It was terrific to see the article and corresponding picture of the snowshoe hikers on the Mount Apatite trail during the Winter Fest. The Andy Valley Sno Gypsies Snowmobile Club cares for the main trail at Mount Apatite. Seeing people out enjoying it and its adjacent trails provides for much satisfaction.

What is unfortunate is the exclusion of snowmobiles in the description of the multi-purpose trail usage. Perhaps the general public doesn’t realize the work our club members accomplish to make winter recreation at Mount Apatite satisfying for all.

Our charter discusses the desire to promote a better understanding about snowmobiling, and I see an opportunity here.

Each fall and spring, club members improve the main trail by removing debris and fallen trees and adding bark mulch to maintain soil. In the winter, it is the snowmobile club that grooms the section of trail often used by winter enthusiasts. Our clubhouse is located at an entrance to the park.

If not for the volunteers of our snowmobile club, the road into the park would not be cleared of snow, the parking area would not be plowed, there would be no facility to use and the trails would be far more difficult to use. As a nonprofit, the club operates on the money from membership registrations, grooming allowances and fundraisers.

We welcome all winter enthusiasts to join the club; people don’t have to own a snowmobile.

For more information, visit www.andyvalleysnogypsies.com.

René Ouellette, Auburn

President, Andy Valley Sno Gypsies