Posted by CHIPPEWA COUNTY Polaris grant keeping CC-SORVA busy this winter
By SCOTT BRAND sbrand@sooeveningnews.com SAULT STE. MARIE—
A $2,000 grant from Polaris Industries is already paying dividends for those who utilize the vast Chippewa County trail network. “With the grant money that Polaris provided, we purchased a professional grade Husqvarna chain saw, brush-cutter and pole saw from Parker’s Hardware,” said Secretary/Treasurer Dave Smithers in his capacity as spokesman for the Chippewa Counyy Sportsman’s Off Road Vehicle Association (CC-
SORVA). “We’ve only used the chain saw and the pole saw, so far.” Smithers explained
CC-SORVA members primarily make trail improvements during the spring, summer and
fall, but the arrival of new equipment and the organization’s close ties with the Sault
Snowmobile Association prompted a mid-December outing to make some quick improvements leading in and out of Ashmun Bay. “The groomer was getting beat up some-thing terrible,” said Smithers of the low-hanging branches that were targeted. “We said here’s the perfect opportunity (to try out the new saws).” Smithers said CC-
SORVA, boasting approximately 90 members, maintains more than 60 miles of trail
designed to handle all off-road vehicles except full-size trucks and Jeeps. While these trails are designed for motorized vehicles, Smithers said the use extends well beyond that with mountain bikers and hikers tapping into the network, improving recreational opportunities throughout the area. CC-Sorva memberships, Smithers added, can be obtained on-line by visiting the organization’s Website at
w w w.chippewacountysorva.com. Individual memberships can be purchased for $15, while family rates are set at $20. Businesses can also join for a fee of $25.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CC-SORVA
Ken McCulligh made quick work of trimming some overhead
branches along the trail system connecting the Ashmun Bay access
to the Chippewa County Sportsman’s Off-Road Vehicle
Association’s (CC-SORVA) trail network. CC-SORVA was able to pur-
chase this saw and other equipment thanks to a donation from
Polaris Industries designed to improve access for those who utilize
the specially designed trails.
