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Committee hears trail conditions update and Birkie weekend economic impact estimate
Summary
Officials reported limited snowmobile season, upcoming spring‑thaw trail closures and an economic impact estimate for the American Birkebeiner weekend of about $5 million and $30 million annually to Hayward.
Sawyer County committee members received a trails update detailing limited snowmobile use this season, spring‑thaw closures and an economic impact estimate tied to Hayward's cross‑country ski events.
Kathy Litterum, who submitted the trails report, wrote that snowmobile trails were usable for approximately one month and that conditions vary by location; the Alliance stopped grooming several weeks earlier and lake markers have been removed. The report lists spring thaw closures: the County Forest closes April 1 through May 15, the Chequamegon area closes March 15 to May 1, and the Chippewa/Columbia River State Forest (as reported) closes to ATV/UTV use November 15 to May 15; club and trail dates can change with weather, and approved road routes remain open.
Tom Duffy, speaking about the recent winter events, said race organizers reported about 13,000 racers and an estimated 25,000 spectators during the event weekend. He said a University of Wisconsin economic impact study estimated the event generated about $5,000,000 for the weekend and about $30,000,000 annually for Hayward.
Duffy said other trail work will continue this spring and summer, including maintenance on the southern half of a local trail and additional snowmaking work under consideration.
