Here's the reality, you can charge more and provide credits for belonging to a club, but the only real problem being solved will be narrowing the gap on the $2m budget shortfall. Perhaps we'll have some new bridges, signs, etc.(and for these reasons alone I'm for paying more in the form of registrations or a trail permit).
This program does not fix the other problems. I've heard a number of guys complaining in this thread that they're tired of doing all the work while others do nothing...do you really believe this is going to change? Sure, you may have more club members, but how many of the new members will actually volunteer to trail brush, groom, etc. Many new members will be from a locale that is perhaps far from the club trail system and will pay dues and consider it only a "cost of doing business". Is that right or wrong...I don't know. But don't expect a guaranteed surge in individuals contributing to the physical work and upkeep. And those currently doing the work...are you going to feel better if your still the only ones doing the work but the club is getting more money from the state? I hope the answer is yes, cause if your expecting much more you may be sorely disappointed. Also, if riders are going to pay more, should they have an expectation of better groomed trails...perhaps?
This measure also doesn't keep the individuals who currently do not obey the laws or rules of respectful treatment of others from continuing to do this. The yahoo that rides off trail on private land and ruins a 1/4 acre of young seedlings will continue to do so, only now he's paying a bit more to do so.
And the reality is that snowmobiling in WI is a business...whether you want to agree with that or not...I don't really care. But to simply say it's a group of colleagues working together to enjoy the trail system is a bit naive. It is a business. Millions and millions of dollars are generated each year in this state by the sale of sleds, gear, gas, food, lodging, transportation, donations, services, etc. The question becomes though who is best suited to manage this business and pull the many moving parts together to improve what we currently have...is it the AWSC? I don't know...but I'd say until they get out of bed with the DNR and many of the states politicians and lobbyists that they are NOT the best suited to look out for the best interests of snowmobiling in our state.
And I'm going to go way out on a limb here and I'm sure offend quite a few fellow sledders...but I do not agree with anyone who believes that snowmobiling is simply a privilege and not a right. In fact I believe it is my right to be able to operate a snowmobile in a responsible fashion on multi-use public land. I temper my position by admitting that operation of my sled on private land is a privilege. But I should have every right to operate on public lands. And until the AWSC recognizes this(they continually compromise with the DNR and have slowly been giving away our rights). I'm not suggesting they play hardball, but we need someone or a group with the savy, intelligence, management and negotiation skills to demonstrate and leverage the economic impact the sport may or may not have on the state. of WI.
And for those of you who fault/criticize the rider who does not belong to a club...you should also look at any business owner in any community with the same scrutiny who benefits from our sport, but who does not contribute in anyway, either directly by volunteering or financially. And lord knows there are many who fit this description out there.
Off my soap box.
