Signfan

So happy to see this.

Snow tires are only a requirement for vehicles registered in Quebec correct? Asking for a friend.

$2000 seems cheap for a week's trip. Its probably more. I'd reference the zecs fee. This isn't the fcmq or the tourism folks enforcing it. Completely agree with sending it though.

My wife is crying. She thought that was the absolute best hut when we stumbled upon it on our last trip to Saguenay. It definitely did have an oil heater in it. Too bad.

Screw them guys. Absolute crooks.

How was the trails in and out of town? Still pretty rough? Or are they getting better?

I suggest e-mailing the fcmq, the ministry of tourism and saguenay tourism. If we all do this it will gain some traction. We won't get anywhere with Nancy as is evident in her e-mails. This is crown land. It is sad for km 31 and La Chapelle. They will be the ones that suffer.

It is odd that he left the stop without a written citation with court details listed on it if he wanted to dispute the fine. Even a parking ticket you get given the citation on the spot with the fine listed and details on how to plead or dispute it. Also not questioning that he was stopped. Just finding the details odd.

I'd be careful with that. Wildlife officers and park wardens often have more enforcement power than the police. Get them really pissed off and instead of writing you a fine they confiscate your vehicle. No idea if these guys are wildlife officers, or just someone the Zec hired, but I'd want to do some more homework before making that decision to just run.

Yes it's still crown land. Will be interesting to see how it plays out.

The below link will take you to a map that shows the locations of the ZEC's. There is 63 in total of them in the province. If you have snowmobiled in Quebec it's almost a certainty that you have ridden through at least one. On a days ride in Saguenay you could conceivably ride through 3 in a couple hours time (Zec Lac-de-la-Boiteuse, Zec Onatchiway, Zec Martin-Valin). https://reseauzec.com/carte-interactive/

Response below from the Zec to my e-mail. I alluded that FCMQ permits were justified as they provide value. The FCMQ has an uphill battle to fight here based on her response. Everyone flood these guys with e-mails. info@zecmartinvalin.com $12 isn't the point here. Look at how many Zecs you cross in a days ride. Then add it up over the course of the winter and you start to see the issue. Hello, First of all the fees that you pay to the FCMQ, do not touch the zec, neither near nor far. We are two separate organizations. The FCMQ trails pass over our ZEC, so we are entitled to demand a right of circulation! the principle of user pays! It is very easy to do it online, if you have any difficulty, call us and we will be happy to help you. We are in the first year of operation of our ZEC in winter, and we have a lot of plans for the years to come 😊 We are sorry that this sum ($11.70) could make you change your mind about your destination… Have a great day ! Nancy

I agree. I sent an e-mail asking that question and copied the fcmq. Will be interesting to see if a response comes back. https://zecmartinvalin.com//

Anyone have a map of the zec? Just curious where the boundaries are. If this continues could get pretty expensive on those bug saddlebag trips when you travel through 2 or 3 of these zec areas in a day. Bad bad idea.

Just to stir the pot. Would run a poll, but not sure how to do that. What is everyone's feelings on them? Yea or nea? I am one that provides them. Not because I really ride differently when I'm signaled. But because I want to ensure whoever I'm meeting knows my wife is following and I don't want her or my kids getting ran into. yes I have one hand off the bar, but Im in control or you wont see a signal.Just to stir the pot. Would run a poll, but not sure how to do that. What is everyone's feelings on them? Yea or nea? I am one that provides them. Not because I really ride differently when I'm signaled. But because I want to ensure whoever I'm meeting knows my wife is following and I don't want her or my kids getting ran into. yes I have one hand off the bar, but Im in control or you wont see a signal.

Nothing wring with off trail riding in the right place. Farm country isn't it. Key is doing your homework which so few do which is the issue. I prefer the groomed trail myself though.

What's your guys secret for not getting lost off trail? Just a good GPS? Real curious how you know the ice thicknesses on the various lakes. Do you have a local traveling in your group?

What was the fine worth out of curiosity?

That is probably just paying for the two police officers. Nice to see a solution.

I'm in. We need all riders to wake up and commit to this.

You should write the FCMQ. They have been helpful with issues like this in the past. Ontario custom license numbers was an issue in Mont Laurier years ago with the local law enforcement that they addressed.

Alain said a few years ago this was a slippery slope they started down with the trail north of Saint Donat. I'll boycott the area if this is how it's gonna play out. Lots of other places to go ride. I can see the off trail crowd being a target. On trail group has already paid their dues imo.

Is this the private trail system east of Relais Onatchiway? Or the actual FCMQ trails?

Lol Thank you for the offer. I ended up leaving from the truck stop in arnprior last winter. It was a decent days ride. The bridges make crossing borders easy.

So you have to be able to cook for yourself? Lol.