With all the snow we have gotten so far this season there has been an increase in the amount of snowmobiles out and about. I don’t mind snowmobiles and know a lot of people that make riding them a family affair but where they are ridden is my concern.
Every year we have a snowmobile track ‘appear’ in our back yard and on a few occasions we have had to replace down spouts on our shed because a snowmobile has ran over it.
I did some searching and found the ordinance for the city of Cokato on snowmobiles. It clearly states in section 702.03 general operations: ‘Except as otherwise specifically permitted and authorized, it is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile within the limits of the Village of Cokato. Item number two says ‘on private property of another without lawful authority or consent of owner or occupant’. We have never given anyone consent to ride their snowmobiles any where on our property so then why are they doing it?
We take pride in what we have and have worked for and it’s a bit disappointing to come across a snowmobile track, broken down spout, and the thought of someone being in our yard without our knowing it.
Like I said, I don’t mind snowmobiles and think that it’s a fun winter sport for those that like it but I think that the owners and or operators of these machines should be educated on where they are allowed and are not allowed to be ridden.
Let me know your comments and or experiences with any issues you’ve had with snowmobiles.
I, too, am tired of snowmobilers who feel it is their “right” to trespass and ride in our yard!! We planted young trees in our yard and have marked them accordingly, but these characters have little or no respect for other people’s property, and have damaged our yard. What are the ordinances or laws for snowmobiling any way? I thought they had to remain on the marked trails!!
Since I blogged my concern about snowmobiles in my back yard, I have not seen or heard anyone cutting across to get to the other side.
Thank you! I appreaciate you taking a different route but…… make sure your using the correct route in and out of town.
The City of Cokato has an ordinance regarding snowmobile operations within city limits. A summary of that ordinance is posted on the city’s web site. http://www.cokato.mn.us/snowmorules.html
Anyone who owns a snowmobile in this area should be familiar with these quite simple rules.