Fall 2021

ECSA 2021 Newsletter

Greetings Eagle Cliff Trail Enthusiasts and Ski Association Members!

It is time for the annual update of ECSA activities and to renew your membership using the enclosed form or on line at www.eagleclifftrails.com. Your dues are necessary to support the following:

  • Plowing of the parking lots – the South Dakota Department of Transportation plows Bratwurst, Lily Park and Sunny Meadow parking lots. ECSA contracts with a private entity for the plowing of the remaining lots at Raddick, Dead Ox and Clayton Draw.

  • Maintenance and fuel for grooming equipment.

  • Insurance required by the United States Forest Service in order to have a grooming agreement.

  • Costs associated with all methods of communication, i.e. office supplies, postage, website fees.

This season there will be a change in that the club will be paying for grooming of the trails. This will add considerably to expenses for the club. Continued grooming is essential in the promotion of the trails, with work being done to partner with other organizations that involve trail grooming and plans to explore grant options to offset that expense. Any contribution you can make to the club for grooming will be appreciated. Thank you for your continued support of this organization.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the incorporation of the Eagle Cliff Ski Association as a not for profit organization in the state of South Dakota! Which brings to mind the founder of both the Eagle Cliff Trails system and ECSA, Richard L. Fort, for whom we are grateful for his lifetime commitment to the protection and promotion of the Black Hills. The Board is committed to continue his legacy through stewardship of the Eagle Cliff Trails and pursuing the mission of this organization.

The Board is pursuing goals to enhance and strengthen ECSA. The following are of interest:

  • The ECSA Annual Meeting will once again be virtual since member safety is important to the Board. You will be receiving a ZOOM invite and agenda for Tuesday, November 9 at 6:30 pm.

  • The cross country ski beginner class will be Wednesday, October 20 at 6 pm at the Outdoor Campus West. No preregistration required, information on the Outdoor Campus website.

  • The Board conducted a planning retreat this May, and actions are being taken to strengthen our presence, enhance our partnership with the USFS and other organizations, and promote the trails through amplifying our use of Facebook and other media along with planning multiple events throughout the ski season as we celebrate our 20th anniversary.

  • A survey has been developed to provide information to guide the Board in the pursuit of engaging and expanding membership and providing the best trail experiences. Watch your email for link to this survey October 25. Please take a moment to provide us with your input.

  • Thank you to the volunteers that assisted with trail cleanup on October 5!

See you at the meeting and on the trails!

Sherry Bea Smith, President

ECSA Board Members: Sherry Bea Smith, President; Michael Goodroad, Vice-President; Mary Kay Buum, Secretary; Janet Sanders, Treasurer; Norman Winkelman, Elizabeth Ledbetter, Steve McCarthy