By By KAREN PERSA / Special to the Niles Daily Star
NILES – For the first time in several years, the Michiana area has been covered with good snowfalls, which makes Four Flags Snowmobile Club members very happy.
The group recently held a Trail Stop, providing snowmobilers an opportunity to take a break from their ride, warm up with some food and hot chocolate and to meet club members.
A Trail Stop is a great way to spread the word about all that the club does and to get new members to help keep the trails going.
The Club is responsible for maintaining approximately 50 miles of trails in the area, which begin in Niles near Anderson Road and continue up through Sister Lakes and M-140. Club members work hard throughout the year in keeping the process going.
Besides putting in the trails in November and taking them out in March, they groom them regularly to maintain trail quality. During the summer months, preparation for the next season starts all over again. Contacting landowners, signing contracts, and all the other necessary paperwork. Maintenance of the trail consists of brush removal, putting up signs, building and repairing bridges, and grooming.
The Club has been in existence for more than 35 years. Members come and go along the way, but as with any organization, a core group of volunteers have kept the trails alive. Doing so is beneficial not only for local area snowmobilers, but also attracts riders from out of state. Local motels and restaurants benefit as well, with an increase in business during the snow season.
Presently, the trail is state funded, which means the financial backing is obtained from the State of Michigan; however maintenance and filing of paperwork is the responsibility of the club members. The Club meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month during the winter, at the Niles Chamber of Commerce Building, 321 Main Street, lower level, at 7 p.m. New members are welcome and needed in order to keep the Club and trails going. For additional information contact Reid Heibel, Club President, at (269) 684-5375 or visit the club website at www.fourflagssnowmobileclub.org