Photo above is

Greg Hiles, President-Elect; Duane Sutton, Past-President, and Chuck Anderson, President of

SDSA. Photo taken by Chelsea Hiles, DeSmet, SD

A message from our President

Chuck Anderson

As the snow season comes to a close I would like to thank every single member of SDSA for making the difference in our sport of snowmobiling. Your membership commitment is making a real difference. Even in a down economy you have stepped up and sounded your voice to support and promote the sport of snowmobiling. When I go to Washington DC in April for fly-in meeting with state representatives and senators promoting snowmobiling in both funding and land closure issues I can promote and state the fact that SDSA has grown this past year by over 20%. This shows how committed to our sport we are.

When this year began I set some goals for myself as well as SDSA. I am happy to report most have been achieved. We are larger and stronger in the membership area. This year we will end the books in the black. The South Dakota gas tax funding is so far intact. The membership goals were only achieved because you made the commitment to become a new member or renew your current membership. I would like to thank all those people that invited new people to join their club. Take the time to get involved. The new friends and fun times will definitely be worth it.
I would like to thank the officers of the board for their hard work this past year. Without their dedication to SDSA we would not have the organization we have. Their commitment makes the programs we run successful. Governors Ride this year was a record setting event with more guest riders than before as well as more group riders. Convention last November auction raised more money than before. The Safety Program Participants are up. Charitable fundraising is also on the rise with Ride for the Ribbon setting the pace.
The past snow season was a success not just because the snow in the east end of the state and the Black Hills was great, it's success was because you cared, got involved and made a difference. The funding on a national level (RTP) will probably be cut this year making a need for more volunteer effort and work. Together we will work through whatever is passed our way in funding cuts.

Chuck

A message from our President Elect

Greg Hiles
 

It is hard to believe the season is coming to an end and this is the final issue. I struggle every month to get my article written but now it seems as though I have written 10 of these in the last seven months, they come around so often.

It has been a good season throughout the state. Thanks to Mother Nature and plentiful snowfall, most areas were able to ride at home and host their poker runs and other events they had on the calendar. Hopefully the spring melt down doesn't cause too much damage and we will be off to a beautiful spring and summer.

Also thanks to Mother Nature, a good snow year makes for increased membership. SDSA's membership has increased to over 1000 members, the first time in over three years. For those of you that are new SDSA members, Welcome! We do appreciate your support. Having said that, for the new members, I would like to share a few of my thoughts of what I think SDSA is about and what we try to accomplish throughout the year. For the long time members, I would like to share the same thoughts with you to remind you why you do belong and reinforce what I think SDSA does for you.

• South Dakota Snowmobile Association (SDSA) is a non-profit corporation formed to provide education and recreation opportunities for snowmobile enthusiasts and to focus, in a proactive effort, on ensuring access to public lands such as our Forests and Parks, be it in South Dakota or any of the snow belt states.

• Printing seven issues of the Sno- Plainsman to keep members informed on all levels of snowmobiling. Each issue includes news articles from the American Council of Snowmobiling (ASCA), International Snowmobile Manufacture's Association (ISMA), Game, Fish and Parks, SDSA Board members and the local clubs. The Sno-Plainsman is also a venue for businesses to promote their products to include snowmobiles, trailers, accessories, food and lodging, etc.

• Monitoring State and Federal legislative actions that could affect our sport so that we can protect our sport. We send at least one person to Washington, DC annually to meet with our legislators to make sure they understand how concerned we are about protecting snowmobiling for future generations.

• Hosting the annual Governor's Ride in the Black Hills over the President's Day weekend. SDSA, along with GF&P, invites legislators, other elected officials and dignitaries to join us for a ride on some portion of the Black Hills Trail System. This Ride gives our guests a first-hand experience and the enjoyment of riding a snowmobile on one of the best trail systems in the nation. It gives them a chance to experience what most of us have been enjoying for years with the hope that future generations will continue to be able to enjoy.

• Working together with the clubs, GF&P and the Governor's South Dakota Snowmobile Advisory Council for the East River Trail Systems. If there is a trail in your area, it is because a local club and its members have agreed to establish, mark and maintain the trail. The club utilizes the Grant in Aid program through the GF&P to fund the marking, grooming and maintenance of the trail.

• The Annual Meeting of SDSA is held during the annual convention which is planned and hosted by local clubs at various locations throughout the state, determined via a bid process. The convention brings members from across the state together to participate in educational programs, such as avalanche awareness and beacon use. Vendors come to promote and display their products. With the regular business meeting, comes the election of officers and directors.

• The Safety Trailer is available for your club activities such as to use at your parades, poker runs, safety courses, etc. Just call the SDSA office and reserve it for your special occasion. It is booked on a first call basis, so try to call well in advance and we can work out a way to get it to you or meet someone somewhere.
So once again, "Thank You" to all of the new members for joining SDSA and "Thank You" to all of our long standing members for continuing to belong to this great organization.

Until next season…..

Greg Hiles

Snowmobile South Dakota.  Safe Riding. Smart Riding.
© 2006 South Dakota Snowmobile Association