FYI for the snowmobilers...

[Jarrod32]

Aberdeen Snowmobile Trails Closed during 2009-2010 Season

PIERRE, S.D. – It has been eight months since snowmobile enthusiasts took to the trails in the Aberdeen area, and sadly for them it’ll be another year before they see designated trails.

Extremely wet conditions and major flooding in the right-of-ways have caused the Aberdeen Snowmobile Club, in cooperation with Game, Fish and Parks Department, to keep the 93-mile Dakota Midland snowmobile trail system closed.

“Closing the trail system means no trail signing or grooming will take place this winter,” said Ryan Raynor, Trail Program Specialist for the state Division of Parks and Recreation. “Safety for snowmobilers and the groomer operators is our main concern.”

Hazardous trail conditions will be common this winter when the water freezing process is slowed by tall, grass rushes in two to six feet of water.

“We have many spots where water continues to rise, yet no precipitation has fallen for weeks now. The ground is that saturated,” said Jim Weaver, Trail Boss and Groomer Operator for the Aberdeen Driftbusters. “We want the local communities and trail-side businesses to know the club is still very active and has a healthy membership. We understand this closure could have some effect on those businesses, but safety is our main priority.”

“Someone who is not aware that these types of conditions exist could easily break through a few inches of ice, especially when that ice is covered by snow,” added Raynor.

Those with questions or comments regarding the closure may contact GFP at 605-773-3391.

-GFP-