Sno-Goers Installing Gates to Curb ATV Damage

ATVs have caused damage to the snowmobile trail around the Airport.  

Photos: Jim Roux 
 
By Zendelle Bouchard 

To protect it from damage caused by ATV use, the Southern Maine Sno-Goers Snowmobile Club will be installing gates at four locations on the trail adjacent to the Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport. The trail skirts the fence that surrounds the solar panels on the south side of the Airport. 

In response to a letter she received from Jim Roux of the Sno-Goers, Airport Manager Allison Navia appeared before the City Council on Feb. 20, 2024, to request permission for the gates. Roux wrote that the club has spent $8,000 improving the trail over the past two years but found, during a recent inspection, that ATV and side-by-side users have significantly damaged the trail by causing ruts and mud, making it practically unusable for snowmobilers. 

One of the proposed gates would be on land owned by the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Wells Water District, which has granted permission for the gate to be installed there. The other three proposed locations are on city property. 

Map of the trail showing the four locations where gates will be installed. The one on the far right is on land owned by the KKW Water District. 

Photo: City of Sanford 

Roux told the Council the gates will be closed during the offseason, but accessible to first responders and Airport staff by the use of Knox boxes. Once there is snow on the ground and the Club begins grooming the trail, the gates will be open until the snow is gone. He said unfortunately there has been very little snowmobiling this year due to the lack of snow cover. 

The Council voted unanimously to allow the gates to be installed.