Grooming Plan for the Noquemanon Trail Network
Fri, Mar 14, 2008 - By NTN
Thank you once again for the continued support of the grooming operation for the cross country ski trails this winter! There are many members that have helped contribute to the maintenance of the equipment, the fuel, the manpower and operation of the trails.
As many of you know, the NTN only has a finite amount of money for grooming set aside each year, based on the amount of memberships sold. So, because of the long winter which we have all enjoyed, the grooming “kitty” is becoming low.
So, as skier visits decline, the grooming will also be tapered back. The following is the planned schedule of grooming for the NTN’s trails beginning Wednesday, March 12, 2008:
- Big Bay- Planned to groom as needed through April 6, 2008 by volunteer groomers.
- Sax Head – Planned to groom as needed through April 6, 2008 by volunteer groomers.
- Fit Strip – Planned to groom as needed through April 6, 2008 by volunteer groomers.
- Noquemanon Trail & Forestville Loops- Planned to groom as needed through April 6, 2008. The emphasis will be to groom one mid-week day, and also on Friday &/or Saturday of each weekend, if needed through April 6, 2008. There will be some logging starting near the Noquemanon Trail by Longyear, the landowner. We will keep you posted on trail closures.
- If a large storm were to occur with significant snowfall after April 6, 2008 we will groom at the Forestville Trailhead with limited grooming. Such as 6k-10km total. (If the Longyear logging does not change this)
In reference to the Michigan DNR Blueberry Ridge Pathway grooming contract… this season skiers have enjoyed great grooming. As many of you know the grooming contract is based on a per groom basis. The grooming contract is a budgeted amount, and is not to exceed $17,950 for the ski season. Because this has been such a long season, the budgeted amount the NTN will be reimbursed for the grooming will most likely be maxed out by March 31st. So grooming at Blueberry Ridge will most likely end after March 31st.
If a large storm were to occur after March 31st, the NTN will work with volunteer groomers, and with the permission from the DNR to try and groom some trails at Blueberry if needed.
For any questions about the NTN, please call Susan Brian @ (906)235-6861 or e-mail- [email protected].