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MAKE YOUR OWN SNOWSHOES? IT'S NOT THAT HARD
The basic snowshoe weaving pattern has many applications, and several weekend classes at Trees For Tomorrow this winter will give participants an opportunity to take advantage of this versatility by creating
snowshoes, furniture or dog sleds. "Trees" is located in Eagle River, Wis.
"We're offering three 'make them yourself' snowshoe sessions starting
with one on December 6 8," said program coordinator Rob Wiener. "Others will follow on January 24 26 and February 7 9. We're also offering a dog kick sled building session on January 24 26 and a
snowshoe furniture class on March 14 16."
Wiener said each of the weekend getaways would be taught by several experienced weaving instructors.
"Personalized instruction is one of the trademarks of our snowshoe sessions," he says. "We don't just leave you alone with the materials and
an instruction sheet but we're right there to assist with whatever level of advice and encouragement is necessary. Also, we limit class sizes so there's a low teacher to participant ratio."
Wiener said snowshoe weavers can choose from three snowshoe styles the Alaskan, Ojibwa or Bearpaw. The furniture option this year is a snowshoe rocking chair. He said all framing material is white ash or
maple, bindings are leather and the webbing is a woven material that turns an attractive amber color after varnishing.
"Our snowshoe classes this year cost $239 per person including all
meals, snacks, lodging, materials and instruction," Wiener adds. "The dog kick sled and snowshoe rocking chair sessions cost $269 for the same
package. Discounts are available for pre payment and there's a 10 percent special discount in effect for the December snowshoe class."
Trees For Tomorrow is an accredited natural resource specialty school and instruction is offered in a large, carpeted central classroom. Lodging
is in lodge style single room student dormitories with lounges, fireplaces and central baths. Meals are served in a historic dining hall overlooking
the Eagle River chain of 28 lakes. The dining hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Trees For Tomorrow campus is located on 35 wooded acres just blocks from downtown Eagle River.
Those wishing more information are invited to call 800/838 9472 for a free brochure.
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RAISE THE FLAG TO RAISE MUCH NEED MONEY AT MINOCQUA WINTER PARK
Skiers will have an opportunity to show pride in their ancestry and support the Minocqua Winter Park ski center at the same time. Several
poor snow years in a row have left one of the Midwest's finest ski areas in dire financial shape. In an effort to retire some of the debt, skiers can help raise the flag, literally, of their ancestral nation.
This winter, Winter Park's parking lot and walkway to the main building will take on a festive look, ringed with flags representing a dozen countries, including, of course, the U.S. and state of Wisconsin. Skiers
can add their names or the name of their business to a plaque that will be fixed to each flag pole. The suggested donation is $100.
The Stars and Bars will be on a pole slightly higher than the others, 18 to
20 feet, with the Wisconsin flag flying beneath it. Each three-by-five-foot flag representing the other countries will be on poles approximately 12 to 15 feet high.
The flag-raising plan was born during brainstorming ideas to aid the financially struggling ski center. Dr. Jim Mullen, who purchased and donated the flags, sees great potential in raising funds while raising flags.
"For instance, we already have several people who are donating to the Swedish flag, and the U.S. flag will, of course, be popular."
The list of flags includes World Loppet nations Finland, Sweden, Norway, Russia, Italy, Austria, Canada, Japan, Australia, France and, because of the heritage in the Minocqua area, Ireland and Great Britain.
There will also be a second USA flag with an Olympic flag flying beneath it.
The flag raising is just one plan in an ongoing effort to keep the ski center
operational. Last spring, Winter Park hosted a fund-raising mountain bike race. In late December, there are tentative plans for an appearance by Olympian John Bauer, followed by a concert led by Jim Didominico, an
elite skier and frontman for the popular Chicago area rock band, Underwater People. While not confirmed at press time, the tentative plan is to have Bauer give an overview of the thrilling Olympic relay at Salt
Lake City and be available during the day at the ski center. Didominico would recruit area musicians, among them Danny Lincoln, for the concert at an as yet to be determined location. The tentative date is Dec. 28.
Winter Park is also planning to do more to make the ski center even more family friendly in the near future. A sprint relay course is being set
up for both adults and kids, a kid's play area is being established and a Junior Ski Festival is planned during the March 1 Howard Young Cup races.
For more information on the flag raising, concert or other
events/activities, contact Minocqua Winter Park, 12375 Scotchman Lake Rd., Minocqua, WI 54548; 715/356-3309; www.skimwp.org.
