Larry Rieben is the president of the Oriska Sno Drifters, and he enjoys snowmobiling.
His club is one of many that helps maintain their local trails.
“It gives the people in the Whitestown area the ability to get on a trail rather than have to trailer their snowmobilers, snowmobiles up north. And they can get on right here in Oriskany and they can head out to Westmoreland. Once they get to Westmoreland, they run into Vernon, and once you’re there the state is pretty much yours,” Rieben said.
Public safety officials have reminders for snowmobilers. One reminder is to register your sled. It’s a legal requirement, and part of the money goes to snowmobile clubs like the Oriska Sno Drifters so that they can keep maintaining trails.
It’s also important to keep in mind that many trails go through private properties.
“Don’t damage their property if you’re going to stop and have a cookout in the wintertime. And if you stop to have something to eat or drink, don’t leave your garbage and debris on the side of the trails,” said Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol.
Maciol adds that it’s illegal in the state to have a modified exhaust that amplifies the noise.
“And then, of course, speeding, driving along or operating the sled while intoxicated. Those are things that aren’t tolerated,” he said.
“Stay on the trails that we mark for you, stay safe and enjoy the snowmobile season so we get to have it for another year,” said Rieben.
Oneida County alone has approximately 650 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, according to Sheriff Maciol.
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