NEWS RELEASE
February 6, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Anne Grabow
SDSA Secretary/Editor
(605) 272-5900
www.snowmobilesd.com
[email protected]
The International Snowmobile Manufacturer’s Association (ISMA) recently awarded the South Dakota Snowmobile Association (SDSA) with a $3,000 grant for SDSA’s 2020 Governor’s Ride.
SDSA is host to the annual Governor’s Snowmobile Ride headquartered from Hardy Camp, near Lead, SD which is held on the Saturday of the President’s Day Weekend in February. This year’s ride, the 40th, will be held on February 15th in honor of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and her family, as well as Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden and all South Dakota Senators and Representatives. Invitations have also been extended to Senator John Thune and Mike Rounds, US Forest Service, Black Hills Badlands and Lakes Association, and several key people from South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (GF&P).
The Governor’s Ride is an opportunity for SDSA members to showcase the Black Hills Snowmobile Trail system, one of the finest in the country featuring 350 miles of marked and groomed trails. This annual event continues to grow in legislative attendees and continues to increase the opportunities SDSA has to foster relationships that can be used to secure and maintain the necessary support from the legislators for land access throughout the Black Hills Snowmobile Trail system as well as the 1100+ miles of trail that make up the East River Trail System. Also highlighted throughout the day is the $130 million economic impact that snowmobiling brings to South Dakota on an annual basis.
The Governor’s Ride is a full day event beginning with a brunch breakfast served at Hardy Camp. A short program allows for dignitary introductions, keynote speakers, including the Governor, extending SDSA’s appreciation to partners and sponsors and an explanation of the rules of the day and safety on the trail. The Black Hills Trails District Supervisor, along with assistance from the SDSA’s Governor’s Ride Committee, is responsible for planning the ride route which will be dependant also upon snow conditions. The route itself is approximately 3 hours with a stopping point mid-way through the route at a scenic campground or meadow area. This spot provides a time for discussing the trail conditions, the fun and excitement of snowmobiling and to answer any questions on snowmobiling the guests may have. The event concludes with an evening social.
The ISMA Grant funds will help defray the cost of rental sleds and gas as well as the evening social event.
SDSA is a non-profit corporation comprised of 25 snowmobile clubs across the entire state. Membership includes approximately 1100 families and individual memberships along with over 100 associate (business) memberships in South Dakota. While the 350-mile Black Hills Trails system is marked, groomed and maintained by the SD Game Fish and Parks, there are 15 clubs that mark, groom and maintain over 1100 miles East River and 11 different trail systems as part of the Grant-in-Aid Program through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. SDSA is dedicated to the preservation of snowmobiling as a safe and organized, Family Sport. The purpose of this association is to promote, protect, and represent snowmobiling in a positive, safe manner, bringing together people who have a common interest and enjoy exciting and constructive snowmobiling activities. Greg Nordstrom of Sioux Falls currently serves as President, with Jon LaFramboise of Rapid City as Past President. Each area of the state is served by a District Director: Mike Boock, Rapid City; Kelly Weaver, Aberdeen; Duane Stahl, DeSmet; Tim Lund, Parker; Duane Duerr, Brandon; Jason Shepherd, Watertown; Trace Damm Lake Norden. Kirsten VanDenHemel of Sioux Falls represents the YETIS (Youth Empowerment through Involvement in Snowmobiling), SDSA’s recently organized youth group. Mary Anne Grabow, Gary is Editor and Secretary and Diane Hiles, DeSmet is the Association’s Treasurer.
The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) is an organization representing the four snowmobile manufacturers. ISMA coordinates committees within the industry to handle concerns such as snowmobile safety, the promotion of the life-style activity of snowmobiling, keeping accurate statistics, reporting the growth of the industry and the positive economic impact the life-style activity has throughout the world. There are four major manufacturers that build snowmobiles: Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo/Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP), Polaris Industries and Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA.
The ISMA Grant Program provides grants to state/provincial/territorial snowmobile organizations who are in good standing with either the American Council Snowmobile Association (ACSA) or the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations (CCSO). SDSA is a member of ACSA. ISMA grants may be awarded in the areas of: Support of Government Rides, Safe Rider support efforts, Increasing or maintaining land access, Precedent- setting lawsuits regarding land access issues.