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SNOWSHOE DEMO AT AFTERGLOW
The Atlas Snowshoe Company, Mel's Trading Post and Afterglow Lake Resort are coming together to put on a snowshoeing event for first time and experienced snowshoers.
Dec. 15 will be a great time on snowshoes at Afterglow.There will be guided snowshoe hikes on the hour from 11a.m. through 2 p.m. Atlas
snowshoes will be available for these hikes. Mel's Trading Post will be on hand with snowshoe demos. Many snowshoe brands and models will be available to demo.
In addition to its great ski trails, Afterglow Lake Resort has seven miles of marked snowshoe trails. Located near Phelps, about 17 miles north of Eagle River, Afterglow is just far enough up to get hit by the Lake
Superior "lake effect" snow. As a result, Afterglow often has great conditions when, just 20 miles to the south, the trails are bare.
For more information: www.afterglowresort.com; info@afterglowresort.com; www.afterglowresort.com; 715/545 2560.
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GRABAAWR & SAGBRAW ROUTES FOR 2003
In a radical departure from the usual, Sprocket's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Wisconsin (SAGBRAW) will enter Michigan next year before turning south toward Milwaukee.
SAGBRAW, Wisconsin's oldest cross state tour, will be held August 3 9, 2003. The route will be from Marinette to Port Washington, just north
of Milwaukee. While the riders will generally head south, the first day will be an exception.
SAGBRAW's first day will consist of a loop from Marinette up and back
along the Menomonee River into the upper peninsula of Michigan. It will be the first time in the event's 26 year history that the riders will venture
out of state. Organizers said the route will be on many of the scenic roads used by the highly popular Menominee River Century.
After a second overnight at Marinette, the ride will head south, with other
overnights in Green Bay, Menasha, Waupun and Hartford.
The 18th GReat Annual Bicycle Adventure Along the Wisconsin River will be held June 28 to July 5 on a route from Eagle River to Prairie du
Chien. Overnight cities will include Rhinelander, Wausau, Wisconsin Rapids, Mauston, Portage and Spring Green.
Cyclists can sign up for all or part of either event. Both rides attract over
1,000 participants. SAGBRAW had 1,245 riders in 2002, and GRABAAWR had 1,100.
For information on the events, cyclists should contact Bike Wisconsin at
PO Box 310, Spring Green, WI 53588; telephone (toll free) 1 888/575 3640; wisbike@mhtc.net; www.bikewisconsin.org.
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MADISON BIKE SHOP OWNER HONORED
A foundation and an advocacy organization have joined together to honor a prominent Madison bicycle shop owner for his long history of
supporting bicycling through major financial contributions.
The Dane County Bicycle Association (DCBA) and Bike Wisconsin Education and Action Coalition (BWEAC) both voted to honor Andy
Muzi, owner of the Yellow Jersey bike shop in Madison. Over the past 23 years Muzi has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to a fund that is being used as a perpetual source of funding for bicycle club and
advocacy projects throughout the state.
Yellow Jersey started out in 1971 as a bicycle cooperative in the area of the University of Wisconsin. In 1979, the co op board disbanded and
sold to Muzi, who created the current Yellow Jersey bicycle shop in Madison. Over the years, the money Muzi has paid to purchase the co op has gone into a fund administered by DCBA. Proceeds from the
invested funds are used to award thousands of dollars in grants to bicycle clubs and advocacy organizations each year.
Earlier this year, Muzi made the final payment on the purchase of the co
op and was lauded by DCBA for his contributions.
BWEAC, which is a bicycle lobbying organization associated with the GRABAAWR and SAGBRAW bicycle tours, awards an annual "service
to bicycling" award. The award honors an individual whose contributions to cycling have stood out.
Past recipients have included state highway planner Michael Rewey of
Madison, a bicyclist who has been instrumental in ensuring that southern Wisconsin road projects are bicycle friendly, and Chris Kegel, Milwaukee, owner of the Wheel & Sprocket bicycle shops and a leader
in state and national bicycle advocacy.
"Not only did Andy make a major contribution to cycling by enabling DCBA to have the funds needed to support bicycling initiatives," says Bill
Hauda, DCBA vice president and BWEAC executive director, "but he has actively supported bicycle racing and other activities through his shop during the past two decades. The boards of both groups felt he was an
exceptional individual who needed to be recognized for his important contributions to and continued support of cycling."
DCBA is in the process of soliciting requests for grants that will be
awarded in early 2003.
