October 16, 2013

Landowner Appreciation Awards

Augusta, Maine ? 2013 Landowner appreciation awards were handed out last night at a banquet and ceremony at the Augusta Civic Center. The awards, hosted for the 12th time by the Maine Snowmobile Association, honor landowners who make a significant contribution not only to snowmobile clubs, but also to the entire State of Maine.

?Over 95 percent of Maine's snowmobile trails are on private property, so snowmobilers have a great responsibility to the landowners,? said Governor Paul R. LePage. ?These landowners are our neighbors, employers and friends. We appreciate their willingness to let snowmobilers and others enjoy access to their property.?

?Maine would not be the state it is without private landowners stepping up and allowing us to use their property,? said Chandler Woodcock, Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. ?We owe them both our gratitude and respect.?

Winners of 2013 Landowner Appreciation Awards include: Private Landowners ? 100 Acres or Less Thomas and Sharon Webster ? Nominated by the Bog Hooters Snowmobile Club Allen Hill ? nominated by the Palmyra Snowmobile Club

Private Landowner ? 100 Acres or More: Lyle ?Chi? Guptil ? Nominated by Maine Game Warden Sgt. Dave Craven Elmer and Beatrice Littlefield ? Nominated by Smokey?s Angels Snowmobile Club

Corporate Landowners: Prentiss and Carlisle ? Nominated by Bowlin Matagamon Snowmobile Club Treeline, Incorporated ? Nominated by Lee Mogul Pounders Snowmobile Club

Land User Group Awards: Penobscot Valley 4WD Nominated by David Evans, Private Landowner Presque Isle Fish and Game Club ? Nominated by North Maine Woods, Inc.

?We look for any way we can to honor landowners who are so generous and give so much to the State of Maine,? said Bob Meyers, President of the Maine Snowmobile Association.