As some of you may have heard, the Wooden Nickel is no longer available for MUSH events. This will include any meetings, rig sessions, or races. As you can imagine this presents a challenge for this years board of directors and the club members. There has been ongoing discussion with the caretaker of Lost Lake Boy Scout Reservation, concerning the use of their facilities to fill some of the gaps in the MUSH schedule that have arisen. It goes without saying that it would be in the clubs best interest to develop a relationship between MUSH and the LLBSR. Some of the advantages are as follows:

1. No permits needed from the USFS or the MDNR - monetary savings

2. No permission or involvement from the local police agency

3. No road crossings - reduces amount of trail help needed, increase safety

4. Lodging/camping available on site

5. Centrally located in the state - makes it a fair drive for all attendees

6. Large meeting area available

7. Banquet/dining facilities available

8. Indoor restrooms available

9. Warming area available

10. Reasonable camping/race fees

11. No snowmobiles allowed on trails - safety issue

12. Open to MUSH members for training any time except November deer hunt

One way to cement the relationship between these two entities would be for us, as a club to  become involved in the yearly upkeep/maintenance of the LLBSR grounds. What has been suggested is that MUSH could “adopt” the family campground located at the reservation. What this would consist of is twice a year, Spring and Fall, MUSH would organize a “work bee” to clean and/or generally spruce up the Family campground by our members. The LLBSR would provide free camping for campers and free lodging for those who do not have camping facilities.

There has been a work bee tentatively scheduled for the last week-end in April, which would be the 25^th, 26^th, & 27^th. Leaf blowers, leaf rakes, etc. will be needed to clean the grounds. Paint brushes, paint, and supplies for any additional chores will be provided by the Scout reservation. Camp sites are on a first come first served basis. Overflow camping will be where we camp for a race, no electricity available. MUSH will provide lunch on Saturday. Anyone needing a cabin or a room at Bennett Lodge will have to call for a reservation by April 18^th.

The number is: 989-544-2551