Lubrecht Race Photos 2020

Pattee Canyon Day Use Fee Public Comment Period Open

The MNSC board opposes the fee at Pattee Canyon as it is currently proposed; we would consider supporting a fee IF our concerns (outlined below) were addressed in a future proposal.

Official MNSC Board of Directors Position on the Proposed Permit for Winter Parking/Recreation fee at Pattee Canyon:

We do not support the current fee proposal at Pattee Canyon, but would consider supporting a fee if the following conditions are satisfied:

a.      The USFS provides a specific plan for how fee revenue would enhance the Nordic ski experience at Pattee Canyon - this could include trail improvements, expansion of the trail system, winter parking lot improvements, support for events, etc. Ideally this plan would also demonstrate a limited use of the revenue on fee implementation.

b.     Discounted or free fees/permits would be available to educational programs and those with demonstrated need.  Season passes would be made available in a low-hassle way; specifically, the season pass would be available for purchase online and at all local winter sports retailers.

c.       A significant portion of the fee revenue is guaranteed to be used to support grooming operations, thereby reducing the need to support grooming through memberships and grants. Furthermore, the USFS would need to commit to supporting grooming that matches or exceeds the quality and frequency currently provided by the MNSC. Specifically, given that potential uses for revenue will likely exceed available funds, there needs to be clear prioritization of maintaining high quality grooming operations above all else, as groomed ski trails are the key feature of the winter recreation site at Pattee Canyon.

d.     Revenue raised by a winter-specific fee is used to enhance winter-specific recreation, not to pay for services or amenities that are available freely in other seasons.

e.       There is clear support from the community for a fee.

How to Comment on the Fee Proposal

We encourage all nordic skiers and other winter and summer users of Pattee Canyon and Crazy Canyon Trailheads to submit a comment on the fee proposal before September 30. In particular, please comment on what you feel would be required for a fee to garner your support, or conditions under which you wouldn’t support a fee (“I would only support this IF…” or “I wouldn’t support this without…” or “I do not support a fee of any kind”). You are welcome to include the official MNSC Board of Directors statement above as part of your comment.

The following website provides in interactive interface with site specific details related to the fee proposal: https://usfs.maps.arcgis.com/apps/CrowdsourcePolling/index.html?appid=21a083a39c49400c8d30742855d4a757

The Missoulian article published about the proposal can be found here:  https://missoulian.com/news/local/new-fees-and-increases-proposed-for-lolo-forest-sites/article_87318699-9609-5f32-a141-ab7e2672af26.html

Public Comment Link
http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r1recfee  

Feedback may be submitted the following ways:

·        Submit Electronic Comments: visit www.fs.usda.gov/goto/r1recfee and use the interactive website to submit comments;
·        Email Comments: email comments to r1recfee@fs.fed.us;
·        Mail comments: Lolo National Forest, Attn. Rec Fee Proposal, 24 Fort Missoula Road, Missoula, MT 59804.

For more information please contact Kate Jerman, acting Public Affairs Officer, Lolo National Forest at (406) 329-1024. 

Thank you for your continued support of nordic skiing in the Missoula Area!

The MNSC Board of Directors

Read more

Remembering Jim Clapp

As many of you know, in October 2018, the Missoula Nordic community lost a long time friend Jim Clapp, after a short but graceful battle with ALS. On behalf of Meng Dentistry, Joe and Minde Meng have made a $500 donation to the club in Jim’s memory. While Jim was masterfully accomplished in many facets of this world, many of us know him best for his athleticism. Nordic skiing was just one of his many athletic joys, and how we came to know him best. We know “Uncle Jim” will forever be looking down at us on the trails with a smile, knowing that we are all having fun. It is that awesome spirit for others, that will never be forgotten about Jim. We and the trails will forever miss you Jim! Joe and Minde Meng

Read more

Annual Meeting Nov. 9!

Missoula Nordic Ski Club (Cross-Country Skiing) Annual Meeting

 

Wednesday, November 9th, 5:30 PM Big Sky Brewing Taproom 

Featuring:
Pot Luck Dinner
Ski Swap
Raffle Supporting the Youth Ski Program - ZANY Local Ski Shop Displays
Volunteer Opportunities
Beer Tasting