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MUD TRUCKERS TO PAY THOUSANDS FOR DAMAGE TO STATE FOREST WETLAND
Minnesota Four Crow Wing County men face criminal charges, civil
penalties and civil restitution in excess of $5,000 for intentionally damaging a wetland with mud trucks in the Crow Wing State Forest near Crosby.
The charges are the result of an investigation by Minnesota DNR conservation officer Karl Hadrits, Crosby, which was initiated by a complaint from some duck hunters during the 2003 waterfowl opener on
September 27. The duck hunters contacted Hadrits after videotaping mud truckers repeatedly driving through the lake bed and around the lakeshore area of Flanders Lake in the Crow Wing State Forest.
Mitchall Dean Buss, 22, Aitkin; Joseph Paul Bednarczyk, 24, Crosby; Anthony Robert Portz, 25, Riverton, and Joseph Rae Bosaaen, 20, Deerwood, operated the mud trucks.
Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a law restricting OHV use in wetlands such as shallow and deep marshes, shallow open water and bogs. The law requires violators to pay restitution for damage to
wetlands on both private and public lands.
Hadrits ticketed each mud truck operator, and advised them of numerous laws that they violated including hunter harassment, driving off
trail in a state forest, driving on the snowmobile trail, operating in the unfrozen bed of public waters and no off road vehicle registration. A few
hours after the incident with the duck hunters, the same individuals heavily damaged the wetland. The drivers were again contacted and confessed to doing the damage.
Brainerd DNR Forestry and Ecological Services completed an environmental damage assessment of the area. Restoration estimates range from $1,000 to nearly $6,000. Under new off road vehicle
(ORV) legislation, each man was cited with a civil citation for illegally driving in a Type 3 wetland and faces a civil fine and restitution totaling
$1,200. Additionally, each man must answer to criminal charges filed in Crow Wing County District Court for misdemeanor crimes of illegally operating ORVs off trail in a state forest and no ORV registration. Buss,
Bednarczyk, Portz and Bosaaen are scheduled to appear in Crow Wing County District Court on December 15. The four have already appeared in court on charges from the initial incident and were
sentenced to pay $115 fines each and 30 days jail was stayed on condition of no similar violations.
"This was an act of blatant disregard for the law that these guys are
going to have to pay dearly for," says Hadrits. Hadrits has spent much of the past summer and fall working on complaints of off road vehicle
damage to state and county forests, private property, snowmobile trails and lake shores.
"In some cases such as this one, the damage has been extreme and
beyond repair," says Hadrits. It is illegal for off road vehicles, including mud trucks, dirt bikes and ATVs to operate off trail in these public
areas, on any trails posted closed to their use, including snowmobile trails, in the beds of unfrozen public waters, and in several types of wetlands.
"It is extremely difficult to catch these people in the act of doing damage of this magnitude," says Hadrits. "Hopefully this case will send a strong
message that off roaders who are caught doing damage to our natural resources will face extreme consequences."
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2004 WISCONSIN STATE PARK STICKERS AND TRAIL PASSES NOW ON SALE
Wisconsin People shopping for that hard to buy for outdoor enthusiast
on their holiday gift list can give them a full year of fun and adventure by making them a gift of the 2004 Wisconsin State Parks admission sticker or Wisconsin State Trails pass.
Annual admission stickers to Wisconsin State Parks and Forests and annual passes for Wisconsin State Trails give the recipient access to more than 575,000 acres of sparkling waters, hushed forests and scenic beauty.
"There is no better place to relax and recreate than in the Wisconsin State Park System," says Mike Willman, Wisconsin State Park System
director. The annual stickers are $20 each for vehicles with Wisconsin registration plates and $30 for license plates from other states, and each
sticker allows one vehicle and everyone in it unlimited visits for the entire year to over 60 state parks, forests and recreation areas. Second vehicle and senior citizen stickers are also available.
A $15 annual trail pass gives the purchaser access to more than 30 scenic trails throughout Wisconsin. The passes are required for anyone who bicycles or horseback rides on the designated trails. In the winter,
the trail is good for all state managed cross country ski trails. Hikers and children under 16 years of age are granted free trail admission.
