To the Editor:

This letter is to address an anonymous complaint received by the Oregon State Snowmobile Association and others, with regard to the Grant County Snowballers snowmobile clubs participation in a recent cattle rescue in Grant County.

OSSA and its member clubs groom and maintain more than 6,000 miles of multiple use snowmobile trail system in Oregon. This is done under and agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation whereby OSSA purchases the equipment and puts it in the care of the clubs, and provides an operating budget to said clubs from snowmobile gas tax refunds received from ODOT.

It is our obligation to assure that the trails are groomed and that the equipment is maintained. It is our policy to assist the Forest Service, County Sheriff offices, and Search and Rescue teams when requested, as long as it is prudent to do so. Our policy further states that our people will operate our equipment. It is customary that we are reimbursed for associated costs. The labor is provided by volunteer OSSA snowmobilers. OSSA and our member clubs consider this our civic duty and obligation. We call it being a good neighbor.

We have assisted distressed or lost skiers, snowshoers, hikers, people in stuck and lost vehicles, as well as horse and cattle incidents. Our snowcats have helped search for lost mountain climbers. Our actions have resulted in better understanding between groups, appreciation from agencies as well as some longterm friendships.

Anonymous suggests this is a misuse of trail groomer funds, deception by Grant County Snowballers, and unauthorized use of state equipment. Anonymous further suggests that these actions are deplorable. It is my personal opinion that the actions of anyone who makes these kinds of statements and signs the letter Anonymous, are deplorable.

OSSA is extremely proud of our incredible volunteers; we are proud of the work they accomplish; we are proud of the hours they donate to charities and the money that the clubs raise to donate to various charities.

We will continue to work together with others to be a good neighbor.

Peggy Spieger,

Executive director

Oregon State Snowmobile Association

La Pine