmobile Club, Cincinnatus ‐ www.trailhounds.org

Dryden Caroline Drifters Snowmobile Club Inc., Dryden ‐ www.dcdrifters.net

Finger Lakes Trail Runners Inc, Moravia ‐ www.fingerlakestrailrunners.com


Delaware‐Schoharie District Gerald F. Mitchell, Director [email protected] (607) 967‐7185 223 Latimer Rd Bainbridge NY 13733

Erie County District Hal Fleischman, Director [email protected] 716‐876‐6515 2867 River Rd Buffalo NY 14207

Vic Doino, Alternate [email protected] (716) 627‐3241

Erie County, the largest NYSSA district with over 12,000 registered snowmobiles continues to grow. The

move to larger groomers has paid off and trails this year were better than ever. Most trails remained

open from the end of hunting season in December to the beginning of March. After the relatively low

snow totals of the previous few years a full season of snowmobiling was greatly appreciated. Many

businesses catering to snowmobiling that had just been hanging on through the past lean years came

back to life in a big way. Sales were up and it was nice to see smiles on the faces of both dealers and

riders alike.

The Erie County Federation of Snowmobile clubs representing ten NYSSA clubs works closely with our

county sponsor to provide a quality trail system in Western New York. Our 400 plus miles of trail ‐ many

of them high snowfall ‐ offer many connections to our five surrounding counties. This provides

unlimited riding with many services and destinations. Please contact us through our website at

www2.pcom.net/ecfsc for frequently updated trail conditions, club contacts and further information.

Colden Trail Riders, Colden

Northern Erie Snow Seekers, Akron

Western NY SM Club, Boston

Southern Tier Snowdrifters, N. Colins

Grand Island SM Club, Grand Island

Hamburg SM Club Hamburg

Eden Trailblazers, Eden

Pioneer Snow Surfers, Sardinia

Holland Sno Rascals, Holland

Marilla Sno Mob, Marilla

Essex County District VACANT PLEASE VOLUNTEER!


Franklin County District VACANT PLEASE VOLUNTEER!

Fulton County District Charles Rose [email protected] (518) 725‐9446 514 CO. HWY. 125 Gloversville NY 12078

Emory Chase [email protected]

Fulton County Clubs:

Bleecker Snow Rovers

Nick Stoner Trailers

Oppenheim Trailblazers

Royal Mountain Moonlighters

Snowdrifters Of Stratford

Southern Adirondack Snowmobile Club

Clubs That Also Groom in Fulton County:

Charlton Snowmobile Club

Ful‐mont Snow Travelers

Fulton County Association:

Gateway To The Adirondacks Trail and Snowmobile Association Inc.

Fulton County Clubs are all NYSSA members.

Fulton County Clubs groom 168 miles of funded trails.

Fulton County welcomed a new club, Royal Mountain Moonlighters to the association and the NYSSA.

The 2008‐2009 snowmobile season in Fulton County saw early snow and plenty of it. This enables clubs

to do an excellent job grooming their trails and gave them ample snow to hold their events. Several

clubs held Poker Runs and events for children.

The preseason work of bridge repair, signing, and the removal of brush from trails adds to the safety of

the Fulton County trails.

I would like to thank all the volunteers that take time to help out on the trail system.


Genesee County District Gerry Ivison, Director [email protected] 585.548.9951 6775 Townline Rd. Byron NY 14422

Genesee County Snowmobile Association PO Box 58 Byron, NY 14422 www.gencosnowmobileassoc.com

Genesee County Assoc. Officers: Phone E‐mail

President Kevin Fisher 585.409.6628

[email protected]

Vice President Ken Radley 585.356.2709 [email protected]

Treasurer Ginny Ivison 585.548.9951 [email protected]

Secretary Gerry Ivison 585.548.9951 givison

@rochester.rr.com

Trail Coordinator Doug Hagen 585.948.9603

Member Clubs: Web Site Corrid. Miles–Second.Miles

Caledonia Trail Blazers www.caledoniatrailblazers.com 0 11

Genesee Sno‐Packers www.geneseesnopackers.com 93 37

Marilla SnoMob www.marilla‐snomob‐sc‐com 4 0

Northern Erie SnoSeekers www.snoseekers.com 5 0

Sleds Of Stafford www.sledsofstafford.com 52 22

Totals: 214 154 70

The Genesee County Assoc. is made up of five member clubs that have funded mileage in this county.

Caledonia Trail Blazers are located in Livingston County. Marilla SnoMob and Northern Erie SnoSeekers

are located in Erie County. I assume detailed information regarding these three clubs will be reported

under their home county.

Genesee Sno‐Packers Snowmobile Club Inc, P.O. Box 62, Oakfield, NY 14125

Kevin Fisher is President of this club that has over 550 members. They have facilities that

consist of two buildings that serve as club house, office, and groomer barn/repair shop. Four “class A”

groomers are operated on trails that cover mainly the western half of Genesee County. A very satisfying

event, usually held the Saturday after the super bowl, provides snowmobile rides and activities for those

with “Special Needs” and their families. The annual “Old Dog’s” ride – over a 10 mile ride for vintage


sled owners is a Parks permitted event. A fund raising ride and open house are held when snow

conditions permit. Two weeks after Nyssa’s forum the Sno‐packers have their annual awards banquet

where they recognize their outstanding members. Oct. is the usual date for the Landowner Chicken

BBQ/ Sled and Accessory Show. Complete chicken dinners are delivered to the landowners to thank

them for the use of their land. Christmas time has brought an “adopt a family” program where the club

has given gifts, clothes, and complete meal food items for needy families. Much time and energy has

been spent trying to gain permission from county and town agencies to install a bridge on Sour Springs

Rd. corridor C4G.

Sleds of Stafford Snowmobile Club Inc. P.O. Box 709, Stafford, NY 14143

Ken Radley has served many years as President of this club of close to 500 members. Three

“class A” groomers cover mainly the eastern half of Genesee County. The club would like to build a new

facility to house their groomer fleet rather than a building donated by a local business. SOS also has a

landowner chicken BBQ planned for May 17, 2009 where they deliver chicken dinners to landowners in

appreciation of the use of their land. The club has two annual events, The SOS Golf Tournament (June

28, 2009) and their Vintage Sled / Snowmobile and Accessories show (Sept. 13, 2009) both are held at

BW’s in Pavilion NY. The SOS Steak Roast is planned for Nov.21, 2009, a major fund raiser highlighted

with numerous raffles and door prizes for all. Mercy Flight, the local air ambulance service has been

given a fairly sizeable donation as a result of club fund raisers. Several members participate in, and many

donate to the NYS Pink Ribbon Riders event each year.

Genesee County Snowmobile Assoc.

The Assoc. has elected for the second year, to participate in the Satellite Step Program to self‐

inspect trails county‐wide for consistent safe trail signage. Several people were certified as Genesee Co.

