Paul Nordell, of the Trails and Waterways Division of the Minnesota DNR reported that many bugs were discovered in the ELS system for the Ski Pass. After much feedback from concerned skiers, they corrected most of the problems. One of the benefits of the Electronic Licensing System (ELS) is that he knows exactly how much money has been contributed to date. As of March 13, 2001 the ski pass sales have reached the total of $360,000. This is about $100,000 more than last year.

Financial reports were distributed to all participants at the meeting, which described the distribution of the Grant-in-Aid money and money from the General Fund spent on cross-country ski trails in Minnesota. All Ski Pass money is returned back to the trail managers after their requests are submitted.

The biggest outcome of the meeting was a commitment to form an umbrella organization to promote and maintain cross-country skiing in Minnesota. Roger Landers of the Brainerd Nordic Ski Club suggested that after many years of operating loosely, it was time to bring the advisory committee to a higher level. With constant pressure from OHV�s on our ski trails and changes in funding, many people present felt that cross-country skiers need to form an alliance to make their voices heard very loudly to the DNR and to the Minnesota Legislature.

Greg Fangel, President of the North Star Ski Touring Club and LeRoy Youngblom of the Mora Vasaloppet have volunteered to solicit skiers and clubs to start the formation of this new organization. Roger Landers from the Brainerd Nordic Ski Club, Bruce & Buni Slinkman from the Bemidji Area Cross Country Ski Association and representatives of the Northern Lights Ski Club from Grand Rapids will be working on the Grant-in-Aid issues.

The Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet again sometime in July with the Minnesota DNR. In May or June, all interested parties for the new organization will get together and form their operating structure and board of directors. Fangel and Youngblom will be contacting cross-country ski clubs, organizations, businesses, retailers and any other relevant parties to form this organization.

Contact Fangel at [email protected] (651) 770-9381 or Youngblom at [email protected] (320) 679-3785 if you are interested in sharing your strength and passion for cross-country skiing in Minnesota.