A possible new proposal for cross-country trails

SANDS TOWNSHIP -- Cross-country ski trails in Michigan may be seeing a big change in the future.  At a meeting Wednesday night, the Friends of Blueberry Ridge announced to the public their intention to enlist the state's help to institute the use of seasonal trail passes.  The group was formed last year after funding delays threatened the Blueberry Ridge Ski Trail's winter grooming, which is one of the reasons they came up with the idea.

The process has already been put in motion after board members talked to several Upper Peninsula legislators.

"The legislature has to give the DNR the authority to do this," said Paul Hannuksela, a board member for the Friends of Blueberry Ridge.  "The DNR can't do it on its own."

The premise is simple:  skiers would purchase a pass every season in order to use trails across the state.

"The annual pass would be issued much like a hunting and fishing license," Hannuksela said.

Funds from the sale of licenses would be earmarked for trail grooming and improvements.  Currently, trails receive funding from the state through the DNR, but having revenue from the licenses would help ensure that potential budget cuts would not have a negative impact on the maintenance of the trails.

The idea has been well-received by legislators, though the group plans to wait until after the November 4 election before proceeding.  Their intention is to wait until January when legislators have been installed in their offices.

Funding for the grooming of Blueberry Ridge has already been approved for this year, however, the work has not been contracted yet and is not due to start until December.

It was also announced at the meeting that the DNR has received a $15,000 grant that will be matched by Marquette's Board of Light and Power to upgrade and extend lighting along the trail.