Skip to main content

City permits Sno-Masters trail for riders in town

By
Lori Sorenson

Luverne City Council members approved a 2023 snowmobile trail permit in response to residents’ complaints earlier this year that snowmobilers were traveling on private property.
The council and the Rock County Sno-Masters Snowmobile Club agreed on a route that snowmobilers can use in town to reach their approved trail system outside of city limits.
Club trail master Greg Vande Velde attended the Feb. 28 City Council meeting to answer questions.
He said the route is similar to the routes that have been used in the past, with a few changes as the trail system was developed.
The city first adopted an ordinance for the Sno-Masters map in 1970, and it’s supposed to be permitted regularly for snowmobilers in city limits.
But when there hasn’t been snow, the requests haven’t been made, and VandeVelde said new riders haven’t been up to speed on the trail in town and about trail etiquette.
“I can’t police everyone,” he said. “But I do all the signing of the in-town route myself, so I’ll make sure that it’s marked better so people can stay on the trails better.”
Council member Dan Nath had received complaints from residents in his district about snowmobilers trespassing, and he raised the discussion at a previous meeting.
“I think it really wound up being an education more than anything,” he said Tuesday. “We just haven’t had snow, and we’ve got a lot of younger riders and they just needed to be made aware.”
VandeVelde said he would raise awareness among his members and through social media.
“We need to stay on the trail and respect private property,” he said. “You need to have permission, and if you don’t, you’re trespassing.”
He also said he’d educate new riders through the snowmobile safety courses that 12-year-olds take through the Sno-Masters.
Students register through Community Education and take online courses. The driving course is conducted by the Sno-Masters at their clubhouse in town.
VandeVelde said he appreciated the council’s cooperation.
“If you get complaints, please let me know,” he said. “I’m willing to help any way we can if there’s a problem. We want to be able to keep the trail in town. It might just take a little education.”
Caroline Thorson, mayor pro-tem, said the council also appreciates the Sno-Masters’ willingness to work with the council.
“We live in Minnesota and we want to enjoy our winter recreation,” she said. “And so I appreciate the fact that we’re able to work together to keep that for our residents.”

You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.