Peace Valley Snow Riders presentation to the DMI Public Advisory Committee March 15, 2017 Wesley Creek Trail March 2015
Presentation Overview Who is the Peace Valley Snow Riders Why a Designated Trail System Club Accomplishments Club Projects and Future Plans Challenges & Opportunities
Peace Valley Snow Riders? Organized in October 2009 Incorporated under the Alberta Societies Act July, 2010 Average annual membership approximately 50 Member Club of the Alberta Snowmobile Association Part of the Solution
Reorganization October 2017 President Troy Lorencz Vice President Ernie Brauer Secretary Frank Armella Treasurer Abby Moskalyk Director/Membership Wayne Davie Director/Trail Operations Committee Chair Dwayne Buchholtz (Interim) Director/Trail Development Committee Chair Dwayne Buchholtz (Interim) Director/Stakeholder Liaison Dwayne Buchholtz Director/Special Events Committee Chair Travis Wood
Why a Designated Trail System? Many residents view outdoor activities, including snowmobiling, as one of the benefits of residing in the area Trespass Act - $5,000 for first offense Random access is no longer allowed in populated centers Environmental impact of other OHV s Liability insurance coverage for designated trails Competing demands for Crown land
Why a Designated Trail System? #1 Reason Sight-seeing close to home on a managed trail is quickly becoming the preferred pastime of thousands of environmentally conscious snowmobile enthusiasts across Alberta (2011 Alberta Government report)
Club Accomplishments 3 trails developed as part of the network of trails planned for the east and west side of the Peace River Leddy Lake Trail (40 km) Officially opened MAR11 Wesley Creek Trail (30 km) Officially opened MAR16 Smith Mills Trail (60 km) Officially opened MAR17? Arctic Cat drag groomer NOV12 Poker Rally held in conjunction with Wesley Creek official opening MAR16 ASA Mighty Peace Region Club of the Year in 2010, 2013 & 2014
Trails Leddy Lake
Trails Wesley Creek
Trails Smith Mills
Club Projects and Future Plans Recently Completed Smith Mills Trail - West End Staging Area Wesley Creek Trail -Pat s Creek Crossing Smith Mills Trail Slashing following May 16 late snow Current Projects Wesley Creek Trail - St. Isidore Connector Leddy Lake Trail Upgrade project Hines Creek Trail Future Projects Cadotte River Trail Dixonville Connector Talbot Lake Trail
Development & Operations Cost Tracking 2015/16 (01AUG15-31JUL16) Summary Sheet Volunteer Invoiced Donation in Kind/Volunteer Notes Hours Total Leddy Trail Slashing work 71 $3,165 $3,060 $6,225 Cash DonationsNorthern Lights grant for slashing - $3,150 Wesley Creek Slashing work, rest area and signage 136.5 $5,468 $8,457 $13,925 Cash DonationsNorthern Sunrise grant for slashing & 20 sign posts - $3,000 Amen Consulting Services for registration box - $400 Donation Carry ForwardDonation carry forward from previous year (allocated rest area) - $1,500 Smith Mills Slashing work, signage, East End Staging area development Cash DonationsKirby Instrumentation for registration boxes (1 1/2) - $600 Amen Consulting Services for registration box (1/2) - $200 Donation Carry ForwardDonation carry forward from previous year (allocated to staging area signs) - $2,000 193.5 $5,781 $20,937 $26,718 Hines Creek Trail Route layout for proposed trail 98.5 $0 $5,373 $5,373 General Operations Upgrades to trailer & groomer maintenance 19 $2,786 $5,087 $7,873 TOTALS 518.5 $17,200 $42,914 $60,114
Challenges Challenges & Opportunities Acceptance of designated trails by snowmobiling community 3 poor snow years in a row Damage cause by late MAY16 snow Leddy still closed Support for snowmobiling as a sport Opportunities Potential to have over 300 members Potential for the most miles of trails in the province Potential to engage more people into making the most of winter Get off the couch and enjoy winter!!
Most Urgent Requirement The late MAY17 snow has stretched the financial and volunteer resources to the limit. Funding for development continues to be a struggle however the Club has managed to develop trails at less then ½ of other Clubs. As operations has been primarily funded internally through Trail Pass sales and special events, and by volunteer labour, current snow conditions have negatively impacted the Club s ability to secure such support. The Club has made the decision to seek Trail sponsorships to secure cash for future operations.
***Quote of the Year*** If my wife who never sleds and just got back from Phoenix can be tempted to enjoy a winter ride, then it is likely you too could enjoy a ride on the trails!! Questions Thank you Dwayne Buchholtz Stakeholder Liaison Peace Valley Snow Riders