Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Respect private property

Tiff and I have had enough of people riding snowmobiles through our property. It’s beyond an annoyance and needs to stop. Immediately.

We are more than happy to accommodate those snowmobiles that ride in the ditches and adjacent right-of-ways along hwy 59 and along 5th ave. Both of us being from the area and growing up with snowmobiles, we understand the recreational advantages of living out in Lakes Country, and the popularity of riding. What we do have a problem with are those misinformed individuals who think it acceptable – or legal - to ride directly through our property, sometimes within 5 feet of our house. It is absolutely inappropriate, and an invasion of our privacy – and it will stop. When we have 250’ between our house and the road, it is utterly absurd for someone to think it acceptable to ride where people have been riding.


We welcome all kids (of all ages) on non-motorized sleds and snow tubes; the children that have already utilized our early December snow and steep hills on the property have been more than respectful in asking permission to sled. We are more than happy to accommodate them.


So, to recap: Snowmobiles are acceptable in the ditch adjacent to hwy 59 AND along 5th ave SW, between the large conifer row and the street. Snowmobiles are NOT ALLOWED anywhere else on the property. That means no cutting across the property or using our backyard as a lauching pad for their sleds.


Also, for those thoughtful snowmobile riders who would actually ask permission to sled in our yard, Tiff and I apologize for any inconvenience, but permission will not be granted.


Eric & Tiffany Brown

Blyberg House

22 5th Ave SW

Pelican Rapids

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Totally understandable.

Come on riders, don't be jerks and ruin this for the rest of us. Lots of places don't allow riding except on approved trails. Things like this get county boards to take away right-of-way riding.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Mr & Mrs Brown. We also have a problem with snowmobiles on our private property as well. We happen to live extremely close to a major highway and have had snowmobiles right through our front yard! They have also been running over our small trees. I enjoy snowmobiling myself, but respect private property and STAY OFF! They have trails made especially for snowmobile riders. I don't mind people riding in the ditch, but stay on the road right away PLEASE! Just because there is land with fresh fluffy snow, it does not give you the right to drive on it, even if there is previous tracks of trespassers! To those of you who follow the rules...THANK YOU for setting a good example!

Anonymous said...

Does Pelican Rapids have an ordinance about snowmobiles within the city limits? I think a lot of towns do just because of this sort of behavior. Maybe it's time for some rules if people can't use common curtesy.

Anonymous said...

We live in PR and have tracks in our yard as well. One word of warning to the inconsiderate schmucks that ride in the NE part of town, when you decide to "fly" from our driveway off our rockwall, watch out for the tree stumps that are buried in snow. Artic Cat VS tree stump...I'll keep my camera ready!!!

Anonymous said...

Welcome to minnesota folks.. thats the way life is here.. yeah it is an annoyance and is very disrespective to do.. but it is a complete pain to try and get through the city on snowmobile(cars dont stop or move over for you!!) i myself am an avid snomobiler and growing up i was taught how to ride respectable and really do hope others do to.. it's an issue that comes up over and over again.. some people have taken it into there own hands to try to solve this problem. a prime example is people putting square bales and rocks in the ditches so that riders wont cross there driveway!!!! isn't that attempted murder?? a 600 lb machine and a frozen 60lb bale do not mix well togethe.. come on people use common sense when you are riding and both sides will come out happy.. as for the "arctic cat vs tree" people-your quote is the most selfish quote i have ever heard.. its sickening to know that there are people like you or whatever you are that live in this wonderful town.. think before you speak...

Anonymous said...

It sounds as if whoever is riding illegally on Mr. & Mrs. Brown's property better head their warnings. I know for a fact Eric is very passionate in what he does, and if he happens to re-direct that passion into legal actions or otherwise 'stopping' you from riding on his property... it will not be pretty, for you that is.

:: A Caring Citizen ::

Anonymous said...

Well, obviously the other snowmobilers in town are not avid blog readers because we still have about 10 people each day ride directly through our yard - very near the house. I have now put up "Private Property" signs in attempt to heed this problem. Please respect them. We want the little kids who frequent our hill to be safe and not have snowmobilers buzzing passed them. I myself have tried out our hill and it's great fun! We as the owners and the people who like to sled our hill would very much appreciate it if the snowmobilers would stick to the ditch near highway 59. If you know any snowmobilers please pass on this info. The "Private Property" signs have been put up specifically to keep out snowmobilers!

Anonymous said...

Also, to the "anonymous" blogger who is a snowmobiler, I do not believe that the resident stating that they have hidden tree stumps was being selfish in the least. They are simply trying to keep you safe. They did not purposefully cut down their trees and leave stumps for snowmobilers to hit. They just want you to know that they are there so that you won't hit them and get hurt. I tell the sledders in our yard that we have 2 big rocks on the hill - would definatly hurt a small child's bottom if they hit it! Again, if you would respect people's private property you wouldn't need to worry about "hidden" blockades. My parent's dog was hit by a snowmobile a few years ago and it nearly killed her. Tore her shoulder out of joint. She was hard of hearing and napping in her own yard and just happened to get smucked! A completely avoidable accident that cost my parents big bucks in medical bills.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Tiffany for citing the obvious in my comment regarding the stump in my yard. I really dont see it as selfish, more of a public service announcement of sorts. You just need to be aware that things aren't always what they seem...nice fluffy snow bank looks harmless unless you know whats underneath. Like tiffany said, I did not cut the tree down to make a hazard for TRESPASSERS. As far as the "whatever I am" comment I will tell you what I am, I am a homeowner and I am also a parent to young children. Would my comment of Artic Cat vs. Stump hit home a little more if I would have said Artic Cat vs. small child?? You see my children play in the snowbanks, digging tunnels and making forts and if a snowmobile were to drive or fly off of the snowbank....well I will let you play that one out in your own mind. I think it boils down to accountability and respect, both of which are sometimes scarce in todays society & instead replaced with justification and entitlement.