Trail Conditions – Page 2 – West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Trails are now closed – thank you!

On March 9, 2016 / Feature, Landowners, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, Trail Conditions, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Trails are now closed. Thanks to our landowners and permit buyers

Snowmobilers are being warned to stay off of area OFSC Prescribed snowmobile trails effective immediately as the snowmobile season has come to an end. These trails are now reported as “Unavailable” (Red) on the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide at www.ofsc.on.ca, because area clubs have stopped regular grooming operations, and signs and stakes are being removed and gates and fences closed. Snowmobilers are also advised that rapidly deteriorating snow and ice conditions due to spring thaw make snowmobiling extremely hazardous anywhere. Roads and road crossings are now generally bare and the ice on all waterways is melted, melting or unstable, and now the only safe and sensible course of action for snowmobilers is to put away their sleds until next winter. The risks of trying that ‘one last ride’ are simply too high now that spring thaw has commenced.

The public is also reminded that an OFSC snowmobile trail on private land reported as “Unavailable” means that access to that trail is also prohibited for any other users or persons for all other seasons, without the specific prior permission of the landowner. On behalf of our clubs and volunteers, we want to thank all of the landowners who have generously allowed the use of their property for an OFSC snowmobile trail this winter. We also appreciate the support of the many snowmobilers who bought trail permits to help pay their share of the cost of trail operations for the past season.

A very special thanks is also extended to all of the club volunteers who donated their services to assist local clubs in providing a successful season of snowmobiling. Although the winter is over, snowmobiling has become a year round business, so many volunteers will start immediately to plan and prepare for next winter.

We are actively looking to fill a number of roles within the West Carleton club, as well as looking for individuals, groups or families to ‘adopt’ sections of trail and help with signing and maintenance of them. If you are interested in helping out, please let us know.

A Message from Eli El-Chantiry, Ward 5 Ottawa

On January 6, 2016 / Feature, Media Release, OFSC, Trail Conditions, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Since the December 29 snowstorm, my office has heard some concerns from residents regarding the snowmobile trails in West Carleton.

The snowmobile trails are not open for the season yet. The West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association (WCSTA) is responsible for the trails and are currently working on ensuring conditions are appropriate for safe traveling before they are officially opened for the season.

Even though there is snow on the ground the WCSTA notes that the trails are still unsafe and riding on them constitutes trespassing on landowners’ private property. Snowmobilers out beforehand are violating the law and the police can be contacted. Snowmobilers must also obtain a permit to use the trails. Please visit www.wcstai.com for permit information.

The WCSTA notes that the ground needs to be cold enough to freeze the boggy and swampy areas in the region and hard enough to support to the weight of grooming machines. There are rocks and stumps that aren’t covered and there’s no base to protect the machine from those obstacles. The WCSTA hope the trails will to be safe by the middle of January and suggest checking trail status by using their online map (http://ofsc.mapbase.ca/viewer/).

I would also like to stress to everyone that the trails are meant for everyone’s use. Pedestrians and snowmobilers alike need to be respectful of each other. Snowmobilers should slow down when passing pedestrians. Pedestrians should move off to the side of the trail to allow snowmobiles to pass by safely. As well, dogs must be leashed at all times, no matter if they are on a snowmobile trail, in the forest or in a park (unless otherwise noted). Please review the City’s Animal Care & Control By-Law NO. 2003-77. (ottawa.ca/…/respecting-animal-care-and-control-law-no-2003-…).

We have beautiful trails and breathtaking forests that are usable by everyone. Please be respectful of each other, so we can all enjoy the beauty that is West Carleton!

Thank you to the WCSTA for their ongoing hard work, and to the generous landowners who allow their property to be used during snowmobiling season.

OFSC Warns Snowmobilers To Keep Sleds Parked

On January 3, 2016 / Feature, Media Release, OFSC, Trail Conditions, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

(Barrie, ON – December 17, 2015) – With early snow forecast this weekend in some parts of Ontario, winter’s on the way and so is the 2016 snowmobiling season. But it’s not time to start sledding yet and for safety’s sake, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) cautions snowmobilers to keep their sleds parked and stay off OFSC trails for the time being.

Even going for a short snowmobile ride can be very dangerous at this time of year with the existing poor conditions. The ground, waterways and swamps are not frozen yet, nor is there enough snow base to protect yourself or your sled from terrain irregularities or other obstacles. Grooming operations have not started yet, so no OFSC trails are available to ride and all access to trails on private property remain closed. Snowmobilers are also reminded to stay off public roads and avoid trespassing on farmers’ fields.

For updates on trail status across Ontario, the OFSC recommends that snowmobilers visit the Interactive Trail Guide atwww.ofsc.on.ca

OPP/OFSC Release – OPP OFSC Joint News Release Be Prepared 21DEC15

West Carleton Trails Not Open Yet

On January 1, 2016 / Feature, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, Trail Conditions, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Snowmobile trails still dangerous

Jan. 1 – We would like to remind riders that West Carleton Trails are not yet open, which means they are unsafe, and riding on them constitutes trespassing on our landowners’ private property.

We are in agreement with The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs’ statement, urging snowmobilers to hold off on their first ride of the season until trail conditions improve.

“We’ve got a whack of snow, but the ground is still warm. There’s no base there,” said Craig Nicholson, a spokesperson for the organization. “If people were to try to go out, they’re taking some dangers in their hands because there’s a whole lot of irregularities on the bare ground.”

The ground needs to be cold enough to freeze the boggy and swampy areas in the region and hard enough to support to weight of five- to seven-tonne grooming machines. And there are rocks and stumps that aren’t covered and there’s no base to protect the machine from those obstacles.