Safe Trails Advisors and many others from outside the county attended a signing course led by Dave

Perkins on Oct.9 2008. Three Snowmobile Safety Education classes were held across the county with

over 120 youth and adults participating. Groomer Operator Safety Guidelines were updated and

operator safety classes were conducted by both major clubs. County trail maps were printed and are

available for sale at business sponsor locations. The County Assoc. has committed to maintenance and

conversion to a multi use trail if abandonment occurs of a section of Norfolk Southern RR in the

Alexander and Attica area.

THANK YOU to all LANDOWNERS and BUSINESS SPONSORS for their support.

Hamilton County District Aaron Fischer, Director [email protected] (315) 480‐8082 8627 Stephens Rd Canastota NY 13032

John Buckley, Alternate [email protected] (518) 439‐4761 40 Summit Rd Delmar NY 12054


Herkimer County District Mike Denapole, Director [email protected] (315) 866‐0517 446 Folts Rd Herkimer NY 13350

Don Roark, Alternate [email protected] (315) 822‐6428 129 Wall St West Winfield NY 13491

This district has over 470 miles of funded trails, which are maintained by 11 clubs. These clubs

have spent over $1,500,000 on new and reconditioned grooming equipment over the last 10 years. It

cost a lot of money to provide good trails!

Fund raisers for supplement the trail fund and pay other club expenses include $100.00 ticket

raffle parties, raffles, dinners, breakfasts, poker runs, clam bakes, auctions, swap meet, antique

snowmobile shows, amateur and professional races, hog roast and donations.

Major events to promote snowmobiling and also raise money include Herkimer Co. Power

Sports Expo, both hosted by E Herkimer Sno‐Riders, annual “Snow Bash”, held by the Ohio Ridge Riders,

the statewide “Grooming Equipment Show & Workshop” hosted by the Salisbury Ridgerunners and

$100.00 Raffle Parties held by Salisbury Ridgerunners, E Herkimer Sno‐Riders, Ohio Ridge Riders, Ilion

Sno‐drifters and West Canada Trail Riders.

We have built a strong alliance with the business community and our clubs. The Herkimer

County Snowmobile Trail & Trade Association (HCST&TA). HCST&TA is a member of the Chamber of

Commerce and works closely with the chamber to promote tourism and the local economy.

The HCST&TA has donated $1000 to Easter Seals and the 08 NYSSA Forum on behalf of it’s

Clubs.

Salisbury Ridgerunners have hosted the 13th Annual NYS Snowmobile Trail Grooming

Equipment Show and Workshop. 1325 people have completed the Snowmobile Trail Grooming seminar

to date!

Additionally, NYSSA and Salisbury certified instructors provided a Snowmobile Trail Grooming

seminar at the NYSSA Forum in April.

Efforts continue on behalf of the Ohio Ridge Riders for major work on the C‐4 trail from Bull Hill

Road to Jerseyfield Road.

Concerns and Ideas have been brought to NYSSA form the HCST&TA Clubs for action.


Jefferson County District Francis (“Fritz”) Delaney, Director [email protected] (315) 783‐2978 PO Box 351 Clayton NY 13624

Jefferson County is located in northern New York state bounded by the St Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, St Lawrence County, Lewis County and Oswego County. Jefferson County is one of the leading destinations for family vacations, with the beauty of the St. Lawrence and its great fishing; to Lake Ontario; its boating and fishing; the Black River; the best white water rafting in the state; to 173 miles of snowmobile trails connected to the snowmobile capital of eastern United States (Tug Hill).

My district has 4 snowmobile clubs, Missing Link Snowmobile Club, Barnes Corners Snow Pals, Winona Forest Recreation Association and my club, the 1000 Islands Snowmobile Club. The 1000 Islands Club is the only club in the county that has its 82 miles of trails completely within Jefferson County. The clubs maintains this trail that connects the villages of Redwood, AlexBay, Clayton, and Cape Vincent along the St. Lawrence River to Lake Ontario and the village of Chaumont. This trail runs along the St. Lawrence River with panoramic views of this majestic river and across long stretches of rolling farm lands to winding forest trails.

The 1000 Islands club, a very active club with its 350 plus members, has taken on several programs to promote snowmobiling and its public awareness. They sponsored 2 young snowmobiler safety classes. They also held a “ride in” for the benefit of 1000 Islands Emergency Rescue Services (TIERS). As a fund raiser they participated in the Clayton Sno‐Fest plus held several raffles to raise money and were able to buy their second class A groomer this year.

Lewis County District Jason Kowalczyk, Director [email protected] (315) 214‐0168 321 Church St North Syracuse NY 13212

Gary Stinson, Alternate [email protected]


Barnes Corners Sno‐Pals ‐ http://www.sno‐pals.com/

Brantingham Snowmobile Club Inc. ‐ http://brantinghamsnomads.org/

Club Cedar Pine, Inc. ‐ http://www.snowmobilingusa.com/

Long Pond Sno Sled Club,Inc ‐ http://www.longpond.freeservers.com/

Lost Trail ‐ http://www.losttrailclub.com/

Missing Link Snowmobile Club ‐ http://www.missinglinksnow.com/

Osceola Snowmobile Club

Plateau Riders Inc. ‐ http://www.timberview.com/

Southern Tug Hill Sno‐Riders Inc. ‐ http://southerntughillsnowmobileclub.com/

Valley Snow Travelers of Lewis County, Inc. ‐ http://valleysnowtravelers.org/

With over 1,000 miles of prime, groomed trails in the Tug Hill Region, it is arguably the premier

snowmobile destination in New York State. With short trips averaging ten to fifteen miles between

stops, it is a great place to bring the family, young and old!

We have had great riding conditions from early December through late March this season. Last

year, several clubs groomed until mid‐April.

We would like to thank all club members that donated to clubs in Lewis County.

Barnes Corners Sno‐Pals will be holding the 7th Annual SNIRT run next year on April 10, 2010.

With over 1,300 riders last year, it has become the season‐closing event in New York State. We hope to

see you all there next year. Please see http://sno‐pals.com/snirt.htm for more information.

We hope everyone has a great year and that we'll be riding before 2010!

Madison County District Elwin Goff, Director 3829 Mosley Rd Cazenovia, NY 13035 Email: [email protected] Cell: 315‐447‐7616

Kyle Hirt, Alternate 11 Sims Lane Cazenovia, NY 13035 Email: [email protected] Cell: 315‐750‐8640

Madison County Association of Snowmobile Clubs (MCASC)

Website: www.snowmobilemadisoncounty.org MCASC OFFICERS: PRESIDENT: Kyle Hirt, [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT: Elwin Goff, [email protected] TREASURER: Rich Taber, [email protected] SECRETARY: Art Paul, [email protected]


Riding your snowmobile in Madison County will offer you some of the most interesting and beautiful

trails in New York State. Our trails offer you open fields with views that stretch for miles, winding state

and private woodland trails abounding with wildlife and scenic views of natural as well as manmade

attractions. You can enjoy the windmills high above the hilltops in Fenner while experiencing a

spectacular view of Oneida Lake and sometimes the shores of Lake Ontario. We also offer you a

breathtaking view of Chittenango Falls or a peaceful ride along the historic towpath of the Old Erie Canal

with trails leading north to the shore of Oneida Lake. After you have enjoyed our trails, you will always

be welcomed by the owners of many businesses that support snowmobiling throughout the County. We

also have something that no other county can offer; Madison County is home to our NYSSA President,

Mike Fischer.

