Laserfiche WebLink
27 December, 2017 <br />ORONO PARKS Proposal <br />CROSS COUTRY SKIING ON BIG ISLAND <br />My wife Jeanne and moved to Excelsior to run the Bird House Inn on Excelsior Bay in 2012 and <br />noticed immediately that Water Street was busier with guests and visitors in the summer than <br />in the winter. Thus, we started the Big Island and Back (BIAB) Nordic Ski Dash with 25 friends <br />and a volunteer groomer. We will be holding the fourth public version of the event and expect <br />over 200 participants on January 281h, 2017. In 2014, we moved to Orono and bought a house <br />on Lafayette Bay. Since then, I travel about once a week via skis, snowshoes, flat tire bike, <br />canoe, kayak, or SUP out to Big Island and explore. I am amazed at what a great place it is and <br />how few people, especially in the winter, ever visit. <br />PROPOSAL <br />We are proposing that the event, BIAB, create a temporary groomed trail in the Orono Big <br />Island Nature Park along existing trails, for public use for as long as it lasts. The goal would be <br />to test the feasibility of providing a ski trail around the island and into the park on a regular <br />basis. Initially, the trail would be a single wide classic pair of tracks, designed to be two way, <br />with minimal temporary signage provided by BIAB. This is NOT intended to be a part of the <br />event. <br />OUTCOME <br />If the test run works, the desired outcome would be for the city of Orono to purchase a <br />groomer and maintain a trail using existing tracked vehicles already owned by the city. if the <br />trail was determined to be low enough impact, it is possible that the classic portion of the <br />course could include a portion of the island. <br />NEXT STEPS <br />If city staff would be willing to consider this option, BIAB could apply for a permit and take on <br />all responsibility for the 2017 season, which would run approximately from January 21 through <br />February 12. 1 would be willing to present this idea in person to the appropriate audience. <br />have read through the entire November 2011 Big Island Park Management Plan, including the <br />city ordinance and MCWD easement. Based on those documents, this appeaser to be an <br />activity that would be compatible with both. <br />Thanks for your consideration <br />Rick Carter, Race Director BIAB <br />612.385.5182 <br />