Trail pass fees have increased for 2004. This is the first increase since 1994, when annual trail pass fees were raised from $6 to $10, and when
the pass applied to about 435 miles of rails to trails. Today, the pass is good on nearly 1,700 miles of state owned trails. The trail pass is good
on all state managed trails, as well as some trails owned by the state, but managed by counties or other municipalities.
"Wisconsin's state parks are natural treasures to be enjoyed by all,"
Willman says. Visitors to the Wisconsin State Park System properties can partake in various outdoor recreational activities including biking,
boating, bird watching, hiking, picnicking, fishing and skiing. Interpretive displays and activities also teach visitors about Wisconsin's natural resources.
"Wisconsin was recently named as having one of the nation's best state park systems," says Willman. "This recognition is a symbol of what we
have already known, that Wisconsin is the home to the best properties, programs and staff in the country."
People may purchase 2004 Wisconsin State Park stickers or annual trail
passes at all state park system properties, DNR service centers or the Wisconsin State Park System office using a credit card by calling 608/266 2181.
More information about the Wisconsin State Park System can be found at www.wiparks.net.
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WISCONSIN PURCHASES THREE RAIL CORRIDORS FOR USE AS RECREATIONAL TRAILS
Wisconsin Three railroad corridors in Polk, Manitowoc, Brown and Langlade counties will be converted into trails for hiking, biking and other recreational uses, under the purchase agreement between the state of Wisconsin and Canadian National Railroad Co.
The transaction, approved December 2 by the state Natural Resources Board, will preserve 35 miles of corridor on 458 acres for trail use and
possible reinstatement as railroads if needed in the future. The cost is $790,000, which will be paid from the Knowles/Nelson Stewardship Fund.
"These recreational trails grow our Wisconsin economy. While improving our quality of life, these 'rails to trails' are far sighted,
preserving corridors in case future transportation needs arise," said Gov. Jim Doyle.
Wisconsin is the nation's leader for rails to trails with nearly 1,700 miles
of trails developed and managed by the state and local municipalities, said Scott Hassett, secretary of the Department of Natural Resources.
"The key is the strong local support from residents eager to enjoy close to home outdoor recreational opportunities," Hassett said.
The new trail segments, which are no longer needed for rail use, fit in well with the state trail network plan and are located in three separate areas. The 14 miles between Amery and Dresser in southern Polk
County will be home to a trail through agriculture land that borders a number of scenic lakes and forested areas. Polk County officials will seek input from local residents to determine types of trail use. This new
segment connects to the Cattail Trail on its east end and is located near the Gandy Dancer Trail on the west.
The second new trail extends from Rockwood just north of Manitowoc
north 14 miles to Denmark in southern Brown County. The rural countryside the trail passes through offers beautiful vistas. Eventually, the
trail would connect with Green Bay (a recreational trail "hub") to the northwest if an additional corridor becomes available.
The final new trail segment extends the Crandon to White Lake Trail in
Langlade County an additional seven miles to the south. The new segment passes through forested land along the Evergreen River, a trout stream. Local snowmobile organizations support the acquisition, which
extends the existing trail into the community of White Lake.
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BECOMING AN OUTDOOR WOMAN IN MINNESOTA FEB. 27 29
Minnesota Celebrate winter in Minnesota by joining the Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) program at its annual winter workshop.
Whether the ground is white or not will not matter as women gather for a weekend of fun and outdoor exploration. Participants can master some new skills or polish those learned in the past. The winter
workshop will be Feb. 27 29 at Eagle Bluff Environmental Center in Lanesboro, Minn. The workshop will begin late Friday afternoon and continue until Sunday at noon.
"Winter offerings vary considerably from our spring and fall workshop," said BOW coordinator Jean Bergerson. "Programs such as trapping and
polar fleece mitten making are only offered at our winter event. Of course, the weekend will be filled with traditional winter activities such as ice fishing and dog mushing.
"Workshop space is limited to 75 women and I expect the spaces to fill quickly," Bergerson noted.
Registration forms are available from Eagle Bluff by calling 888/800
9558 or by contacting the DNR Information Center at 651/296 6157 or toll free 888/MINNDNR (646 6367). The workshop costs $145, which covers food, lodging, class materials and equipment. Some
scholarship assistance is available. Eagle Bluff overlooks the Root River Valley near the community of Lanesboro.