"Although the amounts of individual grants and loans vary, DCBA has awarded an average total of about $8,000 per year for bicycling related
projects," points out Susan Kavulich, DCBA president.
Kavulich said that, while grants can be made for any bicycling related projects, DCBA is particularly interested in receiving proposals for
bicycling education in grade schools, community based programs to encourage people to bike to work, and programs that encourage children to use their bicycles.
Criteria on which grant requests are evaluated, she said, include the potential for successful implementation, including effective organizational
structure and clear goals; the potential to benefit the greatest number of bicyclists; and the potential to improve conditions for bicycling on a long term basis.
While DCBA is physically located in the Madison area, grants have been made to organizations as far away as Milwaukee and for a diverse list of
projects. Previous grants have been awarded for projects ranging all the way from bike to work programs to installation of ham radio equipment that supports bicycle events. Money was even earmarked to help a town
board refurbish a water pump at a popular stop for cyclists.
Grant requests for 2003 funding must be received by DCBA by February 1, 2003. For more information on how to submit a grant
request, contact Susan Kavulich at 608/831 2643.
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NEW BIRKIE DIRECTOR BROADENS RACE AND TRAIL USAGE
When Shirley Riedmann jumped into her new position as executive director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation, she hit the ground
running and hasn't stopped since. Now, six months after she took over the reigns of the organization, she reflects on the positive energy of the foundation, the volunteers, the skiers and the Hayward and Cable
communities.
"It's exciting to be involved in something that requires such a team effort from staff, volunteers, businesses and support organizations," Riedmann
says. "The saying 'No man (or woman!) is an island' is so true of the commitment it takes to sustain a nonprofit organization such as ours.
"It's really great to be part of something that promotes fitness, goal setting and individual competition. I like the idea that cross country skiing is a
lifelong sport that can be done individually, with family and friends, or in a competitive situation like the Birkie or Kortelopet. I want to broaden participation even more and encourage people to incorporate that
philosophy into their lifestyles."
Riedmann says she's impressed and inspired by the passion people have for the sport of cross country skiing and the Birkie. In addition to
planning for the 30th anniversary of the 51 kilometer international ski race in February 2003, she's also developing some new strategies for the organization.
"As I look to the future in my new role, I see the organization being recognized as a truly integrated community partner. We need to promote
the use of the trail from a four season tourism perspective ... competition, recreation, enjoyment and education. We need to embrace our long standing Birkie skiers while tapping into the youth, women and
recreational markets to sustain the organization long term. We have to expand our focus of running a superior cross country ski race once a year to also include developing ongoing fun events on a beautifully
maintained and environmentally challenging trail. Selfishly, I want to give more people reasons to come to the area and experience the Birkie trail year round!"
Riedmann will be working with the staff, volunteers and ABSF board of directors to develop annual women's ski clinics and youth programs, encourage year round trail utilization with hiking clinics or trail runs, and
promote education programs with area schools focusing on historic, scientific and instructional aspects of the Birkie trail and the area. She'll also work to enhance strong community connections and tourism
development.
"We have had our first success with a new women's clinic," Riedmann says. "In just one week, we took this idea from germination to the
recruiting of female coaches, securing seminar space and hotel accommodations to promoting the event. We had less than two months to accomplish all of these tasks but in the end, 20 women attended our
first annual clinic. The response was terrific, and they all want to come back next year."
Riedmann says she'd like to look at a similar format with coaches,
mentors and peer support for youth programs. As she explores new opportunities for year round trail use and educational opportunities, she'll also be learning the mechanics of staging the largest cross country ski
race in North America.
"I will be learning a lot this year about race operations, but I'd also like to learn a lot about what our customers, the skiers and spectators, are
thinking and experiencing. I want to get into their heads to know why they come to the Birkie each year and find out what their expectations are. We have tremendous support and loyalty. How can we build on
that, broaden and grow, encourage people to be part of this event?"
That's a tall order but nothing this high energy leader will shy away from.
After all, what better way to spend her "retirement" years? When Riedmann moved to Hayward in October 2001, she had no intention of working with the Birkie or any other organization, for that matter. She
had just taken early retirement from American Express, where she and her husband and son moved eight times in 16 years. Her background in marketing, finance and change management took her across the country
to offices in Madison, Chicago, Omaha, Salt Lake City, Scottsdale, New York and Minneapolis, as well as internationally to Sydney, Australia.
"Whenever we had a chance, my family and I spent time in Hayward," Riedmann says. "I've never found a place that gives me such a sense of
peace and tranquility. We always came here to relax. There is something that draws me back to the lakes, forest and people."
