November 2008 Message

There are those out there that would say I’m frugal. Maybe even thrifty. OK, most say a cheap S.O.B. Probably no one hates to open their wallet more than me. However, this time is different. When it comes to riding groomed trails to my favorite off-trail spot, I’m ready to pony up.

Next season, the groomer fund will be 1 million in the hole unless a permit increase is proposed this year. Let me make it a little clearer. $1,000,000 short. That means that without the proposed $10 increase, your favorite trails will be bumpier than a gators ….behind. Whew, caught myself.

That’s right, a mere $10 increase will insure that grooming will continue on into the 2009-2010 season. It’s too late for an increase for this season, but we have to act now to get it to the legislature to be inacted for next season. Unlike most tax hikes, it’s pretty obvious why this is necessary. Fuel and maintenance costs have risen exponentially. If you think about it hard enough, you might ask yourself, “Is $10 enough?” Well that’s all that the MSA is proposing. $10 per permit. That will cover the grooming.

The other proposal is for a bump in the 3 year registration from $22 to $30. This additional $8 over 3 years is markedly more important than the $10 permit increase. The $8 raise would go 100% into a a permanent trail acquisition fund. Right now, there are several miles of trail through the U.P. that is on private land. This land is owned by several different factions. Some are paper company properties, and others are trust fund and investment properties purchased years ago. Now, the investors are in need of cash and are looking to unload the properties. And, there is no shortage of new investors looking to buy these lands and turn them into fenced hunt clubs, Lake Superior resort communities etc. If the State doesn’t purchase these tracts of land, huge sections of the seamless trail across the U.P. we now enjoy, will be lost forever.

Think about it. You can take steps to insure that generations of future snowmobilers have a permanent trail system to enjoy. For only $8 over 3 years!! Imagine your great-great grandchildren one day saying, “You mean they could have given us a permanent trail for $8 and didn’t”
Don’t delay.

Go to msasnow.org and sign the petition cards to make this happen. They’d do it for you.

Ron Schroeder – Pres.