The Straits Area Snowmobile Club in St. Ignace has enlisted the help of several new volunteer trail groomers, but still needs more. The club is seeking more help to combat a shortage of volunteers at the beginning of the season.

Club member Neil Hill Jr. said about half of the 14 shifts needed to groom the club's trails once per day will be covered once the new volunteers are fully trained.

The trails are "in good shape, and that's because we've had virtually no traffic. Now, it's more of going out and flattening the trails after a snowfall," Mr. Hill said.

He attributed the low volume of traffic to a combination of the holidays, abundant snow downstate, and bad economy.

The club is responsible for grooming 101 miles of trails in Mackinac County in the areas of Brevort Township, St. Ignace, and Trout Lake.

Someone can receive basic training on how to use one of the groomers in about one evening, and no experience is necessary. Mr. Hill said.

For more information or to volunteer, call club president Jim Dekeyser at 643-7616.