When her husband passed away following a car accident in 1997,
Riedmann decided she'd pursue their dream to retire in Hayward anyway. She tested the waters with a two year transitional move, spending four day weekends in the northwoods. When she no longer
wanted to go home to Minneapolis, she knew the time was right to move.
A few months later, she was applying for the position of executive
director of the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation. "A friend called and said, 'This would be a perfect job for you with your business background and your international experience.' I think she was tired of
hearing about my golf and fishing outings, but I had already decided to send my resume," Riedmann says.
Now, six months later, the new director with the energy to complete her
own behind the scenes organizational marathon is firmly entrenched and enjoying every minute of it.
With the 30th anniversary looming, Shirley Riedmann is counting down to
what she know will be an incredibly positive experience for skiers, participants, staff, volunteers, area residents, businesses, sponsors and herself.
Birkie 2003 30th anniversary festivities take place from Feb. 20 22, 2003. For more information or to register for the Johnson Bank American Birkebeiner, Kortelopet, Salomon Elite Sprints, Hayward
Chamber of Commerce Citizen Sprints, Century Tel Junior Birkie, Chequamegon Communications Cooperative 10K, Telemark Lodge Over the Hill race, or the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie, call 715/634 5025; e mail birkie@birkie.com, or log on to www.birkie.com.
Birkie 2003 is sponsored by Johnson Bank, Subaru, Murphy McGinnis Media and other businesses throughout the region and country.
Leslie Hamp
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COALITION PROPOSES "HALF A CENT FOR NATURE"
A coalition of state agencies and citizen groups has called for a new approach to what they maintain is one of the most critical issues facing Minnesota: The growing threats to the state's natural environment.
In a series of four press conferences held around the state, officials from state natural resource and environmental agencies detailed the need for a
long term, stable funding source if the state is to maintain its outdoors heritage and quality of life. They were joined by representatives from a
range of interest groups representing hunters, anglers, park users, lake associations, conservationists and the forest products industry, among others.
Dubbed "Half A Cent For Nature," the groups' proposal calls for dedicating half a cent of the sales tax on each dollar's purchases to Minnesota's natural environment. If approved by voters as a
constitutional amendment, it would replace money from the state's general fund for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Board of Water and
Soil Resources (BWSR), the Office of Environmental Assistance, and the Metropolitan Council's park system.
DNR Commissioner Allen Garber said state resource agencies rightfully
can point to numerous success stories in taking care of Minnesota's natural environment. But growing development pressures and increasing recreational demands are impacting resources as never before. Further
cutbacks in stewardship efforts would pose dire and lasting consequences for Minnesota's natural heritage.
"For as long as most of us can remember, whenever times get tough,
natural resources and the environment are among the first things cut not because they're unimportant, but because the impacts don't show up right away," said DNR Deputy Commissioner Steve Morse.
"Because Minnesota is fortunate to have a wealth of natural resources, we've often been able to get by with that. Now we're at the point where
we have to be more serious about taking care of what we have, or face the reality of losing it."
According to a recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service study, hunting,
angling and wildlife watching add up to a $3.5 billion industry in Minnesota. Yet natural resources and the environment account for less than 2 percent of the state's budget, Morse noted. Providing a stable
funding source to take care of the natural resources that support these industries and others is not only good stewardship, he said, it is a wise investment.
In addition to enhancing efforts to protect habitat and better manage state forests, parks and other lands, the Half Cent For Nature initiative would
help state agencies better address what Minnesotans cite as one of their top concerns: protection of the state's water resources.
"Minnesotans have consistently told us that they want clean and healthy
lakes, rivers and streams," said MPCA Commissioner Karen Studders. "If we want to continue touting ourselves as the land of 10,000 lakes, we
need stable funding to take better care of our water resources in the face of the growing pressures being put on them."
In particular, agencies will be able to expand outreach to local
government, where many of the decisions affecting water quality are made, said Ron Harnack, executive director of BWSR. They also will be able to better coordinate efforts to work with private landowners.
"Privately owned farmland and forestland cover more than three fourths of the state," Harnack said. "Enhancing conservation efforts on these
working lands will produce dramatic benefits for water quality, air quality, and fish and wildlife habitat, while maintaining our economic vitality and quality of life."
Representatives of interest groups participating in the press conferences offered broad support for the initiative.
"Nature provides us with a host of benefits that few states can rival," the
DNR's Garber said. "Giving half a cent back to nature seems a small price if we want to preserve these benefits for ourselves and for future generations."
