"Got Snow"

Well well it looks like we finally got snow! As i woke up this morning to read the newspaper I see Chinook Pass is closed because of 2 foot of new snow. I'm certain DOT will get it open again for the short term or at least until we have complete access from our direction, but as usual will close for the winter later in the season.
Actually with all the comotion we have been involved with regarding DNR and the snow show and club activities readying for the crab feed and poker run i've almost forgotten that I have snowmobiles! What a pressure release it will be to actually get on one and ride it.
Now for a few updates.
I've posted on my blog's the simple details regarding our donation requirements to DNR and hope everyone can see that they have been good to there word. Although we have have all agreed this is not the road we want to go down on an annual basis, it is however what we are stuck with for this bienium. The Skibenders has agreed to support DNR with the 25K donation this season. We are however still short funds to complete the agreement, but have commitments to fulfill it, I'm certain we'll be on track by the end of November. I don't think we should let up on our collection efforts with the fact we may need to help into the following season to complete the bienium funding shortfall. I have directed our treasurer to open a seperate account for any carry over from this initial 2009/2010 fund @ $25 K and name it Ahtanum fund 2010/2011, in order to maintain a good record keeping status. During our conversations with DNR they are also looking into other avenues for grant money and ways to fund the following year, i'll be working closely with them to help keep everyone informed.
I will be riding with Mike Williams and Donn Rasmussen Tuesday the 10th to Wenatchee to visit with Apple Country Snowmobile club for there monthly meeting. The reason for this visit will be to inform them were we are at and try to make a plan for the future. Any one interested in coming along please let me know. Apple Country Snowmobile club mainly uses the Lily Lake Snow Park in that area and also holds the grooming contract as well.  Just to let you know they have donated considerably to our fund.
While i'm there as a gesture of good will and common bond i will be signing up as a member of there club and hopefully they will reciprocate. There President has expressed sincere interest in scheduling some ride time with us in our areas as well as I certainly would enjoy riding in there areas to see what they have.
By the way, anyone that is interested in seeing an accounting of donations please feel free to ask. We will set up an appointment to do so. At this time we do not feel we should publish names and amounts as some people have asked us not to do so due to the extreme amount donated.
One other item before I go. DNR and WSFS has asked the Yakima Ski Benders to participated in a program called "Forest Watch-Eyes and ears of the Forest". Currently we have 10 volunteers signed up to participate for this program. We will be attending two 3 hour training sessions starting Monday November 16th and ending on November17th. This training includes, safe riding, first aid, documentation, conflict solutions, law enforcement communications and many other responsibilites. All hours involved during this program will be used as volunteer hours the same as our trail cleanup.
We'll see everyone at the Crab Feed!