‘Discover Wisconsin’ highlights a winter pastime

Snowmobiling is one of Wisconsin’s top forms of winter recreation, and this winter, many will seize an opportunity to take sleds out. A group that makes snowmobiling in Wisconsin possible is the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs (AWSC), their member clubs, and the volunteerism of their members. All this is the focus of the “Discover Wisconsin” episode “Join the Club – Snowmobiling in Wisconsin” that will air its second broadcast on Nov. 24, and 25, on the “Discover Wisconsin” broadcast network, reaching 250,000 viewers across the upper Great Lakes region, including Minnesota, Iowa, Northern Illinois and Upper Michigan. Some people from Burnett County will be among those featured in the show, according to Sue Smedegard of Danbury, secretary of the AWSC.

“Most people who don’t snowmobile (and even some who do) simply assume that the DNR takes care of the trails,” says AWSC president, Doug Johnson. “The truth of the matter is it’s the local clubs that really manage the trails and make the activity accessible to everyone with a sled.” Add to that the fact that Wisconsin has more trails than any other state or province in North America and you can see the important role this group plays.

Snowmobiling does fall under the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), but funding comes from snowmobile registration and gas taxes for winter recreational vehicles. More importantly, the nearly 600 clubs plan, create and maintain almost 95 percent of the trails throughout the state and make sure that the trails in their areas are safe and clear of debris. “Snowmobiling is a very family-friendly winter sport,” adds Johnson. “Members of the clubs understand that, and are also very conscious of the fact that 75 percent of our state’s trails cross private property. Our club members appreciate that and encourage respect for the areas adjacent to the trails.”

“Discover Wisconsin” is the nation’s longest running tourism program, and will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary throughout 2012. For airtimes on your local “Discover Wisconsin” affiliate station, or to view a clip of this week’s show, go to www.discoverwisconsin.com.

Tags: outdoors, travel, transportation, wisconsin, weather, entertainment