"This is the first time we have hosted a winter workshop in southern
Minnesota," Bergerson said. "We hope the response will be as good as it has been at our fall workshops."
This is the 10th year BOW has been in Minnesota. Events throughout
the year will celebrate BOW's "10 years of helping women explore the outdoors."
"Woman have grown to appreciate and enjoy the outdoors through the
BOW workshops," Bergerson noted. "Many have made lifelong friends and found mentors to help them explore new activities."
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PLAN YOUR XC SKI VACATION ON THE WEB
Nordic skiers can now plan their vacations on the Web. The recently launched xcskiresorts.com describes North America's top cross country skiing and snowshoeing destinations. It is the only Web site with such
extensive coverage of Nordic ski resorts in both the United States and Canada.
There is a big difference between cross country skiing in a field, in a
park, or on a trail in the woods compared to going XC skiing at a commercial ski area. The commercial ski area charges a trail fee and it is worth every penny. For a $10 to $25 fee you get:
Trails specifically designed for skiing with groomed tracks, skating lanes and signs; rental equipment and instructors for ski lessons; food and beverage service; a warm lodge; and a knowledgeable and friendly staff
that includes safety patrol.
And many of the facilities offer much more for families in terms of service and amenities such as day care, kids' trails and even spa
treatments. There are about 500 XC ski areas in North America and about 4 million XC skiers (half of whom are female).
The recently launched www.xcskiresorts.com describes North
America's top XC skiing and snowshoeing destinations. It is the only Web site with such an extensive coverage of XC ski resorts in both the United States and Canada with convenient links to descriptions and
contact information about nearby accommodations, restaurants and après ski.
"At xcskiresorts.com skiers and snowshoers can find XC areas in any
region, get contact information, find out how many trail kilometers are offered and see the basic services and amenities that are available at each area," says Roger Lohr, site editor. Lohr has designed
xcskiresorts.com to also include XC ski news, including special offers, events and activities as well as info about products of interest for XC skiers.
"Until the creation of xcskiresorts.com, there has never been a complete resource for planning a cross country skiing vacation, whether for a week or a weekend," adds Charles Leocha, co creator of
xcskiresorts.com. "We want to give vacationers a chance to easily compare cross country ski resorts and facilities."
XC skiers have an extensive list of choices in each region and on
xcskiresorts.com, such as the scenic Royal Gorge near Lake Tahoe, Calif., with its 300 kilometers of trails and destination snack shacks to Jackson Ski Touring Foundation in New Hampshire, which offers a
traditional New England town with covered bridges, steepled white churches and a trail network that connects inns and lodges. Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Mont., on the outskirts of Yellowstone
National Park, provides high quality dining, service and rustic cabins, while Maplelag Resort in Callaway, Minn., is a homestyle, high service resort that is a favorite of families who return every year.
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DNR WARNS AGAINST RESCUE OF ANIMALS FALLEN THROUGH ICE
Minnesota The DNR is warning people to not risk their lives trying to save an animal that has fallen through thin ice.
"It's very upsetting to see a beloved pet or other animal in a bad situation, but we strenuously advise against risking human life in an attempt to rescue any animal," says DNR water safety specialist Tim
Smalley.
DNR records indicate that over the years there have been a number of people who have drowned in a attempt to rescue a dog. "Sadder still is
that often after the person goes under, the animal gets out of the water without help," says Smalley.
This comes after a 19 year old man drowned after breaking through 1
inch thick ice on Wettles Lake in Becker County, Tuesday, the day before his 20th birthday. He was trying to rescue his dog that had broken through while following some deer on the ice. He fell into the
water and was submerged for nearly an hour. He was recovered by a rescue diver, resuscitated and then flown to a Fargo hospital, where he died.
The DNR recommends if you are walking your dog anywhere there
might be thin ice, keep it on a leash so it can't bolt out onto the lake. If you see an animal that has fallen through the ice, contact the local
authorities or DNR conservation officer who will determine if the animal can be rescued safely. Ice experts recommend at least 4 inches of new
clear ice for activities such as ice fishing, 6 inches for snowmobiles and 8 to 12 inches of new solid ice for small to medium sized cars and trucks.
