If you enjoy snowmobiling here in Freeborn County, you ought to know who to thank for the privilege.

Sunday, November 28, 1999

If you enjoy snowmobiling here in Freeborn County, you ought to know who to thank for the privilege. Nordean Krueger, a local farmer, is responsible for grooming the 250-plus miles of trails and has been doing it for years.

Krueger uses a large track-driven groomer and a trailer, called a drag, to do the work. He’s been doing it since 1993. He uses the tractor as a farm implement the rest of the year, but in the winter months he can be seen on the trail. Krueger said that in 23 days last year he logged more than 250 hours on the trails.

Krueger has been recognized for his efforts. Last year he and his family won an award for Snowmobile trail grooming family of the year in Southern Minnesota. He said he was honored by the award, but would do the work regardless.

Most of the time and labor, as well as the funding for the trail system is donated by a local club, The Freeborn County Snowmobile Trail Association. The club consists of approximately 150 families and members work every year to prepare the trails in the fall and clean up the trails in the Spring, Krueger said.

&uot;There is a common misconception out there that the trails, trail signs and maintenance are paid for by tax dollars, either to the state or the county,&uot; he said. &uot;In reality, much of the funding and work is done by members of the club. It takes zero tax dollars.&uot;

Funding is provided by license fees and private donations, he said. The Department of Natural Resources and the county reimburse the club for the work they do, from funds paid in through license fees. The DNR orders signs for the trail based on the club members’ estimate of what is needed and commissions them to be made by a private company. The signs cost nothing for taxpayers.

Much of the trail system is supported by private landowners. The club approaches the landowners asking for permission for the trail to cross their land. The trail, once established, is covered by an easement that releases the landowner from any liability for any accidents happening on the trail or within 100 feet of the trail.

&uot;Without the land owners who provide a place for the trails, we wouldn’t have such a nice trail system,&uot; Krueger said.

Krueger compares the trail to a miniature Yellowstone National Park. There are many scenic places along the trail, including woods filled with wildlife. Snowmobilers often report seeing deer, wild turkey, coyotes and other animals on the trail.

The trail system is open to snowmobiles from any state, but not for other motorized vehicles. ATV’s, for example, cut up the trail, which causes a hazard for snowmobilers, Krueger said. Special snowmobile treads are allowed on the trail as long as the riders have a permit. Permits for studded treads can be purchased where snowmobile permits are sold.

Riders on the trail should remember to ride safely and watch their speed. Krueger said that both the DNR and the county sheriff’s office will be out on sleds of their own, patrolling the trails. They will be looking for snowmobile registration, speeders, drunk drivers, and snowmobile driver safety certification. Rider safety courses are required for snowmobilers riding on all of the trails and courses are scheduled Dec. 4 and 11 at the American Legion Hall.

Krueger said more people need to be aware of the work that has to be done to keep the trail in operation and says that the work is often an enjoyable event for families.

&uot;About 80 percent of the people who use the trail don’t realized what goes into preparing and maintaining it,&uot; he said. &uot;We need more people to get involved.&uot;

The snowmobile association often has special events where families get together for supper after working on the trails. The club also has an annual event where snowmobilers collect special stamps and can win prizes. A special fund-raiser is also being planned to raise money for a cure for Multiple Sclerosis, Krueger said.