Snowmobile tracks were discovered on hole No. 9 at Pasquia Golf Course, causing the club to send a reminder to snowmobiles not to travel on the course. (Facebook/Pasquia Golf Course)

By Aaron Schulze

Snowmobile Trespassing

Northeast communities frustrated with snowmobilers not following routes

Jan 20, 2021 | 5:00 PM

The pro shop manager for Pasquia Golf Course in Carrot River saw an unwelcomed surprise on the No. nine green.

Karen Gray discovered snowmobile tracks on the golf course on Jan. 12. She’s disappointed because Saskatchewan’s Outback has numerous snowmobile trails, which should make the golf course unnecessary to travel on.

“People might not think that is causes damage, but it does,” Gray told northeastNOW. “Winters are hard on our golf courses to begin with and when you get traffic and machines out there… it can kill our greens. In the fall, we always top dress them – put peat moss on them, sand them – try to protect them and keep them insulated from the harsh temperatures. When a snowmobile gets on there, it packs that snow down. The grass can’t breathe when it starts to grow, and it will yellow.”

Gray said snowmobilers travelling through areas of Pasquia Regional Park where they shouldn’t be is an ongoing issue because they keep the park open during the winter months for cross-country skiing and tobogganing. The park could be closed during the winter if snowmobilers continue to travel on the golf course, as the longer it takes to get the greens in top shape, the longer golf season will be delayed.

“Snowmobiles are permitted to be on the tobogganing hill, but the course is off limits,” she said. “There is some signage there. It looked like a nice, untouched piece of land that had nice powder and the wind hadn’t gotten it. It might have been too tempting.

Wasted fish

Fish abandoned at Deschambault Lake

10h ago

Leadership Needed to Stop Federal Overreach

11h ago

Break-in suspect sought

Suspect sought after Nipawin break-in

Apr 22, 2024

“We’re fortunate that we have a big playground out here in the northeast. There’s plenty of space for everybody to have their winter activities. If everybody gives each other their space and knows their boundaries, there’s lots to do out there.”

Gray said the best she and the staff can do for now is to put up more signage and get the word out on social media.

The Town of Nipawin also posted a reminder to snowmobilers to not travel through parks or cemeteries.

Leah Switzer, executive director of the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SaskSnow), said it’s disappointing to hear examples of snowmobilers riding off trail.

“We really push for snowmobilers to respect everyone’s property and to know where they’re going,” Switzer said. “We put out a trail system of over 10,600 km that’s available online. Check to see where you’re allowed to go and use respect. I do know there are a lot of new people to the sport as well, so they may not be 100 per cent aware of where they are and where they should not be going.”

SaskSnow said they haven’t heard many trespassing concerns with golf courses, parks, or cemeteries, and most come from private landowners. They encourage municipalities to keep posting signage in person and reminders on social media.

Switzer reminded snowmobilers that they can be charged under the Trespass Act if they continue to travel on grounds where they don’t have permission.

–

aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow