OTSEGO COUNTY — Despite an announcement by the Michigan Snowmobile Association (MSA) last week that the fate of Michigan snowmobile trails opening had been in jeopardy, there was never a threat to Otsego County area trails, local snowmobiling enthusiasts report.

MSA reported trail grooming clubs, called grant supporters, reached an agreement with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to keep Michigan trails open this snowmobile season.

But according to Paul Beachnau, executive director of Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau, the Gaylord Area Snowmobile Trails Council, comprised of a 10-member board of volunteers, pays Razor Construction to groom the 101 miles of area trails.

According to an MSA news release, a disagreement regarding ownership rights of grooming equipment last month threatened to cripple the industry that generates more than $1 billion annually for the state’s economy. Those dollars come from related goods and services like snowmobiles, equipment, food, lodging and gasoline. The state’s snowmobile industry supports more than 7,000 direct jobs, according to the MSA.

“The grant sponsors had very serious equipment ownership concerns that were addressed under the handbook agreement,” said Bill Manson, MSA executive director. “We were at a critical stage where it could have gone either way, so I am relieved that the industry and the businesses that rely upon it will thrive this winter.”

The handbook agreement means 67 grant sponsors will sign this year’s “Grant Sponsor Handbook,” establishing a binding financial agreement to administer the trail grooming snowmobile program with the DNR.

However, according to Beachnau, because Otsego County received equipment last year, they didn’t need any equipment. Therefore, the language change in the agreement doesn’t affect this area.

The grooming program is funded entirely by snowmobile trail users. Fees are administered by the DNR so grooming clubs must get reimbursed for equipment purchases.

According to Beachnau, everyone in Michigan pays $25 for a trail permit plus a statewide gas tax to pay for trail grooming and equipment.

However, that money still isn’t enough to fully cover the cost.

“We have to get donations to cover the 25 percent not reimbursed from the state,” Beachnau said.

Weather permitting, Michigan snowmobile trails are slated to open Dec. 1 and remain open through March 31.

Contact Jil Schult at 748-4518 or jil@gaylord heraldtimes.com.

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