The Lakeland Tree Dodgers Snowmobile Club maintains the trails around Saskatchewan's Lakeland district—and they do an amazing job of it. Current club president Lori Fehr took the time to answer our questions about this organization, its members and the excellent work it does to improve local sledding terrain for all riders.
What do you consider to be your main trails?
We maintain and groom 400 kilometres of trails that connect Prince Albert north to Waskesiu/Elk Ridge, and from Candle Lake in the east to Sturgeon River in the west. Those would be our main trails; plus we have several circle routes to take, starting at Emma/Christopher Lake and back. If you look at the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association (SSA) map on the website, we are in Zone 2, Club 212. We are on the Trans Canada trail; our part of that is 212A.
How do you get to the staging areas of your main trails and is there room for trucks and trailers?
We don’t have specified staging areas, but most businesses allow trucks and trailers in their lots. A favourite spot is at Northside, just 20 minutes north of Prince Albert and located right on the groomed Trail 212R. Just ask where to park and you are away.
What kind of groomer does your club have?
Our club has two groomers, both are Bombardier 400s.
When and where do you have your club meetings?
We have our membership meetings on the third Thursday of each month. We normally hold them upstairs at the Christopher Lake Sportsplex, but that is currently under renovations, so this year the October, November and December meetings will be held at Tweedsmuir Hall.
How does a person join the club?
You can join the club at any of the meetings, find our booth at the annual Snow Show in Prairieland Park, Saskatoon, November 4 to 6 or go online to sasksnow.com, find us in Zone 2, Club 212 and purchase your membership right there. Our membership is only $25 per year for the whole family.
What year was the club started?
Our club began in the early 1990s and was incorporated in 1995 when we purchased our first groomer.
On average, how many members are in your club?
On average we have approximately 60 family memberships and 50 corporate sponsors, so over 100 people.
Who is the current club president and will he or she still be president in the 2016-2017 season?
Our current club president until March 31, 2017, is Lori Fehr—that’s me!
Do you have a local snowmobiling celebrity?
We have so many great volunteers that it is impossible to pick one that stands out. The club executive is made up of 15 people who—with the help of the general membership and our corporate sponsors—make the following happen each year for the entire 400 kilometres of trail:
- Clearing, maintaining and signing
- Grooming
- Offering safety courses
- Fundraising, including corporate sponsorships
- Bookkeeping and record keeping for the trail fund
- Building, maintaining and stocking eight warm-up shelters
- Hosting our 4th Annual Vintage Races; this is part of the Saskatchewan Vintage Race Association
On February 24 to 26, 2017, our club will be hosting the SSA Provincial Snowmobile Festival, which is a huge undertaking but will have a great return in exposure to our trails and be a boost to our local economy. Our theme for the event is SkQuatchin in Lakeland. Currently we have a Spot the SkQuatch contest underway for a chance to win some great prizes.
Keep track of this club by liking them on Facebook, checking the website or contacting the Lakeland Tree Dodgers via email.