MCASC is an association with seven (7) Member Clubs that are responsible for all the grooming, signing

and maintaining the 163 miles of Class A Corridors and 178 miles of Class A Secondary Trails. Three (3)

of the Madison County Clubs (Chittenango Polar Bears, Moonlight Riders and Snow Valley Riders)

maintain trails within the county while the remaining four (4) Clubs have multi‐county trails. Within the

county, all seven (7) Clubs groom the 341 miles of trails using Class A groomers with 8‐12 foot wide

drags. All of our Clubs continue to develop, sign and maintain the trails to be as safe as possible and

hold many youthful operator safety courses.

MEMBER CLUBS

CNY Snow Travelers Chittenango Polar Bears

P O Box 53 P O Box 111

Deansboro, NY 13328 Chittenango, NY 13037

www.cnysnowtravelers.com www.chittenangopolarbears.com

President: David Adams President: Jim Weaver

Moonlight Riders Shasta


Morrisville, NY 13408 Sherburne, NY 13460

www.moonlightriders.com [email protected]

President: Rich Taber President:

Snow Valley Riders South Shore Trailblazers


Cazenovia, NY 13035 Bridgeport, NY 13030

www.snowvalleyriders.com www.southshoretrailblazers.com

President: Elwin Goff President: Scott Fields


Tri‐Valley Trailriders

P O Box 600

Oneida, NY 13421

www.tri‐valleytrailriders.com

President: Bill Vineall

Monroe‐Livingston District Randy Gurnsey<, Director [email protected] (585) 589‐9031 14107 Gillette Road Albion NY 14411

Jim Meyer, Alt (resigned 3/2009) [email protected]

Montgomery‐Schenectady District Jim Bode, Director 1077 Old Trail Rd. Fonda, NY 12068 [email protected] (518) 853‐1381

Schenectady County:

Frontier Sno Riders Snowmobile Club

Montgomery County:

Forest Preserve Users, Inc.

Ful‐Mont Snow Travelers, Inc.

Town of Florida Snowmobile Club

Charlton Snowmobile Club

These clubs maintain 192 miles of trail in Montgomery County.

All clubs are NYSSA members and are members of the

MOHAWK VALLEY SNOWMOBILE CLUB, INC , the County association

Several youth safety classes were conducted by our clubs.

The area received plenty of early snow and continuous cold weather which led to the best season in

years with excellent trail conditions throughout Montgomery and Schenectady Counties. By mid to late

February some trails were closed due to low snow cover.


I served on the NYSSA Committee for Membership Software, investing well over 1000 hours in

development, testing, and financial accounting for that program.

I also served as the NYSSA GPS Program Director assisting many clubs in their trail GPS work and data

preparation.

Nassau‐Suffolk District Don Barrett, Director [email protected]

Niagara County District Gary J. Broderick, Director (716) 731‐1719 5785 West Street Sanborn NY 14132‐9206 E‐mail: [email protected]

Niagara County Snowmobile Federation

3747 Lockport Road

Sanborn, NY 14132

Phone: 716‐807‐7002

Clubs of N.C.S.F:

Shawnee Sno‐Chiefs Snowmobile Club, Inc. (www.snochiefs.net)

Northern Erie Sno‐Seekers Snowmobile Club, Inc. (N.E.S.S.) (www.snoseekers.net)

The Pendleton Snowmobile Club

70 Miles of funded Trails

16 Miles of Unfunded Trails

Trail Grooming Equipment County Wide

3 Class A Groomers, 1 Class C Groomer

Members

Families 1500+

Business (business owners join as individual members)

Summary of Season/District Issues, Problems and Accomplishments:


This year, Niagara County received funding for our previous year’s trails based on GIS data

usage‐we are trying to get our entire system GPS’d properly, though seeing how some counties GPS data

is being disregarded by OPRHP, it has slowed down on our priority list. The Shawnee Sno‐Chiefs and the

Northern Erie Sno‐Seekers, working together continue to build more trails. We are working on opening

a section of trail on the canal banks, though we are hitting roadblocks at the state and local level. We

are working with Senator Maziarz’ office to convince the Canal Corporation that a trail connecting

Niagara and Orleans County will be beneficial to many, including businesses along the canal. We have

begun meeting with municipalities to request their backing‐we have met with mixed success. Niagara

County has passed a resolution supporting our efforts. NESS and Shawnee’s expansion requires

countless hours of courting land‐owners, businesses, County and municipalities. This expansion also

requires numerous man‐hours getting landowner permissions, laying out the trails, clearing the trails

(trees, bushes, etc.) and several bridge building projects. We continue to have major problems with ATV

riders on designated snowmobile trails. Most of the land our trails are on is privately held and

agricultural in nature‐destruction on these properties costs our farmers money. Local law enforcement

lacks funding to help. NY State Parks Police have been very active and visible on our trails this year,

along with assisting the Sno‐Chiefs teaching a NY State Snowmobile Safety Course.

This winter’s snow cover was excellent and lasting! We had cover in December, up until the post

Christmas Warm‐up, then in January and the first half of Feb. In March, we got some cold temps and

snow back‐all in all, it was a great season for us!

Our membership continues to increase‐we have an active public relations campaign using both

television and print media. Shawnee bought a 1995 Bombardier BR‐160 and Mogul Master Drag

(trading in the 1978 SV‐301 Groomer and the 1976 SV‐301). Shawnee kept the 1992 BR‐60 Plus and the

small class ‘C’ machine. N.E.S.S. continues their ‘One Groomer’ philosophy with a BR‐180. Additionally,

Shawnee purchased a Groomer Storage and Maintenance Building from a local fire company to keep

and store all club property.

We continue to work with our local Senator’s office along with the Niagara County Legislature to

promote tourism throughout the county and state, to include ‘Riding to the Falls’. We continue working

with our county sponsor to become involved with Greenway funding in Niagara County.

The Shawnee Sno‐Chiefs annual Grass Drags at the Shawnee Volunteer Fire Company continues

to draw crowds and is the number one fundraiser for the club. The club introduced a local restaurant

chili cook‐off with public judging and trophies‐giving our sponsoring restaurants some ‘face time’ with

potential customers. This is one the top Amateur Grass Drag Events in New York. This year’s event will

be on Sept. 26, 2009.