For more information about ice safety, Minnesotans may call the DNR toll free at 800/MINNDNR. Computer users can download ice safety information from the DNR Web site www.dnr.state.mn.us and click on "Danger Thin Ice."
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DNR APPOINTS MARTINSON AS TRAILS & WATERWAYS DIRECTOR
Wisconsin The Department of Natural Resources has appointed Laurie Martinson as director of its trails and waterways division. Martinson,
who has served in senior management operations and legislative positions, will lead a staff of about 150 full time and seasonal employees whose mission is to create recreational opportunities through a system of
trails and water access facilities.
"Laurie Martinson will bring a fresh approach to one of our most challenging jobs," says Brad Moore, DNR assistant commissioner of
operations. "She is on top of the issues, she knows our stakeholders and she can move our agency forward as we balance resource protection with public recreation."
The trails and waterways division manages state trails, grant in aid trail programs, canoe and boating routes, water access sites and several other programs. Much of the division's recent work has been focused on
off highway vehicles and all terrain vehicle trail management. The division manages more than 1,500 boat launching sites, 275 fishing piers and more than a 1,000 miles of paved and unpaved trails.
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TOWN OF NASHVILLE BOARD AND RHINELANDER DNR EMPLOYEE EARN 'DECADE RIVER CHAMPION' AWARDS
Wisconsin The Nashville Town Board, instrumental in stopping the
Crandon Mine, and Bob Martini, a DNR employee in Rhinelander, have been named winners of "Decade River Champion" awards from the River Alliance of Wisconsin. The awards were presented before an
audience of 200 at the organization's recent 10th anniversary celebration.
The River Alliance of Wisconsin is a nonprofit, nonpartisan group of
citizens, organizations and businesses dedicated to advocating for the protection, enhancement and restoration of Wisconsin's rivers and watersheds.
"Each year, our river champion awards honor and recognize public sector employees, elected officials, local citizens and businesses that
have gone the extra mile to help shape a healthier future for our rivers," said River Alliance of Wisconsin executive director Denny Caneff. "This
year, in celebration of the River Alliance's 10th anniversary, we present decade awards for excellence in river stewardship over the past 10 years. We commend the winners for a decade of fine work."
On behalf of the town of Nashville, Chairman Chuck Sleeter said, "(We) are honored and proud to be awarded Decade River Champions by the River Alliance of Wisconsin. It has always been important to our
community to fight to protect the headwaters of the Wolf River from the negative impacts that can be caused by metallic mining."
"Protecting Wisconsin's precious waterways helps us to ensure the
health, safety and welfare of our community and preserve what we have for our future generations," added Sleeter, on behalf of Nashville Town Board members Duane Marshall, Jan Olson, Chuck Sleeter, Joanne
Sleeter and Robert VanZile.
Of the DNR's Bob Martini, Caneff said, "Bob is a true public servant in the way he keeps the public interest at heart but also appreciates the
needs and concerns of private landowners and businesses."
"It's an honor to represent the hundreds of talented public sector employees who have fought to protect and restore the rivers of
Wisconsin over the past decade. Aggressive regulation coupled with education and cooperative partnerships are needed now more than ever to protect rivers from eroding legal protection and over exploitation.
Outstanding public support has allowed Wisconsin to be a national leader in many areas of river protection," said Martini.
Decade River Champions:
Elected Official Town of Nashville Board: The town of Nashville fought the Crandon Mine, and its efforts, combined with those of many others, led to the eventual demise of the mining effort. When a new town board
was elected in the 1990s, it worked to re engage members of the Mole Lake band as part of the board, and working closely with tribal members to ensure economic and environmental protections for the
area, the board helped to ensure that the Wolf River watershed remains protected from the dangers mining represented. Beyond simply fighting the Crandon Mine, this town board worked to find solutions and
promote sustainable economic development.
Public Sector Bob Martini: Bob Martini, of the DNR's Rhinelander office, has been a strong voice for sensible land use planning along rivers
and streams his entire career. Spearheading the DNR's efforts to clean up the Wisconsin River, he drew together a diverse group of people and helped fashion a common river recovery strategy. He has also worked
to show how acid rain is harming our lakes and streams.
