NH Mushers Association

Meeting Minutes - July 26, 2010

Pending Board Approval
Members attending included Tom DiMaggio, Bob Heckman, Jim Lalla, Leif Erickson, Sean Toomey, and Gail Guertin.

The most exciting news is that the state of NH has opened up some more trails for motorized training during the non-snow season. The trails we are now able to access include: Rockingham rail trail, Presidential rail trail, Pawtuckaway, Bear Brook, and Pisgah. However, you must be a current member of NHMA to meet the state requirements to train on these trails. Once we receive your membership dues, Bob Heckman will be mailing you a new sticker for your ATV, as well as a copy of a letter from the state granting use of the trails for the purpose of training sled dogs. The sticker must be visible on your machine and the letter must be in your possession at all times while on the trail.

If you haven't paid your membership dues and wish to do so before the Trade Fair in Oct., you can mail them to: Bob Heckman @ 53 Wadleigh Point Rd. Kingston NH 03848. Please include your mailing address, email address, and phone number with your check.

Other news:
Tom DiMaggio is working with the Trails Bureau on developing updated Trail Etiquette. When completed and accepted by the state, these guidelines will apply to all trail users, including dog sled teams.

Sean Toomey has suggested getting the NHMA on Facebook as a way of encouraging discussion between members. We are listed as New Hampshire Musher's Association. We will be utilizing this tool as well as our website to communicate information to you.

Once again, we will have a booth at the upcoming Northern New England Sled Dog Trade Fair, being held the weekend of October 2nd and 3rd. We will have a board member at the booth at all times. Please stop by to ask questions, voice concerns, or just to say hello. We are looking for volunteers to help at the booth. If you are able to donate any time, please contact Tom. We are planning on selling license plate frames, with a mushing theme, at the fair. Jim Lalla is in charge of the design and we are anxious to see what he comes up with.

Our next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 9 @ 7 pm, at Sendaishi Kennels. As soon as we have a definite date, we will post it for all to see.

PAST MEETING MINUTES:

Annual Meeting May 2010