Niagara County joined with the Erie County Snowmobile Federation to build a Erie/Niagara

County Trail Guide again this year. This guide is a professional level guide produced showing Niagara

County and Erie County trails. The federation, clubs and dealers/ sponsors have all made income from

this trail guide. We would like to thank all of our local businesses for supporting us in this and many

other endeavors!


For more info on riding in Niagara County, check Shawnee’s website: www.snochiefs.net and

the NESS website at www.snoseekers.com.

Contact Information:

Shawnee Sno‐Chiefs Snowmobile Club, Inc. www.snochiefs.net

3747 Lockport Road

Sanborn, NY 14132

716‐807‐7002

N.E.S.S. www.snoseekers.com P.O. Box 167 Akron, NY 14001 Sno‐Phone 716‐741‐NESS (6377)

The Pendleton Snowmobile Club 5707 Oak Lane Lockport, NY 14094 716‐434‐9932

Oneida County District Bill Hajdasz, Director [email protected]

Oneida County Area Snowmobile Association PO Box 1484 Rome, NY 13442 President: Jim Rolf Secretary: Bill Hajdasz Treasurer: Dave Leonard

Clubs of OCASA

CNY Snow Travelers

Deerfield Snow Trails

EZ Riders Snowmobile Club

Lost Trail Snowmobile Club

Oriska Sno Drifters

Penn Mountain Snow Riders

Taberg Trail Blazers

TC Riders Snowmobile Club

Trackside Blazers Snowmobile Club

Trailbusters Snowmobile Club

Tri‐Valley Trail Riders

West Rome Riders

Summary of 2008/09 season

Oneida County has had a wonderful season. Snow came in November around many parts of the County

and lasted until mid‐ March for the Northern areas. With over 475 miles of funded trails, the second

most statewide, and an unknown number of club trails, along with being in a populated area allowing

for great infrastructure to fully accommodate the snowmobile traffic, Oneida County has become a


snowmobile destination for many. Twelve clubs make up OCASA with many of these clubs providing

trails into Madison, Lewis and Herkimer Counties as well. These trail systems connect to both the

Adirondack Park and the Tug Hill regions in the northern parts of the county and into the Tassel Hill/

Brookfield State Trails in the southern parts.

Oneida County also has the second most registered sleds and leads the state in the number of Club

members, according to last year’s numbers. Club membership was even higher than last season,

according to Club reports. Two Clubs were presented with monetary awards from two downstate non‐

trail maintenance clubs at the 07‐08 NYSSA Forum. These much appreciated awards were put to good

use in helping repair a groomer and clean up a trail that was heavily damaged from a major wind storm.

Thanks goes out to these clubs for recognizing our clubs.

This past February, OCASA helped host the Polaris National Dealers Convention by providing both the

trails and tour guides for the dealers to try out the new Polaris Rush. Dealer Representatives, and some

professional racers including Levi Lavalle, were led on 30 mile loops of the trail system in the Rome, Lee,

Taberg and Westernville areas. Many compliments were made to our guides on how well signed and

nicely groomed the trails were.

Many clubs including Lost Trails, TC Riders, Trailbusters and Trackside all put new grooming equipment

to work keeping the trails smooth, with each club clocking over 500 hrs on each. Other clubs also

updated their older equipment with newer machines. With all the groomers out and the amount of

snow that kept falling, there were some break downs. However no one would ever know due to the

cooperative effort from the neighboring clubs to either groom or donate their groomer to the club with

the breakdown leaving the trails smooth.

Even though the snow came early, all the clubs were able to get the trails ready for the season by

getting out in September and October to do the brushing and reroutes. Most of the reroutes that were

reported were very small and/or were made to help improve the safety of the trail system. A large

number of bridges were either replaced or redecked and additional signing was installed throughout the

entire County.

In between the grooming and trail maintenance going on, many clubs had some very successful

fundraising events as well. Deerfield held their annual chicken barbeque selling over 300 halves of

chicken in just a little over 3 hours. The TC Riders began holding pancake breakfasts on Saturday

mornings at their groomer barn which also turned into a great event for them. Trailbusters kicked off a

fundraising campaign to replace their 1989 Piston Bully by having a trailside party. Penn Mtn. held an

antique sled ride‐in and trail party at the very popular OD6 junction with a great turn out for them as

well. The CNY Snow Travelers held their annual antique snowmobile show and chicken barbeque and

reported that it was their biggest turnout of antique and vintage sleds ever. Lost Trails has teamed up

with the Boonville Snow Festival in hosting the Adirondack Cup ice racing event at the Boonville Fair

Grounds. This event is so big it lasts three days. There is a torch light snowmobile parade kicking off the

weekend on Friday night, and then the racing begins Saturday with the Adirondack Cup being awarded

Sunday afternoon. Lost Trails is proud to announce that Andy Seelman, who is a charter member and


still very active, as the Parade Marshall for the Snow Festival. West Rome held their annual Charity Ride

with the money raised going to a local church preschool in the Rome area. All clubs reported that their

fundraising events went over with good results.

After the grooming, brushing/signing, and fundraising was done all the clubs continued to stay busy with

helping out the communities they reside in. Each club held at least one NYS Snowmobile Safety Class,

while some clubs held two. The classes had between 30 and 60 kids and adults attend them as well. This

means over 500 snowmobilers participated in a safety class in Oneida County alone. OCASA hosted a

NYSOPRHP Groomer Safety seminar and a NYSSA Step Signage class as well. Both classes had a very

good turnout and helped to inform club members of proper grooming and signing techniques.

Trailbusters awarded its annual $250 scholarship to a student pursuing a degree in technology. Other

clubs donated to their local fire departments or other Charities in need of help.

Oneida County clubs are dedicated to improving the trails and the image of snowmobiling statewide.

Onondaga County District Ernest J. Roosevelt, Director [email protected] (315) 214‐5436 100 Steele Rd Camillus NY 13031‐1922

Tim Taylor, Alternate [email protected]

ONONDAGA COUNTY SNOWMOBILE ASSOCIATION PO BOX 392

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 13215

This season Onondaga clubs have maintained almost 300 miles of trails, both funded and unfunded. All

clubs had a good year with plenty of snow, minimal problems with closings and accidents were also

down. The trails were in good shape, but that was difficult because of the delay in receiving the Trail

Fund money.

Although money was tight the clubs made significant donations to charities as is the case every year.

The charities which benefited include: Care Packages for Troops, THANK OUR TROOPS, Food Pantries,

churches, Volunteer Fire Departments, Easter Seals, SPCA, High Schools, Outreach, American Legion,

VFW, Lions Club and Breast Cancer.

TULLY TRAILBLAZERS...Donated a total of $930.00 including several Volunteer Fire Departments, Thank

Our Troops and Easter Seals.

TOAD HOLLOW... Replaced their groomer and donated more than $2,000.00 including area residents

who experienced medical problems, support for troops and Easter Seals.

MARCELLUS SNOWMOBILE CLUB...Donated $600.00 to various causes including a person with a serious

medical problem, an After Prom High School Party and the SPCA.