Private Sector Johnson Outdoors, Racine.
Local Guardian Kinnickinnic River Land Trust, River Falls.
Local Guardian John "Duke" Welter, Eau Claire.
River Alliance of Wisconsin Volunteer Barb Kneer, Madison.
Agricultural Sector Tom and Susan Wrchota (Cattleana Ranch), Omro.
Formed in 1993, the River Alliance of Wisconsin's membership of 1,700 includes individuals, groups and businesses that are working together to protect and restore Wisconsin's rivers. The organization has
one of the largest memberships of statewide river groups in the country.
For more information on the River Alliance of Wisconsin visit www.wisconsinrivers.org or call 608/257 2424.
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REFERENDUM ON ATV TRAILS IN VILAS COUNTY
Wisconsin After a summer of intense debate on proposed ATV trails on public land, the Vilas County Board of Supervisors voted to put a referendum question on the February 17, 2004, election to ascertain the
voters' feelings on the following question:
Do you favor allowing the operation of all terrain vehicles on county owned and county forest lands in Vilas County?
As the first Wisconsin county to put the question of ATV use to the people, the referendum is expected to draw state and national attention.
Vilas borders Michigan's Upper Peninsula and is the only northern tier Wisconsin county without ATV trails and routes. The county consists of approximately 50 percent public land: county, state and federal. ATV
proponents are seeking north/south corridors from newly opened trails in Oneida County to the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and east/west corridors connecting to counties with existing
trails on each side. The eastern portion of the county includes parts of the Nicolet National Forest, currently closed to ATVs trails, but under consideration in a new plan. Wisconsin DNR is also receiving pressure
to open trails in the Northern Highland State Forest on the western side of the county, which is also undergoing a master plan with a preferred
alternative opening ATV trails for the first time. One fifth of the public owned lakes over 10 acres in the county are within the border of the Northern Highland State Forest.
Newly formed Northwoods Citizens for Responsible Stewardship (NCRS) and other opponents of ATVs on public lands cite Vilas County's unique and fragile environment as a reason to reject the
demand for ATV trails: with 1,400 lakes, connecting rivers, streams and wetlands, the county holds the third highest concentration of freshwater bodies in the world. Over 15 percent of Vilas County surface area is
covered by lakes and ponds while wetlands cover another 21 percent. One step out of four squishes. Due to the large amount of public land and the number of lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands, Vilas County is a
popular tourist destination and half of the properties are second homes. With concern for invasive species, erosion and silting to waterways and noise pollution, there could not be a worse place for ATV trails and
routes.
The grass roots movement against ATV trails on public lands in Vilas County began in the tiny township of Presque Isle, officially Wisconsin's
last wilderness, on the Michigan border with the Ottawa National Forest. A landslide 178 17 July town vote (with another 100 nonvoting residents in attendance supporting a ban) against ATVs on public lands,
resulted in a tough ordinance banning ATV trails and routes in the township. Voters cited the nuisance caused by ATV riders coming into town from the Ottawa National Forest. The forest plan is undergoing
revision and public hearings are slated for this fall. Therefore, a rejection of ATV trails and routes in Vilas County could have a significant impact on ATV use on neighboring national and state forests.
Jim Knuth, NCRS spokesman, says "This referendum will send a message to ATV proponents, their paid lobbyists and officials in Madison and Washington: You can't cut out the voters on this issue;
residents deserve the same place at the table so long only reserved for the industry. We are willing to say no to those who will ruin our environment in search of a false economy based on louder, faster, dirtier
and damaging. The people of Vilas County know what we have to protect: a unique fragile environment which draws people from all over the world. This issue crosses party lines, it's about our quality of life and
the democratic process."
For more information, contact Northwoods Citizens for Responsible Stewardship, P.O. Box 31, Presque Isle, WI 54557.