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WOOD SKI WEBSITE
Mitch Mode's Cross Country Ski column last month about wood skis
brought a call from reader Bob Herubin from Clintonville, Wis. Mode lamented about his trouble finding anyone who sells new wood skis. Herubin called to say he recenly purchased some new wood skis from an
Internet site out of Norway: www.treski.no. Yes, there still is someone making wood skis available commercially.
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NEW GUNFLINT TRAIL B & B ASSOCIATION FORMED
Visitors to northeastern Minnesota's legendary Gunflint Trail now have new choices for overnight lodging and a new way to learn more about them. Three bed-and-breakfast inns opened on the Gunflint this past
year: Moosehorn Bed and Breakfast, Old Northwoods Lodge and Poplar Creek Guesthouse. They have joined with Clearwater Historic Lodge and are collectively known as Bed & Breakfasts and Historic Inns
of the Gunflint Trail. To reach potential guests with more information about the accommodations and special offers, the association has a new Web site at www.gunflintbb.com.
"We all felt there was a void in lodging for the visitor who wanted to spend just a night or two on the Gunflint Trail; most lodging on the trail
has been traditionally reserved for week long stays," explains Gale Quistad of Old Northwoods Lodge.
Among the members, there are a total of 10 bed-and-breakfast rooms
and four housekeeping suites. Amenities vary from inn to inn and include in-room whirlpools, fireplaces and decks overlooking lakes. Décor spans
the gamut from historic diamond willow furnishings, mission-style décor and Victorian antiques to cozy northwoods charm. Every overnight stay includes a hearty breakfast served with a helping of Gunflint Trail
hospitality.
Another feature found on the bed-and-breakfast group's new Web site is information on event specials. Go to www.gunflintbb.com/packages.html for additional information.
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WE N0 NAH CANOE IN SMITHSONIAN
A 14' Fisherman We no nah canoe is featured as part of a national
exhibit by the Lemelson Center now on display at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
The exhibit, titled Inventions at Play, is an interactive traveling exhibition for visitors of all ages that will explore the "playful side of invention and
the inventive side of play." The relationships among play, creativity and invention will be showcased through stories about the inventors and their inventions.
Part of this presentation features Dupont's Kevlar fabric, and items made from it including the We no nah canoe.
We no nah canoe was contacted by the science museum to provide a
Kevlar canoe for use in the exhibit. The canoe facility based in Winona, Minn., is renowned for its lightweight, Kevlar construction and hull designs. We no nah builds half of the Kevlar canoes sold in the world.
For more information on We no nah canoe, please check their Web site at www.wenonah.com or call 507/454 5430.
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BECOMING AN OUTDOORS WOMAN WINTER WORKSHOP
The Minnesota Becoming an Outdoors Woman program is offering a new way for women to enjoy winter in Minnesota while mastering new skills or polishing ones learned in the past. The BOW program will hold
its winter workshop Feb. 28 to March 2 at Gunflint Lodge near Grand Marais. The workshop will begin on Friday afternoon and continue until noon Sunday.
"Winter offerings vary considerably from our spring and fall workshops," said BOW coordinator Jean Bergerson. "Programs such as trapping and
polar fleece mitten making are only offered at our winter event. Of course, the weekend will be filled with traditional winter activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, dog mushing and cross country skiing.
"Workshop space is limited to 100 women," Bergerson said. "I expect the spaces to fill quickly."
Registration forms are available from the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources Information Center by calling 651/296 6157 or toll free 1 888/ MINNDNR (646 6367), or by calling Gunflint Lodge at 1 800/328 3325. Cost for the workshop is $215, which includes food,
lodging, class materials and equipment. Some scholarship assistance is available.
Gunflint Lodge is located about halfway up the Gunflint Trail from Grand
Marais, surrounded by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
"We are delighted to be back at Gunflint for this year's workshop,"
Bergerson said. "In the event of a low snow winter, this area of northeastern Minnesota is likely to have snow enough for all of our
activities. There is a lighted cross country ski trail for those who still have energy at the end of the day's activities."
Lodging will be in modern cabins.
The BOW program is designed for women over age 18 who are interested in learning or expanding their expertise in outdoor skills. The classes ore usually taught by women. Program fees include all the
equipment, hands on instruction and information to assist participants who wish to continue in that sport. The BOW program is currently being offered in 46 states and seven Canadian provinces. Minnesota's program
has been offered for nine years.
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