The Keweenaw Trails Alliance (KTA) is a partnership of trail groups and users in the Keweenaw that is working to enhance non-motorized trail opportunities throughout the region. On the Pilgrim River project, to date, a 3-1/2 mile single-track trail has been constructed by Keweenaw Trails Alliance members, with approval for another 2-1/2 miles and plans for an additional 3 to 5 miles winding through the planned conservation easement property.

With funds raised by the Keweenaw Chain Drive Festival and Run the Keweenaw events, KTA will match donations on a dollar-for-dollar basis (up to $5,500 in total) to help preserve this important natural resource. For example, KTA will match a $50 donation with $50, or a $100 donation with $100. Funds will be 100% applied toward the purchase of conservation easements for 1,382 acres along the Pilgrim River.

We are honored to be a partner in the Pilgrim River Watershed Conservation Project, and we hope others will join in the effort to protect this area for watershed protection, public recreation, education, and sustainable forestry.

To donate, please go to: http://www.pilgrimriverwatershed.org/donations.html

Thanks for supporting trail efforts in the Keweenaw!

The event starts and ends at the chalet at the Houghton County Fairgrounds in Hancock. All proceeds go to trail improvements at Maasto Hiihto. lndividual tickets are $15 until Friday, March 2, and $25 thereafrer. Children under 12 with adult are free! Tickets will be available at the chalet on the day of the Glide.

The well-marked course will first guide you to tasty hors d’oeuvres. Kids of all ages can roast marshmallows by the fire. Afrer this warm-up, you’ll descend along the Swedetown creek on one of the prettiest trails in the Keweenaw! Next up is the main dish – piping hot chili and soups galore at a scenic spot along the creek. After noshing there, you’ll continue down the creek and then cruise up Sisu hill. Once back to
the chalet, you can celebrate the circumnavigation of the gorge. To get you in the celebrating mood, you’ll be rewarded for your effott with treats for your tongue and your ears: delectable desserts and live music!

New for 2012:

• A separate 50 km classic race, awards, and start time.
• A new 14 km race.
• Improved course – no road crossings, no snowmobile trail section!
• Snow bike race on Sunday!

The 50km freestyle race and separate 26km classic and freestyle categories will return, as usual.

The course uses the varied and gently rolling terrain of the Swedetown ski trails. After the race, stick around for door prizes, raffles and the best free lunch you’ll ever eat.

All proceeds from the 2012 Great Bear Chase will go to the Copper Island Cross Country Ski Club groomer fund (to help pay for the new groomer and groomer building).

The softball field trailhead, along with Isle Royale and Superior loops, will remain open throughout the weekend. The Tolkien trails, accessed from Pilgrim Road, will also remain open.

Saturday’s races will use both the competition trails and the Nara trails. All trails will be closed except: the 1 km Nara Loop (from the Nara trailhead), Isle Royale and Superior, and the Tolkien trails.

On Sunday, the Nara trails will be open, along with Isle Royale, Superior, and the Tolkien trails. All other trails (e.g. those accessed from the main trailhead and Core Loop) will be closed until 2 p.m.

Groomers have started preparing for the races and will set “best line” tracks on Friday in preparation for the Saturday classic races. This means that the classic tracks will be in the middle of trails. Skaters are asked to respect the tracks on Friday.

Thanks to all Keweenaw skiers for their cooperation. Remember that grooming continues at Swedetown, Chassell, and Maasto Hiihto/Churning Rapids, so you have these other skiing opportunities while the Tech trails are closed.

Take a global journey to investigate what we know about this material of a thousand uses and why there’s so darn much of it! On the way, discover a toxic legacy, and the people striving to clean it up.

Location: G002 Hesterberg Hall, Michigan Tech Forestry Bldg.
Cost: FREE; $3 suggested donation

See more info on the movie.

The Green Film program is partially funded with a grant from the League of Women Voters of the Copper Country, Friends of the Lake of Keweenaw, and the U.P. Environmental Coalition. The film series is cosponsored by the Lake Superior Superior Stewardship Initiative, the Keweenaw Land Trust, the Michigan Tech Center for Water & Society, and the Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

Knickers, wool sweaters, wood skis and bamboo poles are not required but skiers are encouraged to use them if they have them. Skiing, too, will be the old way – breaking trail in the woods!  Don’t let that discourage you, bring a friend or two – the more the merrier and less trail breaking to do! No fee but donations are appreciated and will be split evenly between the Keweenaw Cross Country Ski Endowment at the Keweenaw Community Foundation and KLT’s Land Stewardship Fund. A heads-up on numbers would be appreciated so there is enough chili for everyone. Please call Jay at 487-5411or email at jbgreen45@charter.net to let him know the number of skiers in your party.

Participants can ski for time or just ski at their leisure. Skiers who register and finish will receive a large enameled color medal.

Hot chocolate and cookies will be available at the chalet. Information and registration is available at the Keweenaw Nordic Ski Club website.