Please trust that we, the West Carleton Club are as eager as anyone to get out and start grooming the trails and are also in the process of assessing signage that has blown down by high winds on Christmas eve. The Club will keep everyone posted. For now we all need to will the temperatures to help get all of those water crossings and swamps you don’t normally even know are there during the season to freeze up.

Time to prepare

Nicholson encourages snowmobilers to take this time to check on their machines to make sure they are running safely and to ensure they have a first aid kit, a survival kit and a tow cable.

“As much as everybody is eager now to get out, and I’m as eager as anyone else, you’ve got to be really careful where you go,” he said.

According to Nicholson, it might seem like this is a particularly late start to the season, but the past two winters have been much colder than usual.

He anticipates the trails will to be safe by the middle of January and suggests riders check on the status of trails in their area by using his organization’s online map before heading out.

Thanks, and we hope to see you on the trails soon!

Our trails are now closed – Thank you!

On March 19, 2015 / Feature, Landowners, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, Trail Conditions, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Trails are now closed. Thanks to our landowners and permit buyers

Grooming Operations Status

On January 10, 2015 / Feature, Trail Conditions, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

It has been a long and frustrating wait for all of us, with the Christmas thaw and long time to rebuild our snow base. Things are looking better, but we still need some more snow. Trail packing has started up again in some areas with the Argo but more snow is needed to fill the ditches and cover the fields. The fields are wind blown and bare, with the plowed fields being the in the worst conditions. All of the grooming equipment is prepped and ready to roll as soon as the snow comes, so we need everyone doing a snow dance so that we can get them out and get the trails opened!

Trail opening – please read

On December 18, 2014 / Feature, Trail Conditions, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Trails are not open yet! Please note the last paragraph

Attached is the current state of our trails, the green are the trails that have been picketed and are signed and ready for inspection.

The major push are the trails is the area south of the 417, Thursday we hope to complete the W 10 and W 9, and Friday the W 12 either side of Pakenham (from W 10 to W 9 intersection)

The big effort required this Saturday is the new re-route for the W 12 from Blakeney towards the A Trail (coming into Almonte), a small group attacked it last weekend, but there is still aprox 1 km left of a trail that has not we used or brushed in aprox 10 years. Please show up this Saturday at 9 AM, park on the side of the road around 314 Ridge Road off the top of Panmure, and then follow the trail makers in to the work party. The work requires pruners, chain saws, work gloves, we will provide a brush saw and pole saw. Due to the distance involved best to bring your sled or ATV

We need to get all trails signed and inspected before we can start the grooming and using the trails (and of course we still need some more snow). The few of us that are doing the bulk of the work are exhausted from a 3 month effort, and we know it’s the busy Christmas season, but these are the simple facts of what is required to open trails. Please lend a hand.

OFSC Trails Now Closed for the Season

On April 3, 2014 / Feature, Landowners, Media Release, News and Events, OFSC, Trail Conditions, Volunteers, West Carleton Snowmobile Trails Association

Trails are now closed. Thanks to our landowners and permit buyers

It has been a phenomenal season, and now the only safe and sensible course of action for snowmobilers is to put away their sleds until next winter. The risks of trying that ‘one last ride’ are simply too high now that spring thaw has commenced.

The public is also reminded that a OFSC snowmobile trail on private land reported as “Unavailable” means that access to that trail is also prohibited for any other users or persons for all other seasons, without the specific prior permission of the landowner. On behalf of our clubs and volunteers, we want to thank all of the landowners who have generously allowed the use of their property for an OFSC snowmobile trail this winter. We also appreciate the support of the many snowmobilers who bought trail permits to help pay their share of the cost of trail operations for the past season.

New volunteer opportunities

On January 16, 2013 / Feature, Trail Conditions, Volunteers

We have recently completed a number of significant trail improvement projects, in no small part thanks to a handful of volunteers who faithfully show up to get things done. As the ground frost starts to move in we have trail markers and signage to put up, and some brushing and clearing of trails to do. We could really use your help – so that we can all be out riding when the snow is on the ground! Please contact us to be notified of upcoming events and activities.

Last season was particularly challenging with several wet and heavy snowfalls that brought down a lot of branches and trees on our trails. Huge thanks to the volunteers who put in hundreds of hours of work to get trails reopened each time, making for a great season. Helmets off to everyone who’s pitched in and given a hand!

We are always looking for new volunteers for the wide array of things that need to be done to provide great trails and club activities. Whether you have a few hours, or a day here and there, we really want to hear from you and know what you are able to contribute to make our club and our trails the best in Ontario.

If clearing trails or trail marking and signage isn’t your thing, there are lots of other opportunities to get involved and meet new people. Organizers, food preparation and staff for events such as our poker run are always welcome, or people to help manage other club affairs are needed too. Just let us know your skills or interests.

Volunteering for the club is a great way to meet like-minded people, make friends – and is also a fun way for high school students to get their volunteer hours.

For more information, please contact us. We look forward to meeting you!

Work party on Saturday!

On January 9, 2013 / News and Events, Trail Conditions, Volunteers

We are going into help our Pakenham Crew on the A trail between Almonte and Pakenham this Saturday. We are meeting at 9 AM outside Almonte on the end of Ramsey Concession 11A (as you come into Almonte on the March road, turn right at the traffic circle). A small few have been working very hard for 2 weeks now, trying to open up the trails and we really need your help! Help us get our groomer operators off chainsaw duty so they have more time to spend in the seat of the groomers!

Please contact Ted Kelly Phone (613) 623-3665 or by email at volunteer@wcstai.com for more information.

Archive for the Trail Conditions Category

Trails are now closed. Thanks to our landowners and permit buyers

Trails are now closed. Thanks to our landowners and permit buyers

Trails are now closed. Thanks to our landowners and permit buyers