Upcoming Season News
- Thread starter dfattack
- Start date
Nothing specific was given, but at the MNUSA summer workshop, the concerns were pretty high that either the funding was going to be held back, or at least cut. And then what are they going to allow the DNR to do with the state trails. It’s still a big unknown, but with the state (MN) now facing a $2.4B deficit for 20-21, and an estimated $4.5B deficit into 22-23, funds are going to be hard to come by is the feeling.
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Guest
Ok then. Mich and Mn in trouble. Anybody know anything about Wisc situation?
SledTL
Active member
Here I was, thinking I would leave the deficit capital of the world (IL) and escape to a great place. Wonder what that spells for the NSST grooming.
The rumors regarding no MI funding for snowmobile trail brushing and equipment repairs has me extremely concerned for the 2020/2021 snowmobiling season. We can’t trail ride without funding to groom and maintain equipment. Plus many UP snowmobile support business would go under without customers. I haven’t heard if WI will have funding cut backs but I would suspect that same condition as MN and MI due to Covid tax revenue shortfalls. We all need to to keep our ears to the ground and share information as we hear it. Lots of riders budget all year for snowmobile trips so hopefully we can ride somewhere!
pclark
Well-known member
I think this is valid concern looking at the deficits that each of the states face due to the pandemic that never panned out but put us all in a world of hurt. The factors are landowner insurance policies, size of the club and how many trails that need to be maintained, and what your club can actually handle. Our small club in western Waukesha County has a decent fund built up and we have enough to brush, sign, pay insurance for this upcoming season. Our grooming is handled by the County so that could be very spotty. My guess is that we can get the trails in but they won't be groomed regularly. Our seasons are very short in Southern Wisconsin so it might not be too much of an issue. Its Northern Wisconsin that will take the hit as they have much more to handle on a daily basis with everything. One thing for sure is that people will still ride even if trails are not groomed which I think you will see a fair amount of this season. As soon as I know something out of the Manitowish area I will try and let people know. Season is not that far away up in Vilas County.
I have ridden a fair amount of unplowed FRs and believe me they get rough. It’s expected that they won’t be groomed with bumps and moguls frozen in. Only condition that helps smooth is a foot of freshy but that cancels out with traffic and or a warm up. I sure hope 2020/2021 grooming is better than that! Big miles rides won’t happen if grooming is limited just takes too much physically to consider.
Well then all you trail riders will have to stay home and leave the back country to me and my crew!!! J/K, it would really suck if they change what they are doing this yr. After all the crap we've had to put up with I am really looking forward to riding. We'd be making multiple trips out west if that happened.
bearrassler
Well-known member
I hope the trails get funded, after all the money is supposed to be in dedicated funds. I am planning on running the groomer this winter on our MN trails. If they don't get funded there is still lots of riding opportunities around here as long as we get decent snow. We can run the rivers and fields and some of the ditches stay pretty smooth. I would likely not go on any overnight trips though.
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Guest
Old geezers like most of us are on this site don't like to ride rough trails. I wonder if the trails will even be open at all? If they are DNR trails they will have the final say.
Is this the stupidity we will be dealing with going through the snowmobile season?? Jesus this has gotten ridiculous.
https://www.stevenspointjournal.com...ks-zoom-calls-even-when-they-home/3335232001/
Edit for a note of positivity - MAYBE this means, they will all be keeping their jobs, and should remain doing their jobs, just as they did before, because they are required to wear a mask! Fingers crossed!!
https://www.stevenspointjournal.com...ks-zoom-calls-even-when-they-home/3335232001/
Edit for a note of positivity - MAYBE this means, they will all be keeping their jobs, and should remain doing their jobs, just as they did before, because they are required to wear a mask! Fingers crossed!!
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pclark
Well-known member
Its old geezers (I am only 63, so not there yet) that are the ones that are keeping the clubs and maintenance of the trails alive. At least that is how it is by us and I think that may other clubs are in the same boat. Its crazy to think that in our club we have guys with new hips, knees, hearts, on medication for this and that yet they are the ones that get the job done to make the trails nice for everyone. I have ridden my share of great trails and rough trails so if they stay rough then I will ride less but still ride. I know our group will still get it done to open the season because we have no choice.
You always have a choice but if no funding there are no choices simple as that. All groomers need maintenance and fuel and without it doesn’t matter who does what the grooming equipment stays in the barn. I’m anxiously awaiting to hear what states release funds for snowmobile trails and I’m concerned to say the least.
remember what ron white says !!!!!! You can't fix stupid
ICT Sledder
Active member
Wow! They're going full retard I see.
Virtue signaling is an art for progressives. All that matters is optics.
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Something tells me the Black Hills of SD will be SLAMMED with both trail and off trail sledders this winter. SD's governor is still remaining rational. MN, WI, and MI governors will all bow in deference to the vapid inclinations of the urban elites, who LOVE the concept of the outdoors but would struggle to find the difference between an oak and a fir tree.
If MN , WI, MI have significant funding cuts for trail maintenance and grooming riders will be forced to look for riding alternatives. I’m thinking about it but not sure what’s left for trail riders in the Midwest. I’m thinking rivers and lakes but they are not safe after thaws and rains. Any other ideas??
WI has a self-funded snowmobile program. Registration, trail passes, and a little gas tax based on the number of registered sleds. As long as everyone registers their sleds and buy trail passes, the money should be there for the upcoming season. This is not a tax payer funded system. As long as there isn't some sort of shut down, I think WI will have an incredible season. Camping, fishing, hunting, etc. has been good this summer. I think outdoor sports will be ok.