Eric Nelms of Hovland was presented with an award for 30 years as a volunteer snowmobile safety instructor for the DNR. Nelms has also been a firearms safety instructor for over 10 years and an ATV safety instructor for almost 10. The award is a lovely commemorative print of cardinals in snow.
Eric Nelms of Hovland was recently presented with an award for 30 years as a volunteer snowmobile safety instructor for the DNR. The award is a lovely commemorative print of cardinals in snow.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Conservation Officer Mary Manning made the presentation, noting that safety training classes are possible only because of the dedication of volunteers like Nelms.
Asked why he became a snowmobile safety instructor, Nelms said he was recruited by fellow instructor Bob Sopoci. “Bob asked and I thought, ‘Why not?’ I want to give back to the sport I enjoy so much.”
Nelms said it is important for kids to learn how to act and how to survive on the trails.
Asked what his most memorable experience as instructor was, Nelms recalled a day of field testing in minus 34-degree weather. That was when field testing was completed behind Cook County High School. Nelms said they had students wait inside the gym and only come out when it was their turn to take on the test course.
That was the coldest he could ever remember, Nelms said. The problem more often now is the lack of snow.
Nelms, who works for DNR Fisheries, will retire this year. But he said he won’t retire from teaching safety classes. “I enjoy working to make sure people are safe enjoying our sport.”
He added, “It’s been nice working with all our conservation officers and the other instructors over the years.”
Nelms has also been a firearms safety instructor for over 10 years and an ATV safety instructor for almost 10.
CO Mary Manning encouraged anyone interested in becoming a volunteer instructor to contact a DNR conservation officer or a volunteer instructor.
Snowmobile Safety is coming soon
Students who are between the ages of 11-15 are required by law to pass this training course before operating snowmobiles on public roads and trails. The certificate becomes valid at age 12.
The course covers parts of the machine, maintenance and repair, pre-start checks, emergencies, safety and rules of the road.
Snowmobile Safety will be offered in two sessions, a written exam on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Cook County Middle School room 110 and field testing at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at the old airport (near Devil Track Landing).
Students need to sign up with Cook County Community Education to pick up a self-study CD. For more information, call Community Ed at (218) 387-2000.
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