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CHEQUAMEGON FAT TIRE FEST SETS 2004 DATES
Wisconsin Those who ski, snowshoe or enjoy other silent sport pursuits are anxiously scanning the horizon in anticipation of winter's chilly and snow filled days. But while you are waiting for the snowy days to come,
you can start making plans for next year's off road cycling season. If it's fat tire racing and fat tire fun that you seek, then put September 17 19,
2004, on your special events calendar. On that autumn weekend, a sold out race field of 2,500 riders from across the country will converge on Telemark Resort in Cable, Wis., for the 22nd annual Chequamegon Fat
Tire Festival sponsored by Trek.
Since race entry is limited and available by preregistration lottery only, hopeful participants should make plans to obtain their entry blanks now.
The lottery drawing for the 1,700 spots allowed in the Chequamegon 40 and 800 places allowed for the Short and Fat 16 mile events is held shortly after the March 15 postmark deadline for submitting entries.
Entry blanks for the 2004 lottery can be obtained by sending a self addressed stamped business sized envelope to the event headquarters between now and March 1. On or just before March 1 entry blanks will
be sent to those who had requested them. From February 15 to March 15 the entry blank can be downloaded from the event's Web page. Lottery participants must meet the March 15 postmark deadline for
sending in their completed entry forms and fee payment to the event headquarters. For complete details of the registration lottery procedure and other event information, visit the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival
Web page at www.cheqfattire.com.
For further information about the 22nd annual Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival sponsored by Trek, contact CFTF, PO Box 267, Cable, WI
54821; 715/798 3594; cheqfat@cheqnet.net.
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SUBARU WOMEN'S SKI TOUR TURNS WOMEN ON TO FUN, FRIENDSHIP, FITNESS, AND FOOD
Michigan An all women's tour on skis or snowshoes returns for an encore performance on Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, 2004. The
Subaru Women's Ski Tour is now providing women all over the country the opportunity to enjoy a noncompetitive, cross country skiing tour which benefits their local Women's Resource Center. This year's event
roster includes two Midwest locations: Traverse City, Michigan, and Marquette, Michigan.
This year's events will promote fun, fitness, friendship and even food
with a gourmet flair in every location. Women who hit the trail will find locally crafted cuisine to keep them refueled during their tour, even
sweet treats and chocolate will be served trailside. And better yet, each Women's Ski Tour event benefits the Women's Resource Center in each host town. Nationally, WRC serves as a resource for abused women
and their families.
Last year's Traverse City, Michigan, event attracted over 1,200 women from all over the Midwest and beyond.
The tour is a two day affair. On Saturday, January 31, the Subaru Expo
will include product demos, a waxing clinic and free half hour instructional sessions by members of the Fischer Ski Team for both classical and skate style skiing. Super Bowl Sunday's tour includes
skiing on a 3K, 5K or 15K groomed course. The Tubbs Adventure Snowshoe course offers marked courses for snowshoe enthusiasts, along with free equipment demos and snowshoe tips.
Women looking to warm up to winter can take advantage of cross country ski lessons at area resorts and Nordic facilities.
Tour entry fees for women 18 years and older are $35 prior to January
30, and $50 on January 31 and February 1, 2004. Girls 17 and under are $10 anytime. Advance registration is suggested and can be completed on the event's Web site at www.womensskitour.com.
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TECHNICAL DELEGATE KEEPING BUSY WITH THE BIRKIE
Wisconsin The pace is picking up for organizers and skiers preparing for the 51 kilometer Subaru American Birkebeiner and 23 kilometer
Johnson Bank Korteloppet slated for Saturday, February 21, 2004, in Cable and Hayward, Wisconsin.
The pace is also picking up for Robert Gross, technical delegate for the
International Ski Federation (FIS)Marathon Cup and Worldloppet race series. During Birkie 2004, Gross will be behind the scenes ensuring a safe race run according to FIS guidelines. In the meantime, he's logging
as much time as possible on his skinny skis knowing he'll be traversing the grueling 51K course in the days leading up to the 31st annual event.
The American Birkebeiner, North America's largest and most
prestigious cross country ski marathon, is part of the Worldloppet series of 14 international races, part of the FIS Marathon Cup series of eight races, and part of the American Ski Marathon series of 11 races.
