11 Jan 07, 01:52 pm
What a trip. We had 6 guys, two rigs, 22 below to start and we ended up in the mid 20's ABOVE in McKinley Village! I have a few musings to share from the trip.
First: I am impressed by and grateful for the support by our military membership on this issue. Stampede can be wheeled currently and as people who donât intend to be in Alaska forever, our military members could just wheel without regard for the future. Instead, our military AO members â people who are not likely to be long term residents - are channeling their energy in ensuring that we not only maintain our existing trails, but they are trying to grow our opportunities. Thank you! This action speaks volumes about your character and your concern for our hobby.
Second: Before we went to the meeting, I had some concerns that our user group was going to be left out in the cold concerning the Stampede Trail Recreational Area. I was pleasantly surprised to see that my letter was printed and submitted not only to the DB Mayor and the Assembly, but to the public as well. The Denali Borough (DB) Mayor and Assembly seemed to have the same desire to maintain the trail in it's current form. Many of the assembly people had a vested interest in keeping it the same as they are trail users as well. The 10 hour trip was worth every minute.
At the end, under user comments, the Assembly allowed me to voice a concern that their language read "ATV/Off Road Vehicle". DNR calls ATV's Off Road Vehicles and limits them to 1500 lbs. The members present (Eric's quick thinking) believed that DNR's terminology, if applied to the resolution, would prohibit our user group from continuing use of the trail. Not only did the Assembly listen to us after they had voted the resolution through, but they asked what wording would be acceptable. A decision to use "motor vehicles" instead of "ATV/Off Road Vehicle" was made and the assembly voted the changes throughout the resolution! Two members, who voted for the original resolution, chose to vote against it, but the other 7 or so members voted it in. The Mayor stated he would like to have us involved and help to make this area a model user area that could allow other areas to be opened up for motorized vehicle use.
We finally made it back to my place at about 1am, where we figured out Nate's blown fuse/no start issue. A temporary set-up was made to allow continued use and I kicked the two Jeeps out of the garage for their trip home.
Our next step is to contact DNR, the Governor's Office and our legislators and let them know we would like to see them support the DB's request to maintain the trail as it is right now. Hopefully all members can see that it doesn't take much to have your voice heard and to make forward progress to guarantee future access. Thanks to those members who participated â and I promise there will be many future opportunities for everyone else to get involved.
First: I am impressed by and grateful for the support by our military membership on this issue. Stampede can be wheeled currently and as people who donât intend to be in Alaska forever, our military members could just wheel without regard for the future. Instead, our military AO members â people who are not likely to be long term residents - are channeling their energy in ensuring that we not only maintain our existing trails, but they are trying to grow our opportunities. Thank you! This action speaks volumes about your character and your concern for our hobby.
Second: Before we went to the meeting, I had some concerns that our user group was going to be left out in the cold concerning the Stampede Trail Recreational Area. I was pleasantly surprised to see that my letter was printed and submitted not only to the DB Mayor and the Assembly, but to the public as well. The Denali Borough (DB) Mayor and Assembly seemed to have the same desire to maintain the trail in it's current form. Many of the assembly people had a vested interest in keeping it the same as they are trail users as well. The 10 hour trip was worth every minute.
At the end, under user comments, the Assembly allowed me to voice a concern that their language read "ATV/Off Road Vehicle". DNR calls ATV's Off Road Vehicles and limits them to 1500 lbs. The members present (Eric's quick thinking) believed that DNR's terminology, if applied to the resolution, would prohibit our user group from continuing use of the trail. Not only did the Assembly listen to us after they had voted the resolution through, but they asked what wording would be acceptable. A decision to use "motor vehicles" instead of "ATV/Off Road Vehicle" was made and the assembly voted the changes throughout the resolution! Two members, who voted for the original resolution, chose to vote against it, but the other 7 or so members voted it in. The Mayor stated he would like to have us involved and help to make this area a model user area that could allow other areas to be opened up for motorized vehicle use.
We finally made it back to my place at about 1am, where we figured out Nate's blown fuse/no start issue. A temporary set-up was made to allow continued use and I kicked the two Jeeps out of the garage for their trip home.
Our next step is to contact DNR, the Governor's Office and our legislators and let them know we would like to see them support the DB's request to maintain the trail as it is right now. Hopefully all members can see that it doesn't take much to have your voice heard and to make forward progress to guarantee future access. Thanks to those members who participated â and I promise there will be many future opportunities for everyone else to get involved.
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