For Information Contact:

Mike Billard
Research Analyst
798-5800

Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace, Jr., today announced that a new trailhead parking area for snowmobile related vehicles has been created along Route 28 in the Town of Forestport to enhance access to Oneida County’s miles of snowmobile trails.

Eannace said the lot was developed on County property along Route 28, just north of Horton Road, and will serve as the trailhead lot for Trackside Blazers Snowmobile Club Corridor Trail 7.

"Our County Department of Public Works was glad to help others who were devoting their energies to this project," Eannace said, noting the efforts of County Forester Dave Durr, Forestport Town Supervisor William Hasenauer and Trackside Blazers' President Bill Smith.

Eannace noted that this was one piece of County Government’s actions in support of winter recreation in Oneida County. The county successfully worked cooperatively with local snowmobile clubs and New York State officials to help clubs receive the insurance they needed to operate this season.

"With over 8,700 registered snowmobiles in Oneida County, snowmobiling is a major winter recreational activity in Oneida County," Eannace said. "Thousands of visitors to Oneida County use our 550 miles of trails. The Oneida County Visitors and Convention Bureau has estimated that the county realizes a $20 million annual impact from winter recreation. For many of the small business people of our county such as snowmobile dealers, motels, restaurants and other retail businesses, winter recreation season is a critical revenue stream they need to survive. We want to do everything we can to make our guests’ winter recreation experience as positive as it can be."

"The Trackside Blazers Snowmobile Club and its members would like to thank Oneida County for their willingness to work with our club to improve the trail system," said Trackside Blazers President Bill Smith.

County Legislator Les Porter (R-6th) added, "snowmobiling is a vital part of the North Country economy. The development of a trailhead lot is one additional piece of the puzzle in strengthening the industry's vitality in Oneida County."