Warm weather wreaks havoc on Aroostook trails
Snow good for economy, while it lasts
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
WELCOME SIGHT — Snow may be melting but it lasted long enough for area businesses to benefit from tourism dollars that made their way to Aroostook County, thanks to snowmobilers in search of a good trail or two. Here, the parking area at the Hampton Inn on Main Street in Presque Isle had to be expanded, with part of the lawn plowed to accommodate several snowmobile trailers.
What’s been said about Maine weather — if you don’t like it, wait a minute and it will change — has definitely been true over the past seven days, as a snowstorm dumped nearly a foot of snow early last week, only to be replaced starting Friday with record high temps that are causing snow to disappear quickly.
Snowmobilers who’ve enjoyed what is being considered a decent season are quickly becoming limited in sledding options, as many area trails have been posted closed due to an abundance of slush and standing water.
Lt. Tom Ward of the Maine Warden Service said conditions were good this year.
“Trail conditions have been good and hard most of the winter. Slush was reported on various waterways, so riders should watch for slush pockets,” said Ward.
Limited snow downstate has also benefited the local economy, Ward said.
“It’s been a pretty good winter for area businesses, with snowmobilers traveling north to find snow,” he said.
Kevin Freeman, owner of The Sled Shop in Presque Isle, was one of the many participants who turned out to join Andy Santerre for the annual Sno-Run to benefit AMHC Sexual Assault Services. He said a good season would be having snow through mid-March, which translates into tourism dollars for The County.
“The snow was a welcome sight through the middle of the month — means good things for the economy,” said Freeman.
Ward said the MWS officers have run some “corner details” to curb reckless operation.
“Typically you see riders get in trouble more at night, when they outrun their headlights — don’t see a problem until it’s too late,” said Ward. “At night it’s more difficult to see open water and other problems.”
Open water can now be found on sections of the Aroostook River and Presque Isle Stream, with authorities advising snowmobilers to avoid waterways now, since temperatures nearing 70 degrees this week will lead to more breaks in the ice.
Officials with the Washburn Trail Runners Snowmobile Club posted on their Facebook account over the weekend that ITS 83 near McCain Food’s upper field has been roped off and riders must detour around it. A second washout water problem was reported along ITS 105, next to McCain’s old factory leading to the bridge. Riders are advised to use extreme caution, due to water and slush “being everywhere on the trails.”
Ward asks outdoor enthusiasts to be aware of ever-changing late season conditions.
“Trail conditions will vary greatly this time of year, with cold nights and warm days that cause rapidly changing conditions. Slow down and be aware of what is ahead of you on the trail,” said Ward.
While the heat is making the snow disappear quickly, it will still be more than a month before ATV trails open. Members of the Washburn Beavers ATV Club have been busy signing trails, reminding users that trails are closed until May 15 for ATV use, to allow trails to dry and prevent damage during “mud season.” Club President Roger Hewitt noted anyone seen riding the trails will be reported to authorities.
The Washburn club’s first potluck dinner and meeting of the season is slated for Wednesday, April 4, at the Trail Runners clubhouse at 6 p.m. The Star City ATV Club will be hosting a safety course at the VFW in Presque Isle on April 14. Contact Club President Dick Howlett for more information at 764-0805.
