President’s Message: Hi Members,
Well winter is almost over in the Northland and some of us will be sad to see it go. We need to get out and enjoy the beauty of the snow while it is still here. Remember with the warming weather comes an increase risk if traveling on frozen waterways. Avoid traveling on the ice if at all possible, because of the early heavy snowfall we experienced this winter the ice never did become strong. There have been reports of vehicles breaking through the ice all winter. Luckily most of our snowmobile trails in Washburn do not include travel across lakes so we can enjoy them in safety. Remember “Ride Safe” Greg
TRAIL REPORT: A couple reminders for groomer drivers…. be very aware of signing. With the deep snow conditions we must really work the corners to get the berms down, also keep an eye on the clock for grease jobs and faulty lights etc. Now with the warm sun, be careful to not have the snow ball up in the blades…start real early or go after sundown, I prefer early early. Big news on the grant for Hwy 70 at Cargills…. we will have a new crossing next season. Stay tuned for details! What a season we have had both with great snow and problems with groomers. Thanks for all the great help!
If you have some time to help on the trails or see a problem, please call Jim at 715-635-8661.
AWSC “Celebrate Snowmobiling in Wisconsin” VIP Ride:
A group of approximately 70 people, from all over the state, snowmobiled into Trego last Friday for the First Annual Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs “Celebrate Wisconsin Snowmobiling VIP Ride”. Representatives from numerous clubs, business owners, Washburn and Burnett County Tourism, staff from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and Department of Natural Resources, and even Senator and Mrs. Dale Schultz, were among those who participated in the inaugural ride.
A huge “Thank You” to all the club members and dealers that helped make this a success!
AWSC Cap/Step Update
Feb. 20th, the State Assembly passed Assembly Bill 407, the CAP/STEP bill. The final vote on passage was 89-6. We strongly encourage you to send an email or card to Rep. Mary Czaja thanking her for her hard work and her dedication to passing AB-407 through the Assembly.
There are many other legislators to thank and quite a few played significant roles including Assembly co-author Rep. Chris Danou. In the final days and hours, it was the hard work of Rep. Czaja in collaboration with Rep. John Nygren, Rep. Dean Kaufert and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos that brought this bill to the floor for a successful vote.
CAP/STEP, as passed by the Assembly currently includes:
A two-tiered trail pass requirement at an annual cost of $30/non-member and $10/club & AWSC member
Provides a free annual trail pass sticker to be displayed on sleds 30 years and older.
Increases the non-resident trail pass fee from current $35/year to $50/year.
Moves to a $30/3 year registration fee structure.
Includes a 4-year sunset clause which requires evaluation prior to renewal of CAP/STEP.
The next phase of the process is consideration by the full Senate. We strongly recommend you continue contacting your State Senators for their votes in favor of CAP/STEP. Passage by the Senate would then direct CAP/STEP to the Governor for his consideration.
As always, we will do our best to keep you informed should further activity take place.
2014 Winter Club Trip
Rolling Hills Snowmobile & ATV Club 