MATANA | Last Saturday, the presidents of the Fédération québécoise des Clubs de Motoneigistes officially opened the Open House weekend in Matane. They also took the opportunity to announce important projects for off-trail enthusiasts, launched in collaboration with the MRCs of La Matanie and La Haute-Gaspésie.
Photo provided by Karl Tremblay
Several members of the caravan were able to discover the beauty of the Gaspé landscape.
After spending six hours in the storm to join Federation Caravan officials in Mont-Joli, I was able to participate in the special hike to the start of the Doors Open on the snowmobile trails. The hike took place on the paths of the Club Les Amoureux de la motoneige de Matane.
Photo provided by Karl Tremblay
Association representatives held a press conference to announce exciting projects for the region. In order, the president of the Fédération des Clubs de Motoneigistes du Québec, Réal Camiré, the general director Stéphane Desroches, behind, Marc Charest, representative of the city of Matane, and Guy Bernatchez, prefect of the MRC de la Haute-Gaspésie.
The day began with a press conference at the Matane Golf Club, which serves as the headquarters of Club Les Amoureux.
“Recently, off-trail snowmobile enthusiasts in the Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine region have started using composite trails to get to places where they can practice their activities, leading to an increasing deterioration of the There is a question about paths due to tracks on the snowmobiles,” explained FCMQ Managing Director Stéphane Desroches.
“At the request of the clubs, we looked for solutions to counteract the problem. That’s why we’ve allocated incentive parking and designated corridors for off-trail enthusiasts. These will run parallel to the compound paths. We are not here to prevent off-piste enthusiasts from practicing their hobby, but to find solutions for a coexistence that makes everyone happy. »
MOOSE
The moose density is high in Gaspésie. It must be understood that moose go through difficult times when there are three or four feet of snow in the forest.
“It is certain that the beauty of the landscapes in unorganized terrain and the significant amounts of snow contribute to increased traffic on the trails. Consequently, the risks of encounters and collisions with these animals are numerous, explains Stéphane Desroches.
“We had to find a solution. After meeting with several stakeholders in the area, snowmobilers, quad bikers, fishermen, hunters and others, we came to a consultation to define the tools to be made available to enthusiasts. »
“Therefore, in addition to the signs pointing to the reception areas for mobile phones, signs to identify mooses are also being put up on the hiking trails. Snowmobile enthusiasts will also receive information cards on how to behave in the presence of moose on a trail. »
FCMQ Regional Administrator Maria Fortin added.
“The middle of the forest belongs to the moose. You have to know how to respect them in their environment to ensure the safety of the moose and our snowmobilers.”
In winter, living conditions in the forest are difficult for moose due to the depth of snow in which they have to develop. The snowmobile trails are very interesting paved roads for them.
HIKE
Photo provided by Karl Tremblay
The entire group of participants, who had traveled from all over Quebec, took a break at the end of the hike, satisfied with their experience in the Gaspésie backcountry.
We drove a hundred kilometers on the Trans-Québec 5 on the territory of Club Les Amoureux de la Motonige. Conditions were not always easy for the thirty members of the caravan. During the storm we all experienced last weekend, it had snowed, but the helpers couldn’t get the upper hand.
Photo provided by Karl Tremblay
Throughout the hike, Sûreté du Québec patrol officers and federal provincial agents accompanied us to ensure the safety of the group.
Also, there was a lack of cold at night to toughen up the trails. Despite everything, the group really appreciated the experience of discovering this exceptional corner of the country, with its unique landscapes and the warm welcome of the people of Gaspé. Indeed, in winter, the Gaspésie becomes a magnificent destination for snowmobilers. Make the best out of it !
In summary
A SPECIAL RELAY
On the banks of the Trans-Québec 5 hiking trail, about twenty kilometers from Matane, discover Le Relais Saint-Adelme in the village of the same name. Owner Maggy Marquis and her entire team know how to welcome snowmobilers. They perfectly represent the warm welcome of the people of Gaspé. Take the time to stop there. You will not regret it.
SAFETY WEEK
We are in the middle of International Snowmobile Safety Week which runs until next Saturday 22nd. The patrols of the Sûreté du Québec, those of the federation and those of the clubs will be active on the trails to make snowmobilers aware of safe driving at all times. They remind you of the rules for responsible driving and answer questions from fans.
