Greyling Brandt (USFS), Ted Young (BCT), Steve Schug (USFS), Barb Bottger (BTA)

Forest Service Unable To Offer Financial Assistance For Banadad Trail in 2010

Barb Bottger, Gunflint Trail- Jim Morrison, Ted Young and I met with Steve Schug and Greyling Brandt from the Gunflint Ranger District, USFS, on April 23 to discuss the 2010 Banadad Trail Work Plan.  Steve commended the BTA for the excellent report/plan that was submitted and stated that none of the other trail associations they work with have even submitted a plan yet. (Jim Morrison was paged out on a fire call before we took the photo!)

The tough news from Steve was the fact that they have no funds to offer this year.  In past years, the USFS contributed up $1500 toward the maintenance of the Banadad through the Forest Service’s Cost Share program.

Schug said the only aid would come through the Minnesota Conservation Corp crew (MCC) whose budget comes from federal stimulus funds.  The MCC would work on the interior widening project near the Banadad Bridge with the Forest Service providing two canoes for MCC to travel to the work site. The possibility of another MCC crew for some additional work was left open.

Greyling agreed to assist the Association in preparing large trail maps and to provide map display posts and boards (called “bird cages”) for along the trail.

Schug also informed us that the USFS would no longer be able to provide liability insurance for our volunteer trail crews.

According to Ted Young, “Without finance assistance from the USFS we are confronted with about a $2000 deficit in this year’s $9000 projected maintenance budget. (See Trail Plan- section IV. Projects and Plans)

Cook County, between the Gunflint Trail’s three Ski systems, the North Shore and Pincushion Trails, has over four hundred kilometers of groomed trails. To highlight these trails, on Saturday January 23 the county is conducting the Volk Ski 400. Each of the county’s’ ski areas are being asked to have skiers ski their entire system. As part of the event contributions will be accepted to support Pancreatic Cancer Research.

We think this is a great event and it should be lots of fun. You can join in the fun by becoming part of the Banadad’s Volk Ski relay by joining- Team Banadad. Skiers on Team Banadad will each ski a portion of the Banadad’s 39 kilometers. . You choose the portion of the Banadad you wish to ski and hopefully together the team will be able to cover the entire trail system.

Lodging along the Banadad Ski Trail at Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B and Cabins available at 30% off  and Boundary Country Trekking will pay the $10 registration fee for all Team Banadad participants. All participants will each receive a colorful T-shirt. While this is not a race, skiers will be asked to time their treks. Times will then be posted that day at Poplar Creek Guesthouse and on www.volksskifest.com website.

Also Donations will be accepted for Pancreatic Cancer Research at trail check-in areas and a Volks Ski 400 pin is your gift for your donation. Skiers are encouraged to dress in purple to show your support!

To Sign up for Team Banadad email us at bct@boundarycountry.com or call 218-388-4487.

Those who volunteered their time  in the booth were Peter Spink, Wayne and Karen Monsen, Doug and Therese White, Tom Rice, Chris Bosma, Linda Matter, Karla Miller and the two Minnehaha Academy Ski Team members .  Also thanks to Anne Rykken who designed the Association’s brochure and provide the poster displayed at the booth.

Members of the Association also talked about the Banadad and the Association during Ted Young yurt to yurt skiing presentations held at the Humphrey Institute.

Prior to the meeting the North Stars Ski Touring Club will spend the day clearing the Banadad. The public is invited to join-in. Meet at the Poplar Creek Guesthouse at 9:00 AM if you would like to help. Wear work clothes including water proof boots and bring your lunch. Tools will be provided.

For additional information on the Meeting, the Potluck and the trail workday contact 218-388-4487.

The Banadad Trail Association’s Annual Meeting and Potluck is scheduled for 5:00 PM, Saturday October 24 at the Poplar Creek Guesthouse B&B, 11 Poplar Creek Dr. on the Gunflint Trail. The meeting will be followed by a social get-together and potluck dinner. Anyone interested in and/or who skis this unique Boundary Waters trail is invited. Bring dish to pass.

Prior to the meeting the North Stars Ski Touring Club will spend the day clearing the Banadad. The public is invited to join-in. Meet at the Poplar Creek Guesthouse at 9:00 AM if you would like to help. Wear work clothes including water proof boots and bring your lunch. Tools will be provided.

For additional information on the Meeting, the Potluck and the trail workday contact 218-388-4487.