Allegheny National Forest Trail Information Updated 12/13/2010

Regarding the ANF Trail Closures, I want to be clear that the issues are working around private land and, as stated, due to drilling in that area. The ANF personnel have been very helpful and cooperative.     Lori Elliott Executive Director Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association 908 N. 2nd St. Harrisburg, PA  17102 (717) 441-6045 Fax: (717) 236-2046 www.pasnow.org

		News Release		US Dept of Agriculture Forest Service   Allegheny National Forest 4 Farm Colony Drive Warren, PA  16365
	Contact:  Kathy Mohney Telephone:  814-728-6298		December 6, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

SNOWMOBILE CONNECTOR TO BE CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

 

 

Warren, Pa. – The Allegheny National Forest announced today the closure of a connector trail to the Allegheny Snowmobile Loop (ASL) for the upcoming season.

 

Connector #17 (Forest Road 186), located in McKean County near Lantz Corners, will remain closed for the duration of this season due to a Marcellus Shale drilling operation in that area. The closure affects about five miles of trail from the intersection of Rt. 6 near the Kane Drive-In to the intersection of ASL Connector #26.  Connector #26 will remain open, allowing access from Lantz Corners to Forest Road 150 (ASL Connector #18).    

 

Roads in that area will be experiencing heavy traffic at all times of the day and night, necessitating the closure of the road to snowmobiles for safety reasons.   

 

The ASL is scheduled to open for the winter season beginning Friday, December 17^th.  

 

 

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		News Release		US Dept of Agriculture Forest Service   Allegheny National Forest 4 Farm Colony Drive Warren, PA  16365
	Contact:  Kathy Mohney Telephone:  814-728-6298		November 23, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST SNOWMOBILE TRAILS TO OPEN

 

Northern Section of Trail to Remain Closed

 

Warren, Pa. – The Allegheny Snowmobile Loop (ASL) on the Allegheny National Forest is scheduled to open for the winter season beginning on Friday, December 17, 2010, weather permitting.  The ASL and its connectors comprise over 366 miles of snowmobile trails across the four counties of the Forest. 

 

The section of trail between Westline and the Willows Restaurant, however, will not be accessible when the winter season begins next month. The section of trail from the Willows Restaurant to the New York State border will remain open, although no grooming will occur on this section of trail. The length of trail impacted is approximately 23 miles.

 

The Forest has been unable to negotiate a right-of-way agreement with private landowners in that area, therefore necessitating the closure of the trail from Westline north to the Willows Restaurant. Snowmobile trail cannot be designated across private property without landowner permission.

 

District Ranger Scardina stated: “I know this will create difficulties and disappointment for snowmobile enthusiasts and some local businesses. Unfortunately, a legal right-of-way on a small portion of the snowmobile trail crossing private property was not acquired a long time ago when the trail was identified for public use. I wish we would have been successful in negotiating a solution or that we had another re-route option for the trail in that area. My staff and I have made every attempt at identifying a solution and have worked with several snowmobile organizations throughout the process. We apologize for this outcome, but will continue to work diligently on identifying solutions for the future.”

 

The Forest will continue its efforts within the snowmobile community to find viable solutions, and will update the public should changes occur. Due to the length of time that this section has been a part of ASL, law enforcement efforts and Forest Service employees will focus on educating the public concerning the closure of this section of the loop.   

 

Specific questions regarding the snowmobile trail should be directed to Operations Staff Officer Jim Seyler in the Supervisor’s Office at (814) 728-6239 or Deputy District Ranger Tony Martoglio at the Bradford Ranger District at (814) 363-6082.

 

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