Do not ride on unharvested fields this winter

A rainy, wet autumn has led to a late harvest this year which has left many crops still standing. Snowmobilers are being reminded to respect farmland areas that have not yet been harvested.

“It is important that our outdoor enthusiasts respect farmland that has not been harvested,” said Sheila Kitz, chief administrative officer for the County of St. Paul in northern Alberta.  “It’s so important that we get that message out to snowmobilers, because having snowmobilers ride on unharvested cropland would add to the devastation that the farming community is already feeling.”

The soggy weather has put farmers behind in their harvesting and has forced many farmers to leave crops standing in the field. So snowmobilers are reminded that riding across such fields will result in severe damage to these unharvested crops by packing them down and destroying their value.

Snowmobilers are encouraged to avoid unharvested fields this winter and stick to designated trails and riding areas. Many farmers will be installing signs prohibiting riding across any unharvested areas.

As always snowmobilers are reminded to ride responsibly and with respect for landowners. Remember, to be especially mindful of avoiding fields where unharvested crops remain standing throughout Northern Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.