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Members of the Elk River Parks and Recreation Commission: <br /> The River City Snow Riders snowmobile club was very disappointed to read <br /> the March 8th article in the Star News on the snowmobiling problems in Elk <br /> River this winter. It is very unfortunate that a small group of riders could <br /> potentially force a ban on snowmobiling in Elk River. <br /> The most disturbing part of the article was the way our club was portrayed <br /> as the bad guy in this situation by not educating every snowmobiler who <br /> rides in the city limits. The blacktop trail damage is more of a law <br /> enforcement issue than an education issue. You will always have a handful <br /> of what we call "renegades" who are fully aware of the law but choose not to <br /> obey. This is probably true of most forms of recreation. Our club does not <br /> promote reckless behavior. <br /> We need to focus on the up and coming participants of our sport and I think <br /> we've done a pretty good job of educating youth. During last season our <br /> club put 140+ kids through snowmobile safety training and will be doing the <br /> same next year. We also had an information booth at the Sherburne County <br /> • Fair, were participants in two local parades, held a very successful swap <br /> meet last fall, we meet monthly (open to the public), new members are <br /> always welcome and will soon have our own web site on line. We are sure <br /> there are other thing we can do in the future and are prepared to discuss <br /> those items tonight and listen to any suggestions Park and Rec. might have <br /> to offer. <br /> The City, the River City Snow Riders and all snowmobilers need to work <br /> together to overcome these sticky issues, a ban is not the answer. The thru <br /> city trail our club has been working on for the past two years will be a step to <br /> resolving some of these problems by directing people through town rather <br /> than leaving it up them to decide. <br /> In the future we would like to be kept informed of any problem or potential <br /> problem areas so we can be proactive rather than reactive. It doesn't do <br /> any good to read about it after the fact in the newspaper. We can be <br /> contacted by phone, e-mail or by attending a monthly meeting. Working <br /> together will be the key to success. <br /> • River City Snow Riders <br />