Contact:  Ellen Quinn

Public Information Officer

1-218-726-2621

quinne@co.st-louis.mn.us

NEWS RELEASE

St. Louis County To Recognize Snowmobile Club Volunteers

     As part of St. Louis County’s Sesquicentennial year, the County is presenting a Volunteer Recognition Award to snowmobile club volunteers on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 9:30 AM at the Morse Town Hall, 911 South Central Avenue East, Ely, as part of its regular St. Louis County Board meeting.  Fourth District Commissioner Mike Forsman will present the St. Louis County Volunteer Recognition Award to the Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club, Vermilion Penguins Snowmobile Club, Babbitt ATV and Snowmobile Club, and the Cook Timberwolves Snowmobile Club.

     The Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club was organized in 1960 and became the first snowmobile club in the United States.  The Cook and Babbitt Snowmobile Club organized in the early 1960’s and the Vermilion Penguins Snowmobile Club began in 1965.  Originally, trails were created to serve the local residents for recreation.  Now they’ve become an economic impact for winter tourism serving the local residents and thousands of tourists.  Snowmobiling has changed the resorts, local lodging facilities, and many restaurants from “summer only” businesses to thriving year-round businesses.

     These volunteers have dedicated countless hours of their time to develop trails and maintain signage.  They clear brush, and stake and groom trails in all kinds of weather and trail conditions.  They also dedicate time to train young snowmobile riders with a Snowmobile Safety Class that teaches the youth the rules of the trail and the proper etiquette of snowmobiling. 

     Please join us in congratulating the members of these snowmobile clubs on receiving the St. Louis County Volunteer Recognition Award. 

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