Volunteers and Landowners Make It All Happen, Thank Them by Staying on The Trail
(Barrie, ON – January 23, 2025): Over the past year, volunteers have worked tirelessly with thousands of landowners to ensure trails were ready for everything Mother Nature was going to throw at them. With winter in full swing across Ontario, the time is now to recognize these efforts by doing one simple thing: stay on the trail.
“The commitment and dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of landowners cannot be overstated. Their tireless efforts this off-season is nothing short of heroic”, said Ryan Eickmeier, OFSC CEO. “Now it’s time to do our part and show our respect to our landowners and volunteers by staying on the marked trail.”
With close to 50% of the OFSC trail network currently available for recreational riding, the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is celebrating these unique and enduring relationships, and the incredible trail network of tens of thousands of kilometres of OFSC Prescribed Trails we’ve built together, about 60% of which are located on private property.
“Trespassing on private property and entering prohibited areas must become as unacceptable socially as it is legally,” stated Ryan Eickmeier, OFSC CEO. “Land use permission is a privilege, not a right, and it must be respected by every snowmobiler.”
The OFSC wants to remind everyone how valuable trails are to snowmobilers, landowners, and all Ontarians, while recognizing that illegal off-trail riding is an ongoing challenge that requires our united action. Trespassing on private land is not only harmful to longstanding landowner relationships, it also causes serious land access issues for member snowmobile clubs in many areas, while threatening the winter livelihoods of many rural and northern communities. We are calling all Ontario snowmobilers to take personal and collective action against trespass by:
- Always staying on the designated OFSC trail and never riding a closed trail.
- Respecting landowner rights and property.
- Refusing to ride with friends who trespass.
- Reminding new participants why it’s important to stay on the trail.
- Spreading the message across personal social media outlets.
Always refer to the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide for trail availability before heading out.
The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) is a volunteer led, not for profit association that provides the voice for organized snowmobiling in Ontario. OFSC recreational snowmobile trails managed by community based, member clubs and their volunteers generate up to $6 billion in economic activity annually.
For questions or to schedule a media interview with the OFSC, please contact: [email protected]
