Volunteers report trail work, new counters and grant applications as county gears up for snow season

Volunteers with the Sawyer County Snowmobile and ATV Alliance told the Sawyer County board they are continuing trail brushing and clearing and have submitted required grant paperwork now awaiting Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approval.

Chris Treeland Newman, a volunteer liaison between County Forestry and the Alliance, said she and volunteer Susan Mallett are filling interim roles while the Alliance seeks a permanent replacement for Kathy. "I am the liaison between County Forestry and the Sawyer County Snowbelt and ATV Alliance, so I work closely with Greg Peterson on trails and grants," Treeland Newman said. She added that Mallett has taken over the trail counter and that the Alliance expects to provide counter data soon.

Volunteers reported putting a new trail segment between Twin Lakes Road and Highway 77 into service to move some traffic off the Highway 77 right‑of‑way. The Alliance also said both ATV and snowmobile clubs are working together on trail prep ahead of the season and that grant applications for trail funds have been submitted and are pending DNR approval after prior state approvals.

Tom Duffy, who reported on cross‑country skiing operations, said registration stood at about 8,500 skiers and organizers hope to reach 11,000 if snow conditions are favorable. "The snow guns are ready to go, and all we need now is some cold weather," Duffy said. He also said crews finished mowing and brushing on the Brookie Trail, that a non‑snow Thanksgiving training camp called the Turkey Brookie is planned, and that new bleachers at the Lumberjack Bowl had been completed.

No formal board action was taken on the reports; the updates were provided as informational items.