Chris Treeland Newman, a public commenter who identified himself as representing the Sawyer County Snowmobile and ATV Alliance, told the committee that several reroutes have been completed to move trails off private land and that signage work with Sawyer County Forestry and the Highway Department is nearly finished.

Newman said a recent rehab was completed from Wood Dale Road into Birchwood to the county line and reported 31,304 state trail passes sold as of Saturday evening. He described long-running fundraising efforts — including a 20-gun raffle and an annual holiday gala — that together raised “over a $100,000” in the last six years to upgrade equipment and maintain trails.

Later in the meeting Newman returned to trail concerns, saying heavy freezing rain took “a great toll on our trails.” He estimated the cost to clear and repair trails at “60 to $75,000,” and said that amount is not in the Alliance’s budget. "We are, seeking that avenue to try and gain some other funds because those 60 to 75,000 is not in our budget," Newman said.

Newman and other speakers described volunteer efforts and the start of an online GiveButter fundraiser to help cover the damage. In answer to questions about participation, Newman said snowmobiling participation is “way down” in recent years and that side-by-side vehicles have picked up some of the activity but face restrictions once grooming begins.

The committee did not take formal action on the Alliance’s request during the meeting. Newman also noted the county has not yet appointed a representative to the committee and said either he or Susan Mallet will continue submitting quick reports until an appointment is made.

The alliance’s reports and the fundraising campaign will be matters for follow-up; the meeting record shows no county-directed commitment or budget allocation at this session.