LAFAYETTE TRAIL RIDERS...Held several hill climbs including their "Climb for the Cure" to benefit Breast

Cancer Awarness. In addition they donated $1,350.00 including College Scholarships and several other

charities like American Legion, VFW and Outreach.

SNOW OWLS CICERO/CLAY...Participated in the Clay Ride for Kids Day. They also replaced their Bombi

groomer with a Polaris Ranger with Tracks. This smaller unit is working well on their trail which is

essentially flat andis adjacent to some developed areas. They donated $100.00 to THANK OUR TROOPS.

They also held Snowmobile Safety Classes.

FULTON AREA SNOW TRAVELERS...Made improvements to their trail system and 25 students passed

through their Safety Training Course.

CAMILLUS SNOWMOBILE CLUB...Held their annual event for Mentally Challenged People which

consisted of snowmobile rides and a cookout for about 150.

The ongoing effort to encourage local media to present snowmobiling in a positive light continued with

good progress. Local television stations have shown segments promoting safety and courteous riding

and the local paper has included snowmobile news and has suggested a column devoted to

snowmobiling. They also published a letter calling for respect for landowners.

Ontario County District Matt Schaertl (certified in March)

Orange‐Sullivan District Kevin Makuen, Director [email protected] (845) 222‐6427 30 Maple Ave Goshen, NY 10924

Carl Vogt, Alternate [email protected] 915 Route 284 Westtown, NY 10998

Clubs

Rock Tavern Snowriders – www.rocktavernsnoriders.com

Greenwood Lake Snoballers – www.nysnowmobilers.com

Sullivan County Trail Association –www.sctrailassoc.com

Rock Tavern Snow Riders sign, maintain and groom 40 miles of unfunded trails at Stewart State Forest.

This year the Vice President built a home‐made groomer which worked great to maintain a large amount


of snow fall accumulated this year. A large membership base helped fund grooming and maintenance

costs. Future plans include purchase of a SkiDoo Skandic for better grooming efficiency.

Greenwood lake has no trail system available due to rapid development in their area. This club does

provide valuable information to its members who cannot attend monthly meetings at clubs where they

ride. They also provide safety classes several times per year to help educate young riders coming into

the sport.

Sullivan County Trail Association has over 30 miles of State funded trails in the Willowemoc Wild Forest

Preserve. They use 3 SkiDoo Skandic and Mogulmaster combos to groom their trails. Their large

membership is actively trying to connect to the trails in Delaware County. Elevation restrictions and

landowner issues have prevented this from occurring. The club is trying hard to find new routes and

solutions. Sullivan County also provides several safety classes a year to help educate new riders.

Orleans County District Sean Mullen, Director [email protected] (585)746-9110

Orleans County is nestled on the southern shore of Lake Ontario between Rochester and Niagara Falls. We have approximately 150 miles of funded and unfunded trail. Trails range from open farm fields and woods, to an abandoned railway corridor and the Erie Canal towpath. Orleans County has the only road and subsequent snowmobile trail in New York State that runs under the Erie Canal. The Orleans county district is made up of the Orleans County Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (http://ocfsc.net), the Orleans County Snowdrifters

(http://orleanscountysnowdifters.com), and the Southern Orleans Trailblazers (http://southern‐orleans‐

trailblazers.net).

The Orleans County Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, Inc. was incorporated November 16, 2004.

The Orleans County Snowdrifters were incorporated December 2, 1975 as the Lyndonville Snowpackers.

The Snowdrifters have 426 members and their main fundraiser is their annual pancake breakfast that is

held on Super Bowl Sunday. Every Christmas the club participates in Adopt a Family. This program

helps a needy family in the county.

The Southern Orleans Trailblazers were incorporated October 27, 2004. The Trailblazers have 169

members and hold an annual grass drag at the Murray Tractor Pull Field as their main fundraiser.


This was our first year as a single county district. We held two safety courses and certified 70 youth and

adults. We are working closely with our county sponsor through the Planning and Tourism Dept.

(http://www.orleanscountytourism.com).

The Orleans County Legislature adopted the following resolution on December 23, 2008 in support of

snowmobile use on canal lands.


Oswego County District Dan Middleton, Director 315‐668‐2127 [email protected] 108 Baum Rd Hastings NY 13076

John Crane, Alternate

Oswego County Snowmobile Association, Inc

An association of the ten snowmobile clubs of Oswego County, New York and surrounding area

Fulton Area Snow Travelers, Inc.

P.O. Box 434 Phoenix, NY 13135

(315) 695‐3835

Web: www.fastsnowclub.org

E‐Mail: [email protected]

Kasoag Lake Trailblazers, Inc.

64 Cox Road Williamstown, NY 13493

(315) 964‐2561

Web: www.kasoagtrailblazers.com


Mexico Trail Riders, Inc.

PO Box 564 Mexico, NY 13114‐0564

Web: www.mexicotrailriders.com


Pulaski ‐ Boylston Snowmobile Club, Inc.

5001 US Route 11 Pulaski, NY 13142

Trail Info Hotline ‐ Phone: (315) 298‐3255

Web: www.pulaski‐boylstonsnow.com

E‐Mail: secretary@pulaski‐boylstonsnow.com

Redfield Snowmobile And Recreation Club, Inc.

4971 County Route 17 Redfield, NY 13437

(315) 599‐7762

Square Valley Trail Blazers, Inc.

PO Box 846 Central Square, NY 13036

(315) 668‐9945

Web: www.squarevalley.org


Snow Owls of Cicero / Clay

P.O. Box 278 Clay NY 13041

(315) 699‐3269

Web: N/A


The Sterling Trail Tamers

PO Box 155 Sterling, NY 13156

(315) 947‐5383 (315) 591‐0851

Web: www.sterlingtrailtamers.com


Winona Forest Recreation Association

4920 N. Jefferson St., 3R Pulaski, NY, 13142

Office (315) 298‐6993

Trail Steward (315) 465‐6536

Web: www.winonaforest.com

Email: [email protected]

Vanderbilt Snowmobile Club, Inc.

PO Box 332 Constantia, NY 13044

(315)‐675‐3663

Web: www.vanderbilt.snowclubs.com

[email protected]


Otsego County District Jon Karker [email protected]

Robert Korosec, Alternate

Putnam‐Westchester‐Dutchess District John Occhino, District Director & Hudson Region Director [email protected] (845) 225‐3140 PO Box 1063 Carmel NY 10512

I am the District Director for Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess regions as of December 1, 2004 and newly appointed as the Hudson Valley Regional Director.

Our region, unfortunately, does not have any NYState funded trails, but we are aware of the needs in the other counties that have trails and what it takes to maintain the extensive system. As a member and President of the Snowrats Snowmobile Club, Inc in Dutchess County, we are dedicated to helping our clubs in the areas we, as members, ride. Now that I am the Regional Director of the Hudson Valley, I intend to visit all the clubs in this area to make sure they are all aware of what in happening within our association. As a club President, I take pride in the ongoing support of my members to continue the public awareness of snowmobiling and the impact it has on our economy.

