At times I've found myself wishing that a much larger percentage of TAY belonged to the Washington Ski Touring Club (WSTC.org) and that they had a lobbying arm, because it seems like a natural fit.
Speaking as the president of the WSTC, let me say that the WSTC actually does have a "conservation fund" to which members make contributions. Funds are dispersed by the WSTC board to various organizations with the goal of promoting safe access for self-propelled skiers. The NWAC typically receives some of these funds.
A few years ago, when the Summit was in the process of updating their master development plan and early versions of that plan significantly deemphasized Nordic skiing and included plans for a new chairlift and runs through the traditional “Nordic Pass” backcountry route. Members of the WSTC, especially Charlie Cornish, organized an effort to alert skiers to the proposed changes and a letter writing campaign to the Forest Service. In the revised MDP, the new lift was not approved and the groomed track system was maintained as it is currently.
Sadly the WSTC’s conservation chair board position is currently empty – we would certainly welcome someone willing to undertake this position.
Additionally the WSTC and the Ellensburg Ski Club in cooperation with the Cle Elum ranger district have over the last several years organized fall work parties to maintain and improve the ski trail network in the Blewett Pass area – I got an email from Pico of the Ellensburg club and he has already started discussions with the Forest Service for a trail work parties this fall to repair the ski trails from the Table Mountain fire – once the area is deemed safe. I'll post additional information about these work parties once I know more and we would certainly welcome any volunteers from T-A-Y
Randy
Topic Author
