South Flower X-Country Skiing
by Susie and Greg Rice
December 18, 2008
We have a couple items to share with you:
As of last Saturday (Dec. 13), Greg groomed South Flower. There was 10" of snow at the gate and 16" at the top of the clearcut. (Editor’s note: there’s A LOT more snow now!) Everything is groomed (skating and classic track). Conditions for first grooming are good with just some rye grass and an occasional rock showing. If you have waxable skis -- it should be green wax. There's lots of firewood so come on up and build a fire.
Also, the grant we applied for from Fish, Wildlife and Parks: WE GOT IT! We haven't received the letter, but we've spoken to them and the grant is for between $18,000 and $20,000! Thanks to Mark Mason for writing the grant! Rarely do first time applicants get funded, but, thanks to Mark, we did!
Funds from the grant will purchase:
a) a new snowmobile which we will take possession of after the first of the year. Mark Mason has arranged for us to borrow a snowmobile trailer from the Troy District USFS. We are looking for a place to park the snow machine on the trailer when not grooming so that it can thaw out. Anyone out there with empty enclosed space with electricity?
b) new grooming equipment available in February. Until then, we'll use the new snowmobile to tow the old equipment which we are now storing at the picnic shelter.
c) shelter for this new equipment: Originally we had talked of an enclosed trailer, but considering vandalism and the snow machine freezing in place in the trailer...we are now in conversation with the Forest Service to apply for a RAC grant to build a shelter/garage on course to store everything. We would have some funds left from the FWP grant to lever toward the RAC grant. If all goes well, this could happen next summer!
Also, we expect to get the lanterns hung and the propane tanks in place to begin night skiing Saturday, December 20.
We are open to volunteers for grooming (you no longer have to load and unload our little truck!) and for getting the lanterns and tanks placed and for being a Saturday night lamplighter/fire starter. Please email me if you can help!
We'll have a meeting Monday, January 5 at the First National Bank Community Room to discuss additional jobs -- like locking the gates plus an update on the ski loans with Libby Schools, lessons, biathlon, a playday etc.! Come and share your ideas!
Susie and Greg
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