The Snowrats Snowmobile Club, Inc. over the past 4 years, has dedicated countless hours to the development and maintenance to a trail system in Lake Taghaknic, of Ancram, NY, located in Columbia County.

With the SRRA bill is now in its third year, it made our club members and our Association grow to a point we will get noticed, we have a voice and they will listen.

In the upcoming year I look forward to more of our clubs getting involved with NYSSA and to support the Association all year round.

Rennselear County District John Linton, Director [email protected] (518) 733‐0469 995 Rt 43 Stephentown NY 12168

Scott Newell, Alternate [email protected]


Rockland County District Vacant – Please Volunteer!

Saratoga County District Robert Bryant, Director [email protected] (518) 882‐9543 1673 Perth Rd Hagaman NY 12086

Kathi Bryant, Alternate [email protected]

The clubs in Saratoga County got an early start this year on trails when we were hit with a snowstorm in

the middle of December. This caused many problems because the ground was not frozen when the

snow came and it left a lot of waterholes in the trail. The clubs worked hard filling the holes and making

the trails better . We received a lot of snow throughout the season and the trails were open into the

middle of March. The clubs were kept very busy grooming trails because we saw a lot more riders this

year, many of them families.

In the past year The County Association has sponsored and run a groomer training class by NYS OPRHP.

We held a Chain Saw safety class put on by DEC. The plan for next year is for the County to run another

groomer class in December of 2009, and also hope to run a chain saw safety training class. The clubs

have run many snowmobile safety courses for children as well as adults. The County Planning Dept.

hired a GIS specialist to work on the trail mapping and develop a map for the County clubs to use and is

working to get them on their website. Also the GIS specialist will work on getting the GPS information

into NYS OPRHP on the trails in the County.

The Charlton Snowmobile Club purchased an RTV 1100 Kubota utility vehicle with tracks in 2007 and

used it to groom trails and maintain the trails year round. This year they added a turbo to give it more

power and make it operate more efficient in grooming trail. Sacandaga Club is planning to upgrade their

groomer to a newer one with rubber tracks. Some of the clubs have been widening and straightening

some of their narrow trails.

As a Director, I have been working on The Ways & Means Committee and I am also on the NYS Trail

Council, I am also on two other trail committees to connect trails to Warren and Washington Counties.


We are also very grateful for the help that we get from Saratoga County and its Planning Dept. It is such a delight that everyone in the county works hand in hand. We have 178 miles of funded trails in Saratoga County which all have been GPS’d. There are 7 clubs in Saratoga County, 6 trail maintaining clubs and 1 social club. They are: Charlton Snowmobile Club Country Trailblazers East Galway Snowmobile Club Lincoln Mountain Snowmobile Club Mohawk Valley Sno‐Bobbers Mulleyville Trail System Snowmobile Club Sacandaga Snowmobile Club. County Association is: Saratoga County Association of Snowmobile Clubs.

Schuyler‐Tompkins District Vacant – Please volunteer!

Seneca County District Vacant – Please Volunteer!

St. Lawrence County District

Dominic “Tony” Testani , Director 315‐344‐2388 [email protected] 2388 128 Lisbon St Heuvelton NY 13654

Craig Laplante, Alternate


St Lawrence County Snowmobile Association, Inc. www.slcsa.org

P O Box 421

Canton, NY 13617

Phone: 315‐265‐0898‐SLCSA Email: [email protected]

508 Miles of funded Trails – 140 Miles of Unfunded Trails

Trail Grooming Equipment County Wide: 14 Class A Groomers/ 9 Class C Groomers

Members: Individual/Families – 2136 vouchers (3000 +/‐ with family members; business owners join as

individual members)

Clubs of SLCSA:

Boondockers

Childwold SnoPackers

Colton Sno‐Skippers

Cranberry Lake Mountaineers, Inc.

Dairyland Snowmobile Club

Edwards Snowmobile Club

Grasse River Groomers

Hermon Sledders

Heuvelton Punchlock Travelers, Inc.

Tri Town Trailblazers

Landowners

400 Landowners, 4 large land managers, 50 hunting clubs, 32 towns, 5 Villages, 14 Conservation

easements, 12 state forests (7 in forest preserve) 7 Unit Management Plans

Summary of Season/District Issues, Problems and Accomplishments:

SLCSA is very proud of all our accomplishments we have made over the last year with our

grooming equipment. We had a generous donation from our member Walt Planty, owner of Route 11

Trucking, and his staff who rebuilt our 1979 tucker which looks better than new. We are very fortunate

for all the volunteers we have and the donations we have received.

We worked hard to get the most out of our additional Grant‐ in‐Aid funds, knowing that they

may reduce in future years. We were able to pay off an existing loan on our 2006 Tucker, pay our 20

percent of the 2008 Tucker awarded thru our Recreational Trails Grant. We also purchased a new 2009

Tucker and a 2009 Polaris WT. We are now debt free and own 14 Class A groomers and 9 Class C

groomers.

One of our best additions this year has been our two‐way radios in all our groomers and a

dispatcher for each grooming area to report to when they leave and return. We have our own


dedicated ham frequency to communicate. We also updated beacons in each of our groomers to

provide information to oncoming snowmobile traffic with communicators that a groomer is in the area.

DOT helped us by loaning a permanent counter and a portable counter to place on our trails to

get an idea of traffic flow in our county.

SLCSA took the year off from training classes after offering classes the prior two years for

Grooming, Chainsaw Certification, AANR class, and Step Signage Classes. 2009‐2010 we plan to offer

classes again.

We had meetings with DEC at both state and local level, including the Attorney General

meeting, to try and improve both the North and South ends of our Corridor 8. We are trying to develop

these corridor trails to fit the eight‐foot wide definition of the OPRHP’s Corridors, to make them safer

and help the local economy; while at the same time trying to keep the grooming and maintenance done

on State Lands now under review in environmentally sensitive areas. We will continue to work with

State Agency’s to clarify usage in our seven forest preserve areas and to work with us on alternative

trails when logging occurs in our 14 conservation easements. This would help us resolve our yearly

detours and temporary trail closings. We are not looking for additional mileage ‐ we just want to keep

our existing mileage.

We continue to work with our county chamber to promote tourism throughout the county and

state, with our county trail map. This year we tried a new approach sending out 10,000 postcards to

snowmobilers in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and other parts of New York State inviting them to send in their

postcard for a free St Lawrence County Map to come to “Big Snow in the Big County”.

SLCSA is celebrating 34 years as a Not‐for‐profit “volunteer” organization dedicated to the

preservation of snowmobiling. For more information on riding in St Lawrence County, check the SLCSA

website: www.slcsa.org.

Steuben‐Yates County District Steve Hubertus, Director [email protected] 607‐324‐6446

Steuben County has about 150 miles of state funded trails. Yates County does not have any state

funded trails at this time.

