International Groomer Operator of the Year

Sponsored By Arctic Cat

This year's selection committee was made up of three groomer operators. One DNR Administrator and two snomobile trail program coordinators. They have selected Joe Tonso from Craig, Colorado to receive the honor of being named International Groomer Operator for Year 2004.

A charter member of the Northwest Colorado Snowmobile Club, Joe has served as Grooming Chairman since 1988. He was appointed Grooming Chairman of the Colorado Snowmobile Association (CSA) in 1990 and continues in that position today.

As chairman of the grooming program, he has developed a funding allocation formula which makes for equitable distribution of funds. This formula has been accepted by the state and the clubs. Adopted by the legislature, funding comes from the machine registration fee in Colorado. It is administered by the state parks and recreation program who disperses the funds to the clubs that groom trails.

Joe, has also established a training program for groomer operators. It not only teaches operational techniques, but also the maintenance and mechanics of the equipment. Since the majority of operators are volunteers, this program has been very beneficial.

Joe Tonso and his wife Jenn are avid snowmobilers, hosting many state functions, serving on various committees in CSA and being Club officers, recognized as Colorado's Snowmobile Family of the Year, in 2003. A 28 year member of the Moffat County Search and Rescue team has given Joe the opportunity to work with local, state, and federal entities to promote the vaues of snowmobiling.