Snowmobile Fun!
In a remarkable effort, the Portage Lakers Snowmobile Club came together to rebuild a crucial bridge on ITS 85, a major snowmobile route in northern Maine. Snowmobiling is a big deal in Aroostook County, attracting thousands of tourists each year to explore over 2,300 miles of trails.
The Dana’s Crossing bridge was showing signs of wear, and it was vital to fix it before the late-blooming snow season. Susan Rogers, the club’s grant specialist, secured a $5,000 Ski-Doo Snow PASS grant to fund the project. Professionals from the area generously donated equipment, and club members dedicated a week of hard work to complete the bridge.
This effort was part of the snowmobile manufacturer’s Snow PASS program, which aims to support clubs across the U.S. and Canada. In its third year, the program has provided nearly $900,000 in Canadian dollars to various organizations.
ITS 85 and ITS 90 are the two trails passing through Portage Lake, and maintaining them is essential. Weather and time take a toll on these structures, and the bridge toward Eagle Lake urgently needed repair. By tackling the project themselves, the club saved over $14,000 that would have been the cost if done by a contractor.
Despite sparse snowfall and challenging weather, Portage Lakers Snowmobile Club and other clubs in the area are determined to ensure the trails are usable for the upcoming winter season. They know that the snow always comes to Aroostook County, and they are excited to hit the trails.
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for Aroostook and parts of Penobscot County, with an estimated 7 to 13 inches of snowfall expected.
The Portage Lakers Snowmobile Club, celebrating its 45th year, is planning an open house in February to mark the occasion. They are a diverse group, with members coming from various states to support and maintain the County’s extensive network of snowmobile trails.
It’s a collaborative effort among clubs in the region, as they understand that helping each other is the key to success in maintaining the trails.
Keywords: Snowmobile Club, Bridge Rebuilt, Winter Season, Snowfall, Grant, Snow PASS Program, Aroostook County, Trail Maintenance, Collaborative Effort, Winter Storm Warning.
This article was reimagined from: Aroostook club rebuilds bridge on major snowmobile trail (bangordailynews.com)
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