There is one snowmobile club in Yates County :


Yates County Snow Travelers Assoc., Inc

President – Matt Yonts

3605 Pepper Road

Bluff Point, New York 14478

Steuben County has three clubs:

Bath Sno‐Flakes Snowmobile Club

President – Bob Clark

6993 County Road No. 15

Bath, New York 14810

E‐mail [email protected]

Ten Towns Snowmobile Club

President – Kress Foster

2270 Taft Road

Canisteo, New York 14823


Quad County Snowmobile Club, Inc

President – Rose Schmitt

P.O. Box 219

Naples, New York 14512


Our trails offer some dynamic scenery and wildlife. We are in the midst of the Finger Lakes and some of

the best hunting in New York State. Bring your camera!

Tioga‐Chemung District Director: Robert Jennings 1232 Cafferty Hill Rd Endicott, NY 13760 607‐754‐3128 [email protected]

Alternate: Sean Morris 400 Ithaca Road Spencer, NY 14883 607‐589‐4156 [email protected]

There are three clubs in the Tioga/Chemung district that maintain 99 miles of corridor trails and 123

miles of secondary trails.

Candor Valley Riders Snowmobile Club, P.O. Box 924, Candor, NY 13743

President – Matt Crowe

Phone: (607) 659‐4923


Candor Valley Riders Snowmobile Club maintains 83 miles of trail (28 Corridor and 55 secondary) in

Tioga and Tompkins counties.

Spencer‐VanEtten Snowmobile Club, PO Box 550, Spencer, NY 14883

President – David Schrader

Phone: (607) 589‐7467

Spencer‐VanEtten Snowmobile Club maintains 73 miles of trail (23 Corridor and 50 secondary) in

Chemung, Schuyler, Tioga and Tompkins counties.

Tioga Ridge Runners, PO Box 578, Owego, NY 13827

President – Mike Worzel

Phone: (607) 687‐8998

Tioga Ridge Runners maintain 66 miles of trail (48 Corridor and 18 secondary) in Tioga and Broome

counties.

Ulster County District John Hart 1575 Lucas Avenue Cottekill, NY 12419 845‐687‐4317 (H)

Shawangunk Snowmobile & Rescue Club, Pine Bush (156 Members)

NYSSA Club of the Year – 2006 (covers parts of Ulster, Orange, and Sullivan Counties)

http://www.ShawangunkSnowmobile.com

Tawaeri Taqui Trailblazers, Cottekill (166 Members)

http://www.Tawaeri.com

Trail mileage: The area has lost nearly all of its “Club trails” due to increasing development pressure

from NYC residents moving northward after the 9/11 tragedy in 2001.

Grooming equipment: none. The Shawangunk club maintains a Skidoo Skandic and rescue toboggan as a

self‐contained unit on its own dedicated trailer, which is available for winter emergencies.

Summary of Season: Local riding was good this year for those lucky enough to have farmland nearby.

Each club planned trips; Shawangunk to Speculator and Tug Hill, Tawaeri to Vermont, Tug Hill, Rome,

and British Columbia. Between 25‐60 people attended each trip with an estimated economic impact of

$10,000 ‐ $30,000 per trip. This is up from 2007‐08 mainly due to the lower price of gas.

These clubs are extremely active politically, as some of the most influential Senators and

Assemblypersons are from our District.


Issues/Problems/Accomplishments : These clubs have long been considered “social clubs” but this is far

from being true. Although due to geography and inconsistent cold weather they cannot maintain funded

trails, they actively support snowmobiling in many ways. Safety courses (Shawangunk held one, Tawaeri

three) continue to be held. Club fundraisers were very successful and allowed us to continue to support

NYSSA monetarily, as well as give back to the communities in which we live and ride. SSRC promoted

snowmobiling as a fun, safe family activity by participating in the Wurtsboro Winter Festival.

Donations:

Shawangunk donated $1,240 this season to the Delaware Valley Ridge Riders

Snowmobile Club in Delaware County for safety signage. Tawaeri donated $1,200

to T.C.Riders, West Rome Riders and Taberg Trailblazers.

Richard Rozzi, Director at Large and NYSSA Super Raffle Co‐Chair, is a member of

Shawangunk. Anne O’Dell, formerly Ulster County District Director, is a member

of Shawangunk. Anne was awarded NYSSA 2008 Snowmobiler of the Year and is

also Chair of the NYS Trails Council.

Warren County District Mike Hill, Director [email protected] (518) 494‐4548

Washington County District Barry E. Wilson, Director [email protected]

Keith Elms, Alternate

As always Washington County Snowmobile Association consists of 9 hardworking clubs. These clubs

include: Kingsbury Barnstormers, Hartford Ridge Riders, N.W.C. Trailblazers, Granville Border Riders,

Sno‐Kats of Easton, New Adirondack Riders, Battenkill Snow Drifters, Hoosic Trail Masters, and

Greenwich Trailblazers. We are located in Eastern NY, bordering Vermont’s VAST system. To our west is

Glens Falls, Saratoga is to our south, and our county sits both south & north of picturesque Lake

George.

Our Association has been in existence for 36 plus years. With the dedication of our numerous

volunteers, we hold the confidence of our land owners, and County government. They clearly see the

countless hours and commitment we dedicate to the sport of snowmobiling.

Washington County clubs are proud of the many sponsored events they participate in to give back to the

community. These projects include Easter Seals, Pink Ribbon Riders & Support Our Troops, Blood Drives,

Cancer Benefits, Bob Waite Memorial Golf Tournament which funds the Bob Waite Memorial Awards


Program, Sponsored Rescue Sled, and Safety Courses for kids and adults, Training Programs that include

the NYSSA Step Program and Grooming Techniques & safety classes and chain saw safety. Our clubs are

on call with the local emergency departments to help if the need arises.

This year we sponsored an economic survey within the County to help improve our relations with not

only the Tourism & Planning Council, but the other County departments as well.

And one event we are very proud of is the Bob Waite Memorial Award. Bob was instrumental in the

organization of our County Snowmobile Association and also New York State Snowmobile Coordinating

Group‐ the forerunner to NYSSA. This award is given to 12 deserving students within the school

districts of where our trails run‐ to recognize their dedication to their community: be it their family,

school, church or home community, regardless of their academic standings or future education plans.

Washington County Clubs have worked hard to obtain trails throughout every section of the County.

They are visibly marked and groomed. We owe this achievement to the Step Program. This program put

us all on the same page, enjoying safe well marked trails. We had significant snowfall on our 360 miles

of funded trails this year which was beneficial for the County at all levels.

No complaints here, just “What a great day for snowmobiling”.

Wayne County District David VanDerlinde, Director [email protected] (315) 923‐7653 235 Elm St Clyde NY 14433

This year, the clubs in Wayne County have joined together to form the Wayne County Snowmobile

Federation. The Federation has been tasked with coordinating the production of a single map for the

snowmobile trails located in the County. All of the clubs worked together to greatly improve upon what

had previously been done. We are making progress at resource sharing and looking forward to working

together on future activities and endeavors.

