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The mix of winter weather we’ve experienced may have gotten some a little too enthusiastic about getting out the sled and powering across the countryside on a new blanket of snow. Amid reports of unauthorized snowmobiling, misconceptions, and vigorous discussion on social media, the Sheboygan County Snowmobile Trail Manager was prompted to speak out.
Larry Rietbrock of the Howards Grove Lakeshore Driftbusters Snowmobile Club said that he wanted to illuminate the situation for what it is. He said that the reason that trails in southern Wisconsin, including Sheboygan County, are closed is that it takes more than a snowfall before trails can open. He said that the Sheboygan County Planning Department first needs to get signed documents from landowners and double-check those against a map that ensures all needed permission is granted. Only after that process can they open at the clubs’ discretion.
Then, trails need to be marked, brushed and cleared. Crops need to be off the fields as well.
Another concern is the ongoing deer hunting seasons still in progress, and many landowners have stipulated no use until afterward.
He also said that there’s no such rule designating December 15th as an opening date. It comes down to the first Monday after the antlerless hunt, which simply coincides with the 15th this year.
Rietbrock is hoping that the community can be patient as everything comes together – depending upon the weather. Ah, the weather.
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