Skiers from around the world elites, recreational and everyone in between travel to Worldloppet races held in Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, France, Estonia, Germany, Austria, Finland, Italy,
Canada, Australia, Czech Republic and the United States. Technical delegates like Gross travel to each event and ensure that the race is run within FIS guidelines.
At Birkie 2004, Gross will look at course conditions, medical procedures, and start and finish line specifications. He'll also look at everything from weather to the number of porta potties on the course to
logo placement on elite skier uniforms to timing logistics. His goal: examine every aspect of race operations to ensure a safe, fair race for all skiers.
For 31 years Gross traveled the world as a Delta airline pilot. Now, as a retired pilot and avid skier, he travels the world as a technical delegate so that he can give something back to the ski community. His new
responsibilities have taken him to the Tartu ski marathon in Estonia, the winter Olympics in Soldier Hollow, Utah, and the American Birkebeiner in Hayward, Wisconsin.
"Acting behind the scenes as a technical delegate is so rewarding," Gross says. "I get to interact with race organizers to make sure each
race runs smoothly, and I am right there at a mass start with all the world class and citizen skiers ready to ski an event. The best thing about the
Worldloppet races and FIS Marathon Cup series is that skiers who just want to ski marathon length races or those wanting to extend their ski
racing careers are able to do so in these great events around the world."
Gross says he's looking forward to working with Birkie officials because
of a superior race organization structure and challenging course.
"The Birkie is one of the most organized events I've worked with,"
Gross says, "and it is one of the best courses of all the Worldloppet courses I have skied as far as width, safety, lack of hazards and challenge. I'm eager to get back there and work with race officials and
ski the course before race day."
Gross, now living in Park City, Utah, says he'll spend a lot of time on the hills preparing for his Birkie. He'll likely train as hard as the 6,500
participants expected for Birkie 2004.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Birkie is that while skiers start the race among thousands of other participants, once the race is
underway each skier is competing with just one person: him/herself.
"The Birkebeiner is one of the most challenging marathon courses in the
world," points out Nina Kimpple, Olympic and Subaru Factory Team skier, after completing the 2003 Birkie, the last race of her successful
racing career. "You are out there and skiing with 6,500 other people, but in reality, after about 30 kilometers you're racing against yourself.
You're racing against the negative thoughts in your head saying, 'you know we've gone about 30 kilometers, maybe we should stop now. I feel a little bit tired, let's slow down.' So you're racing against yourself;
you're trying to push yourself to the ultimate limit."
After a long race through the hilly and forested terrain comes the most exhilarating part of their long trek: the finish down Main Street in
Hayward. Here crowds line up to cheer on the men and women who have conquered the Birkie.
"There's probably 15 to 20 elite Olympic level athletes out there, so it
will be equally as hard as an Olympic race," Kimpple says. "And almost more rewarding because as you come down Main Street in Hayward, you may be racing a Russian, you may be racing a Norwegian, but the
Americans know who the Americans are and they are cheering you on the whole way in. So you have the crowds behind you and I think that's what makes this so special."
More than 15,000 spectators are expected to cheer skiers to the finish line and watch other events scheduled throughout the week.
For more information or to register for the Subaru American
Birkebeiner, Johnson Bank Korteloppet, Salomon Elite Sprints, Hayward Chamber of Commerce Citizen Sprints, Century Tel Junior Birkie, Cheqtel Communications 10K, or the Sons of Norway/Swiss
Miss Barnebirkie, call 715/634 5025, e mail birkie@birkie.com, or log on to www.birkie.com.
Birkie 2004 is sponsored by Subaru, Johnson Bank, Polartec, Murphy McGinnis Media and other businesses throughout the region and country.
By Leslie Hamp
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DNR WILL ENFORCE SKI PASS REQUIREMENTS ON MINN. GRANT AND AID TRAILS
Minnesota The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will step up ski pass enforcement efforts on grant and aid cross country
trails across the state this winter.
"All cross country skiers on public ski trails who are ages 16 and above must have a valid Minnesota ski pass," says DNR chief conservation
officer Mike Hamm. "You must sign your ski pass and carry it with you when skiing. Your ski pass fee helps support Minnesota's nearly 1,800 mile designated cross country ski trail system."