Heavy snow in November and December got us off to a great start as it did across most of the State. Our

trails held up well with increased ridership from locals as well as visitors. However, the warm weather at

the end of February and early March ended our season.

Landowner relations and trail access issues continue to plague our area with some of our trail mileage

being cut off from other parts of the system. The western edge of the County has a significantly higher

housing density leading to more property transfers and even more opinions over accessibility. We

continue to work through these issues but they become ever more complicated. The eastern side of our

County is much more rural in nature with significantly fewer property owners to contend with. Parcel

sizes are much larger and transfers occur at a much slower pace. We are trying to reallocate some

resources of our higher density areas to the more rural areas where it is easier to obtain trail access and

normally for a longer period of time.


I would like to take this opportunity to thank the clubs in our County for a job well done this year:

Webster Ridge Runners

Williamson Driftriders

Canaltown Snowmobilers

Lakeshore Snow Devils

Old Erie Riders

Wyoming County District Roger McCabe, Director [email protected] (716) 655‐1593 S 3915 Four Rod Rd East Aurora NY 14052

There are total of five clubs in Wyoming County that maintain the 268 miles of funded trails.

The majority of the trails are maintained by the Folsomdale Trailblazers, Oatka Valley Snowmobile

Association and Tri‐County Drifthoppers. Both the Holland Sno‐Rascals and Marilla Sno‐Mob each have

a few miles in the county where they connect to the Wyoming county system from Erie and Genesee

Counties.

A traditional winter like we all remember from the past characterized the majority of the

snowmobile season in Wyoming County this year. The optimism for a great season started as winter

seemed to set in early in December with a nice snow cover by the end of big game season as the trails

opened. A warm spell during the holiday season interrupted this early season putting winter on hold

but it returned to the area in earnest the first week in January. The icy grip of winter was here to stay

into February with a snow cover building in the fields that made it difficult to find the tops of the fence

posts. The clubs were able to establish a deep base on the trails that survived a couple of warm spells

well into March. Excellent conditions on groomed trails throughout the county were the norm over the

entire season.

The Clubs maintain their own websites which are listed below where you will find contact information,

up to date trail condition reports and announcements of upcoming events.

Folsomdale Trailblazers www.folsomdaletrailblazers.org

Oatka Valley Snowmobile Association www.oatkavalley.org

Tri‐County Drifthoppers www.drifthoppers.net

Holland Sno‐Rascals www.snorascals.com

Marilla Sno‐Mob Snowmobile Club www.marilla‐snomob‐sc.com


Director at Large Gary Batchelder [email protected] (315) 895‐4923 17 Pine St Ilion NY 13357

Director at Large Debbie Perkins [email protected] (518) 747‐4609 PO Box 13 Hudson Falls NY 12839

The duties of the Director at Large are to help where the President or other officers feel the need. This year, I have been heavily involved in the PA&C committee (Public Affairs and Communications) working on all aspects of promoting snowmobiling as a safe, family orientated recreation for all to enjoy. I am also a member of the International Snowmobile Media Council and the International Snowmobile Tourism Council and bring information from these committees back to NYSSA. I was fortunate to of attended the International Snowmobile Congress held last year in Boise, Idaho. Snowmobile enthusiasts from across the US, Canada, Finland, Sweden & Russia, gather to share information, join forces in causes of concern and to have a vision of making snowmobiling as common and accepted as other sports such as boating, skiing and many others. I have worked closely with several committees this year and am currently working on making the Forum be the best it can be. Director at Large & Fundraising Chairman Richard Rozzi [email protected] (914) 969‐2889 587 Palisade Avenue Yonkers NY 10703

This past year (2008/2009) was my third year as a NYSSA Director‐At‐Large. Prior to becoming a

Director‐At‐Large I had been attending NYSSA Annual Forums since 2005 as a voting delegate from my

club, Shawangunk Snowmobile & Rescue Club (2006 NYSSA Club of the Year).

This year has proven to be the most challenging year for me since taking over the job as NYSSA Fund

Raising Chairman. The economic tumult that has affected almost each and every one of us to some

degree was no stranger to the Super Raffle either. Obtaining prizes was a challenge as some previous

sponsors were no longer in business and others were feeling the money crunch and understandably


tightening their belts. The raffle licensing process was also a prolonged affair. Once again NYSSA

received the critical support and generosity of three sled manufacturers:

ARCTIC CAT, BRP‐SKI DOO & POLARIS

The raffle license application process required extensive review and fact finding. Once the application

was filed and approved by the State Racing & Wagering Board the actual licensing was issued at the local

County and Town level. This whole process began in the spring after last year’s Forum and lasted until

late autumn. State requirements dictate that the raffle be drawn within 180 days from when ticket sales

commence. Therefor, future sales will begin exactly 180 days (Approx. 6 months) prior to our Annual

Forum drawing date.

I would like to thank all those that assisted me with the Onondaga County Snowmobile Association

Super Raffle in support of NYS Snowmobile Trails. In particular, Ernie Roosevelt, Don Roark, Roger

McCabe, Jim Meyer, Jim Jennings, Herm Harris (Printer of the tickets/posters), and the many NYSSA

directors and members that “rounded up” prizes. Also, a very special “Thank You” goes to the Onondaga

County Snowmobile Association’s Board of Directors for their cooperation in producing the 2009 Super

Raffle.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED ME. I could not have done this by myself.

In closing, this past year was a very busy one for me, and I immensely enjoyed the opportunity to serve

my fellow snowmobilers as the NYSSA Fund Raising Chairman and as a Director‐At‐Large. I look forward

to my continued involvement with NYSSA and hope to be re‐elected by my fellow directors for another

term (2009/2010).

Thank you, Richard Rozzi

144 Forum Sponsors | NYSSA Annual Meeting & Forum 2009

Forum Sponsors

www.woodystraction.com

www.ffgnj.com

www.nilico.com


www.cooksequipment.com

www.nationwide.com

www.allstate.com

Thank you sponsors!


NYSSA EXPO Exhibitors

Allegheny County Tourism

Clubs and Associations

Amsoil

Easter Seals

Global Impact Industries

Mabie Brothers Equipment & Grooming

NYS Operation Life Saver (both indoor & outside)

NYS Police

NYSSA displays

Oswego County Tourism

Pink Ribbon Riders

Saratoga Grooming Equipment ‐ Ray Quackenbush

University of Buffalo Clean Snowmobile Challenge

USO Support our Troops

Vintage Snowmobiles

Voss Signs

Warren/Washington Counties Tourism (joint booth)

Willy P's

Our Forum Book was printed by: Printed Image

1906 Clinton St, Buffalo, NY 14206‐3206

– Rich Zanella ‐ 716 821‐1880

Formatting by Anne O’Dell