An open letter to all snowmobilers.

    It is a great winter for snowmobiling. Great conditions. Lots of snow and access to trails and open areas. As a landowner on the shore of Wizard lake, we find it interesting and pleasant to see the snowmobiles go by and the people enjoying the outdoors, the lake and surrounding areas. 
     What I find very offensive is the few individuals that feel it is their right to leave their garbage and beer cans on the lake and in the surrounding privately owned land. Yes, sometimes a belt breaks or there may be some other mechanical issue but if you can replace that belt while you are on the ice, why do you feel that it is ok to just leave the broken belt there on the ice?? Yes, the snow will cover it so “out of site and out of mind” but what about the mess you have just left behind for nature to clean up?? The coyotes, rabbits, deer & moose aren’t going to pick it up and dispose of it and the fish sure don’t want or need it in their domain when the ice melts. If you have carried that stuff with you to that location, then carry the garbage back to where you came from.
     We are all fully aware that it is common to have a “pop” or 2 while out on your machines but you are definitely over the line when you stop in a farmers field, have a “soda” and leave the bottles or cans there for the farmer to drive over or have to clean up. Would it be OK if we drove up to your place, had a beverage and threw our empties on your lawn??
     Go ahead and enjoy the sport of snowmobiling and have fun with your family and friends but please stop leaving your garbage lying around for nature and the landowners to clean up. If your parents taught you that it is OK to leave your garbage all over other peoples property, then they have raised you differently than most parents. Maybe next time, bring your parents along so they can clean up after you.
 
Stan Rose