Noquemanon Trail Network updates

Fri, Oct  9, 2009 - By Lyle VanderSchaaf

Just a ‘brief’ note from your president. Im writing this with a view of blue skies and sunshine. This has been a rare sight lately and is like a blinking neon sign saying “GET YOUR OUTDOOR PROJECTS DONE NOW!” Unfortunately for the items on my to-do list a look at the radar and the forecast tells me I have probably waited too long.

NTN has a long ‘to-do’ list as well. We are busily working to make sure that all is accomplished before the snow flies. The mountain bike committee has been hard at work on the South Trails. Conditioning the ski trails by mowing clearing brush and wind falls is in progress. The Forestville trailhead is being prepped for winter and the all important grooming equipment will be readied for snow. Of course there are lots of office tasks as we get ready for the annual membership registration too.

Speaking of membership registration we will be sending out brochures shortly. There are some minor changes in the different types of memberships but I wanted to highlight the fact that there are no increases in our rates which makes this our third year at the current rates. There are discounts available for registering early at several special events so mark these dates:

Club Nights with NTN and Superiorland Ski Club.
Down Wind Sports October 29 2009 6-9pm
Sports Rack November 12 2009 6-9pm
SSC Ski Swap November 21 2009 Equipment Drop 9am-12pm Sale: 12pm-2pm

The 4th Annual NTN Snowball is on December 4, 2009 at Upfront & Company. This major fund raiser is also a celebration of winter and chance to socialize with like minded outdoor sports enthusiasts. There’s good food music and a silent auction with great items and a chance for bargains.

Finally our spring membership survey indicated overwhelmingly that you desire better and more predictable grooming with easier trailhead access. The NTN board has spent the last several months discussing ways to deliver this. We are committed to providing an excellent grooming product and believe that with additional training for our grooming staff and improved coordination of grooming efforts that we will be successful. We are committed to effectively communicating trail conditions to members through our new upcoming website and grooming hotline.

Trailhead access will probably remain an issue to some members but we are working with the county and landowners to improve the drive into Forestville. We intend to spend more time and resources grooming the Tourist Park section of the trail if snow conditions cooperate. This may be a viable option for those who have difficulty accessing Forestville.

That’s it for now except for one final word of thanks to all the volunteers who keep the organization running. We could not do it without you!

Take care

Lyle VanderSchaaf
[email protected]
President Noquemanon Trail Network