July 27, 2009

 

 

 

Dear Friends,
As Big Lake Trails, Inc. approaches 1 year old, our vision has been to make Big Lake Trails into an organization that will handle all matters regarding trails for all user groups within the Big Lake community. It is my belief that the community reaps benefits economically, socially and historically with preservation and maintenance of a healthy trail system. I firmly believe these benefits are critical to our future. I remain dedicated to attracting diverse user groups to our organization who will advocate responsible trail usage and development.

 

Clearly the most energetic user group and the bulk of membership have been those interested in the preservation, reservation, safety and maintenance of our winter trail system. This is a worthy goal of the highest importance. If properly implemented, the achievement of these goals will provide enjoyment for users, bring business to the community in hard economic times and provide a healthy trail system for the future while providing increased safety for our loved ones.

 

Big Lake Trails has made great progress in the achievement of some of our winter trail goals. The most significant accomplishments have included the nomination of 15 area trails for inclusion in the MSB Recreational Trails Plan, coordination of an extensive volunteer effort to clear a new 1.1 mile trail on the Iron Dog, obtained new signage and posted trail 1, provided leadership and coordinated with other trail groups in facilitating the opening of the Susitna Valley Winter Trail, obtained our 501c3 non-profit designation by the IRS and obtained unanimous approval by the Borough Assembly of the ordinance accepting our nominated trails. Lastly, because we did not obtain our non-profit designation until March 2009, we requested that the MatSu Trails Council act as an oversight organization for Big Lake Trails in obtaining a $ 65,000 grant to clear a 30 foot easement along the new Iron Dog. It was a very busy year. I am proud of all of you and thankful to all who contributed to these accomplishments.

 

During the 2009-2010 winter season there are four major objectives for Big Lake Trails:

  • Assume responsibility for area trail grooming.

  • Work with MatSu Trails to begin phase 1 of the Iron Dog restoration project.

  • Identify area trails without easements and begin the work of obtaining them.

  • Grow the financial liquidity of Big Lake Trails to reach the matching fund requirements of grants and the requirement for up front payment of grooming fees

     

I need your help in achievement of this last objective. I hope I can count on you to generously donate. The objective will be to raise funds for two accounts:

  1. The first account is the Grooming Fund. Our immediate need is to raise at least $ 5000 to fund this account. Big Lake Trails will be reimbursed for a portion of grooming expenses by the State but before we can pass the bill on for reimbursement, we must pay those bills up front. The State will not pay these expenses direct. Currently we have $ 525.14 in this fund and only 3 or 4 months left to raise the balance of money needed.
  2. The second fund is the Iron Dog Restoration fund. The Iron Dog Restoration Project has an anticipated total cost of $ 65,000. This project was funded by an ORTAB matching four to one grant. What that means is that the grant will fund 80% of the project and 20% or $ 13,000 must be funded by the organization. Thanks to the generous donations of ConocoPhillips Alaska, this fund has a current balance of $ 5976.00.

     

I invite members, non-members, business and community leaders to join me in funding these accounts so we can make our vision become reality. With a deep sense of the current economic reality, I am asking for your kind and generous donation in any amount that you deem appropriate for your budget. I challenge everyone to meet or beat my donation of $ 100.00. Regardless of the amount, any donations will be greatly appreciated.

 

I would also like to ask members to consider early renewal of your single or family membership for 2010 in addition to any donation you deem appropriate. Additionally, I would ask that you check with your employer to see if they have a funding program which recognizes your participation in volunteer, community organizations.  

 

I am shamelessly asking for monetary support because I am convinced that the Board and membership of Big Lake Trails are acting in the interest of Big Lake. Our community will benefit from this work. Achievement of these funding objectives will assure the success of our goals.

Please make checks payable to:
Big Lake Trails, Inc.
PO Box 520705
Big Lake, AK 99652

 

We will place a donation tracker into our web site home page that shows the current progress toward achieving the $5000 donation challenge, including the number of donations received, as well as any donation challenges extended by our members to facilitate greater contribution.

 

If given your permission, we will recognize your personal or business donation by publishing your name as a supporter on our website. Additionally, we will provide a link to your business website to foster ties between our users and your business. 

 

For more information on Big Lake Trails, please visit our website at www.biglaketrails.org or feel free to call me direct at 907-223-2447.

  

Thank you for your kind and generous donation.

 

Dan Mayfield
President
Big Lake Trails, Inc.
biglaketrails@gmail.com