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Trail clubs warn bridge loss and outdated landowner leases threaten snowmobile network
Summary
Trail reports described multiple bridge replacements, a revoked access lease that will remove a key bridge, numerous out-of-date landowner agreements, and several costly trail repairs; clubs sought county help and grant-writing assistance.
Club representatives told the committee that several bridges and stretches of snowmobile trail need repair or relocation and that many landowner-usage agreements are out of date. "That bridge has to be removed," said John Westfall (club representative) when describing a bridge over Dragon Creek where a landowner refused to renew a 20-year voluntary lease.
The loss of that bridge would cut a significant part of the trail system, and club officers said rerouting the trail or relocating the bridge would be costly. Westfall told the committee the county could lose about 5 to 8 miles of trail routing in the area if the bridge cannot be reused, and that grooming costs related to lost miles would be "anywhere from 15 to $2,000 every time we groom that we're gonna lose out on money." The clubs also described a broader problem: many landowner-usage agreements trace back decades and are not current. "None of the landowner usage agreements are up to date. That's 1 of the biggest issues in this county," Westfall said.
Other site-specific needs and cost estimates provided by club representatives included a rough $9,000 estimate to rebuild approaches and culverts for steep approaches at Peaksville Road, an estimated $2,700 to fill sections near 351 and Gordon Lake Road, and unpriced estimates for other washed-out sections and cemetery-area work. Club leaders asked the county to help with culverts, fill, and equipment; volunteers alone said they cannot cover all costs.
Grants and cooperation: Committee members and county staff noted a county grant writer could support clubs seeking outside funding. One county staff member said she had researched grant opportunities and offered to help with writing and training for local clubs.
Outcome and next steps: The committee accepted the report and approved the alliance's informational request. Clubs will continue to pursue county and DNR assistance for bridge replacement, landowner agreements, and trail repairs. The alliance also said it opted out of Tri County corridor dirt work and grooming this season after concluding the work caused financial loss.
