I am going to Juneau March 4th to fight for our SnowTRAC program. Thank you Bill Stearns with Brown Bear Expresso/D&S Road Services, For donating Miles for my ticket to Juneau!!
February 28, 2019
Dear Governor Dunleavy,
I am writing to protest your action of removing the Snowmobile Trails Grant Program from the State budget.
As a member of the Petersville Community Non-Profit Corp. and a user of the Petersville Community Snowmobile trail system, I am sorely disappointed about your decision to dissolve the Snowmobile Trails Advisory Council and seize funds to be utilized for a purpose for which they were never intended.
I would like to clarify the Snowmobile Trails Grant Program is funded through a self-imposed user tax, or snowmobile registration/point of sale user fees, that has been in place since 1997. The program was intended to be self-sustaining due to the recurring registration fees paid directly to the state DNR and the point of sale registration fees collected by snowmachine dealers. This money was to be used to fund the Trails Grant Program, which would cover grooming operations of approved trails, and safety programs. 12% of the funds cover the costs of State employees administering the program and administrative fees. The grant application process was designed to allocate funds to the various snowmachine clubs and groomers in the State, which had approved snowmachine trails in the Trails Grant Program. The SnowTRAC program was intended to support the local communities and boost the winter tourism and economy.
Please consider that the snowmobilers spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in our winter economy which otherwise would be slow. Winter tourism is on the rise because of the groomed trails, which provide responsible riding and safety.
Groomed trails help in resolving conflict with property owners and land managers where snowmachining is prohibited.
The groomed trails have also helped considerably in the keeping the cost of State of Alaska Search and Rescue to a minimal. With signs, maps and groomed trails, Riders are less likely to get lost. That means the Troopers are called out less so the cost to the State of Alaska is less. Since the groomed trails have been introduced, Petersville Search and Rescue has had less rescues to respond to so these trails provide safety as well.
While I understand that the State is faced with many hard financial decisions, I hope you may consider doing the right thing by reinstating this program.The SnowTRAC program benefits all Alaskans and anyone who wants to enjoy all that Alaska has to offer in the winter. SnowTRAC saves lives, promotes safety, stimulates the economy, and creates jobs.
The SnowTRAC program is a one of a kind in this State and should be an example for other user groups for their service needs so as not to stress the State of Alaska budget.
This letter represents the entities listed below and the Cabin owners of the Petersville Community who has one of the largest trail systems in the State of Alaska, 150 square miles. We have 380 Property/cabin owners who use this trail system for hauling fuel, supplies, and any other necessities.
The trails are multi use so they benefit the following user groups: Dog Teams, Snowmobiles, Hikers, Fat Tire Bikers and Skiers.
Without the SnowTRAC program Alaska will be “closed for business” in the winter.
Respectfully,
Michele Stevens
President
Petersville Community Non-Profit Corp.
Below is a list of businesses, clubs, and lodges that will be directly affected or may close their doors if the SnowTRAC program is discontinued:
CLUBS
Petersville Community NPC, Curry Ridge Riders, Homer Snomads, Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers,Willow Trail Committee
Alaska Motor Mushers, Mid Valley Trails, Kachemack Nordic Ski Club, Big Lake Trails. Mat Su Vintage Club, Anchorage Snowmobile Club, Lake Louise Snowmachine Club (Wolfpack), Valdez Snowmachine Club, Homer Cycling clubs
Kachemack Ski Club (Homer Rope Tow)
BUSINESSES
Three Bears Big Lake & Healy, Triple J Restaurant, Big Lake Family Restaurant, The Moonshine Shop, Aardvark Restaurant
Tesoro Big Lake and Talkeetna Y, Brewed Oasis Coffee Shop, Newmans Hilltop,Cubby’s,Willow Trading Post, Cycle Logical
The Alaska Market Place,Totem Restaurant and Inn, Chevron Cantwell, Tesu Cantwell, A2D Sledworks , Alaska Snowmobile Salvage, Alaskan Off-Road Adventures LLC, Boreal Back-country Inc, Off the Grid Rentals
LODGES
Skwenta Roadhouse, Fireweed Lodge, Forks Roadhouse, Yentna Station, Alpine Creek Lodge, Gate Creek Cabins
MacLaren River Lodge, McDougal lodge, Eagle Quest Cabins and Lodge, Rebels Roost, Sheep Creek Lodge, Shell Lake Lodge, Eureka Lodge, Telvista Lodge, Sheep Mountain Lodge, Bentalit Lodge, Lake Louise Lodge, C C L Lodge, Northwood’s Lodge, Freddie’s Roadhouse, Alaska Heritage Lodge, Deshka Wilderness Lodge, Driftwood Inn, Kachemack Bay Wilderness Lodge, Baycrest Lodge, Alaska Adventure Cabins, Beluga Lake Lodge, Alaska Winter Park Cabins, Pioneer Lodge, Willow Island Resort, Alaska Host B&B, Otter Beach Lodges, Otter Cove Resort, Soaring Eagle Lodge (Ninilchick)
Lands End Resort , Kenai Peninsula Suites, Bear Creek Bend LLC, The Point Lodge, North Country Inn
DEALERS
Hatcher Pass Polaris, Anchorage Yamaha/Polaris, McKinley Polaris, Team CC Anchorage/Wasilla, Eagle River Polaris/Arctic Cat, Alaska Mining and Diving, Anchorage Suzuki Arctic Cat, Alaska Cycle Center, Big Lake Power Sports
House of Yamaha, Wasilla Arctic Cat & Marine, Peninsula Ski Doo, Homer Saw and Cycle, Lower Peninsula Power Sports
All Seasons Honda
DOG MUSHING EVENTS
Iditarod, Susitna 50, Jr. Iditarod, Susitna 100, Klondike 300, Willow 300, Tustumena 200, Denali Doubles Freddie’s Midnight Run Sled dog Race, Copper Basin 300
EVENTS
Irondog Race, Freddie’s Drag Racing, Skwenta 200, Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers Family ,Fun Day, Caroling with Kathy
Numerous fundraisers between lodges, Bird Homestead Golf Tournament, Big Lake Family Fun Run
Snomads Kick - Off Party, Meet and Greet with Iron Dog Racers, Cory Davis & Team Event (stunt snowmachine rider)
Caribou Hills Kickoff Party, Military Appreciation Day’s, Way out Women for Cancer
Petersville Community Fun Run and Easter Egg Hunt Ladies Ride for Cancer, Sponsor Trail rides for locals and tourist
Sled for Hope (Fundraiser ride for Pacific Northwest Adult and Teen Challenge programs), Alaska SnowX, Homer Epic
Iditasport Alaska
FAT TIRE BIKES
Fat tires bikes Alaska
Fat Freddie’s bike race
Big Fat Bike Festival
WHOLE COMMUNITIES THAT WOULD BE AFFECTED
Big Lake, Petersville, Ninilchik, Trapper Creek, Cantwell, Willow, Homer, Skwentna, Healey