Unsung Heroes Are People That Do Things Just Because They Love to Do Them, and Because

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MINNESOTA UNITED SNOWMOBILERS ASSOCIATION (MnUSA)

Presents the:

UNSUNG HERO AWARD

Unsung Heroes are people that do things just because they love to do them, and because they have a strong passion and belief in what they are doing; recognition is far from their minds. Sheldon Beckstrand, from the Rice Creek Trail Association, was presented with this year’s Unsung Hero Award.

When Sheldon started snowmobiling in the early 70s, he blazed the way for all the snowmobile riders -- you see, they didn’t have trails back then, but they sure did a lot of riding. Some of the very places they rode are now known as the Rice Creek Trail Association. In 1983, the association was formed by three members who personally signed for a loan to purchase trail-grooming equipment -- our unsung hero was one of those members.

Still today, Sheldon is constantly looking for ways to make the trail safer and more enjoyable. Every Saturday (since 1983), he meets with other Rice Creek Trail Association members at the local McDonalds to coordinate trail work and groomer repairs. In addition, Sheldon spends many hours working with landowners, local authorities and the DNR to ensure the trail system remains safe and active. According to his many friends in the Rice Creek Trail Association, if it weren’t for Sheldon Beckstrand, there would be no Rice Creek Trail Association. His efforts are greatly appreciated.

Rice Creek Trail Association is a member of MnUSA, which works closely with the legislature, state, local and national organizations, such as the Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Office of Tourism to promote favorable snowmobile legislation, regulations and funding. The association and its volunteers have worked extensively to help develop Minnesota’s snowmobile trail system – one of the most comprehensive systems in the country. Visit www.mnsnowmobiler.org for additional information.

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