AUGUSTA – The Maine Snowmobile Association has presented its President’s Award to state Sen. Paul Davis of Sangerville for the key role he played in passing legislation regarding snowmobile club liability for trail grooming and maintenance activities.

Davis, the minority leader of the Maine Senate, sponsored “An Act to Clarify the Landowner Liability Law with Regard to Construction and Maintenance of Snowmobile and Other Trails for Recreational Use.”

The bill, which passed unanimously in both houses of the Legislature, protects volunteer snowmobile clubs from liability while engaged in their trail grooming activities. Davis had introduced the legislation in response to sudden and dramatic increases and cancellations in liability insurance policies for many Maine snowmobile clubs.

The award was presented by MSA President Marion Pinkham during the snowmobile association’s 37th annual meeting April 17 at the Bangor Elks Lodge.

Pinkham also recognized Davis for his relationship with the MSA and his dedication to helping the thousands of volunteers who manage Maine’s snowmobile trails. The economic value of the snowmobile industry in Maine is estimated to be $350 million annually.

Also honored at the annual event were:

Club of the Year – Palmyra Snowmobile Club, Palmyra

Groomer of the Year – Earl Weymouth of Four Winds Snowmobile Club, Guilford

Dealer of the Year – Oquossoc Marine, Oquossoc

Family of the Year – The Herrin Family, Canaan

The Maine Snowmobile Association represents 32,000 individuals and 2,200 businesses that belong to 292 snowmobile clubs.