Leading us down the wrong trail?

Letter to the editor - This is a copy of a letter from the Newfoundland and Labrador Outdoor Rights Association to Minister O'Brien.

Minister O'Brien:

I would like to draw your attention back to a meeting held in Gander on March 24, 2008. This meeting was held with yourself, and the Traditional Rights Protection Committee from the Glenwood/Appleton area. I will point out that the Newfoundland and Labrador Outdoor Rights Association work very closely with this group. The Citizens Outdoor Rights Alliance (CORA) is also involved.

I point this out, so that you, and fellow ministers, are fully aware that this is not only a problem in Central Newfoundland. (Your government is well aware of the last two organizations mentioned.)

Ms. Penny Brake, Executive Director, of the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation made a statement to CBC that the NLSF had a right to enforcement on secondary groomed trails (woods roads-traditional routes) since 1998, by Legislation. This is and was "a totally false statement". There is no 'Law' for enforcement at this time even, for anywhere, other than the T'Railway and trails cut for this purpose. Cutting a trail is one thing, 'claiming' a trail is a whole different issue! Of course government and the NLSF know this. That's why we were denied our day in court two years ago.

I also know that 'yearly registration' is being discussed as a means to fund groomed trails. This is not the answer either. So don't put yourself in a possession where the few rule the 'majority' again. Do some homework and check on other provinces like Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. Yearly registration plus a seasonal permit is still required, and now you need insurance as well. Heaven forbid that we would become like Upper Canada.

The NLSF are quick to point out the thousands of snowmobilers that are club members. I agree that they may be called members, but not 'supporters'. Snowmobilers are law-abiding citizens and were mislead and lied to in order to sell permits.

Many snowmobile club executive members do not know or understand the law, and then there are those that choose to ignore it! How many snowmobilers are going to demand their money back? They do have a good case.

Mr. Minister, until the time comes when you are ready to sit down with people and organizations that have the best interest of 'everyone' in mind, this well never work. Get out the back rooms with industry lobbyist, self-serving groups and individuals. Pay some attention to those who put you where you are today.

Bernard Rumbolt

Newfoundland and Labrador

Outdoor Rights Association

Stephenville, NL