The Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority is jeopardizing access to quality Nordic skiing in the Sault, says David Urso, past president of the Kinsmen Club.
Today at the Water Tower Inn, Urso told media that cross-country skiing is about to suffer a major setback because the conservation authority is planning to essentially rent out its portion of the Hiawatha Ski Trails, effectively severing that 8.5-kilometre stretch from the other trails.
He said that the conservation authority has put out a request for proposals to operate those trails that's so restrictive it's more like a call for quotes than a call for proposals.
"We felt our message wasn't getting out there," said Urso. "So we thought it was time to put it on the table to let people know what was happening out at Kinsmen Park and the Hiawatha highlands and what impact this is going to have on cross-country skiing."
The conservation authority's request for proposals on its portion of the Hiawatha trails will make it necessary for the Kinsmen Club and Sault Finnish Nordic Ski Club relocate all of their assets from conservation authority lands, said Urso.
Up until June of this year, the whole trail system was operated as a partnership between the conservation authority, Kinsmen Club, City of Sault Ste. Marie and Sault Finnish Nordic Ski Club under Sault Trails and Recreation (STAR).
When STAR was dissolved in June, the conservation authority decided to tender out care of its portion of the trails.
Sault Finnish Nordic Ski Club President Kevin Hogan said that the club offered to continue management of the whole 36-kilometre trail system.
The Kinsmen thought this was a good idea.
"The Sault Finnish Nordic Ski Club has a considerable sweat investment in that trail system," said Urso. "In order for that venture to succeed we need the knowledge and experience that club brings to the table."
Urso and Hogan are wondering why the conservation authority is refusing to allow their clubs access to their trails on conservation authority lands, forcing them to relocate a parking lot, portions of an illuminated trail and non-illuminated trail, effectively segregating their interests.