The ski pass, established by the Minnesota Legislature in 1983, provides funds for the development, maintenance and grooming of public ski trails. A daily ski pass costs $3. The yearly individual ski pass
costs $10. However, officials with the Minnesota Nordic Ski Association (MNSA) recently approached the DNR to increase cross country ski pass enforcement after lagging sales.
"MNSA is concerned the grant and aid program for ski trails will cease to exist unless there is an increase in the number of ski passes sold to
users," Hamm says. "They feel most users are aware of the requirement to have a ski pass, but have chosen to ignore the requirement since there
has been limited enforcement action taken for skiers without passes." He noted high use cross country trails would be targeted.
The DNR has placed signs that designate trail systems where a ski pass
is required. Violators can be fined up to $300.
"Cross country skiing is a great winter activity, especially when there is lots of snow on the ground," Hamm says. "So, we hope cross country
skiers will help local clubs and organizations maintain and groom trail systems by purchasing a ski pass."
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SEELEY HILLS CLASSIC & NorAm SUPERTOUR AT TELEMARK RESORT
Wisconsin This year for the first time the Seeley Hills Classic, January 17, and the NorAm SUPERTOUR races, January 24 25, have been
linked as a series for masters with great prizes, ceremonies, parties and perks. There are no additional charges! No special licenses required! Just sign up for the Seeley Hills Classic and indicate you will be
participating in the "best of both." Then go to www.cxcskiing.org for schedules and register for the following weekend's NorAm SUPERTOUR races at Telemark January 24 25 (optional skate sprint
Wednesday afternoon, December 21). Registration for the SUPERTOUR races will also be available on site at the Seeley Hills Classic registration.
Races Scored
Men Open category: Seeley Hills Classic 42K, SuperTour 10K interval start free, 15K mass start classic.
Women Open category: Seeley Hills Classic, 22K, SuperTour 5K interval start free, 10K Mass start classic.
Prizes will be awarded based on total elapsed time for the three combined races. The awards ceremony will be included in the SUPERTOUR finals awards ceremony and banquet at Telemark
Sunday afternoon, January 25, immediately following the races. Official NorAm SUPERTOUR jackets will be awarded to the top three men and women. A special reception for participants of the "best of both"
and the NorAm athletes and coaches will precede the awards ceremony.
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NEW LAP THE LAKE FOR THE LIBRARY EVENT SET FOR NELSON LAKE
Wisconsin An exciting new night time event in the Hayward area will show cross country skiers and snowshoers the winter beauty of Nelson
Lake on Saturday, January 31.
Lap the Lake for the Library entrants will race or tour a 7 kilometer (4.3 mile) course circling Big Island by the glow of hundreds of candlelight ice luminaries.
Designed for families and people of all abilities, the event will feature awards, food, entertainment and a warm Hidden Bay Graphics embroidered fleece headband for all finishers.
This is part of the ongoing fund raising efforts for the Hayward Library Building Fund. Lap the Lake for the Library will celebrate the spirit of the community, the spellbinding beauty of winter nights and the
adventure of circling Big Island. The start will be at 5 p.m. at the public boat landing on Gerlach Road just off Nelson Lake Road, one mile west of U.S. Highway 63.
"We are really thrilled to have skiers and snowshoers involved in the library fund raising," says Molly Lank Jones, library director. "Active
outdoors people are such a big part of the winter image of our community. This event will really be fun for everybody."
Lap the Lake for the Library has the enthusiastic support of the Nelson
Lake Resort Association.
"We had been looking for an event on Nelson Lake that we could all get behind," says association president Sandy Dorenski from Tall Pines
Resort. "The lake has such a beautiful wilderness setting while at the same time being very accessible."
The Hayward Area Ski Touring Association (HASTA), another
sponsor, is generously donating their services for trail grooming. A big tent donated by the Hayward Lions Club at the start/finish area will be
the site for late registration, food awards and festivities. Entry brochures can be picked up at the Hayward Carnegie Library, area ski shops, or many other retail outlets. Volunteer inquiries are welcome.
For information contact the Hayward Carnegie Library, Highway 63 and Main Street, Hayward, WI 54843; 715 634 2793 or e mail hlibrary@hayward.nwls.lib.wi.us.
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