TRAIL TALES
Keeping the Trails Smooth
and the Gates Open
Apple Country Snowmobile Club grooms just
under 100 miles of trail in Washington State
By Pat Rediger
If you’ve never been to the Wenatchee Valley or the trails
in the Stemilt-Colockum area in Washington State, then
you are in for a real treat. The valley contains miles of
craggy mountainsides, cascading rivers and spectacu-lar
sunrises and sunsets. At the center of the activity is the
Apple Country Snowmobile Club.
Founded as a non-profit in 1973, the club has been dedi-cated
to supporting local snowmobile opportunities by de-veloping
trail systems, working with landowners and state
agencies, and advocating for legislative changes.
“In the early years, we had over 100 families and recently
had a resurgence to around 80 families,” said volunteer Jim
Burts. “We started grooming under contract with Washing-ton
State Parks that fall (1973) and have focused on grooming
and maintaining access since then. Our focus has changed
so, while still grooming, we are spending much more time
maintaining access to our riding area.”
The club grooms just less than 100 miles of trail in about
60,000 acres of mostly public land. The terrain starts at 2,500
feet and reaches 6,800 feet with the majority of the riding area
above 4,500 feet.
With such a large area to groom, the club is contracted by
the Washington State Parks’ Winter Recreation Program and
works in collaboration with the landlord: the Washington
Department of Fish and Wildlife. The club’s grooming is pri-marily
funded by snowmobile registrations and a portion of
the fuel tax paid by snowmobilers.
The club employs a full time groomer-operator and pays
an honorarium for the assistance of two volunteers on an as-required
basis.
The BR350 in operation
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