Courtesy photo Forest Service and DCNT members gathered at the Hiawatha’s Gladstone office to sign the agreement. Attending the signing from DCNT were Tony Lambert, Laurie Johnson, Steven Ouwinga, Glenn VandeWater, Howard Wilson, Andrew Paul Claes, and Rick Elrod.

GLADSTONE — On Aug. 1, Hiawatha National Forest Supervisor Cid Morgan and representatives of Delta County Nonmotorized Trails (DCNT) signed a cost share agreement providing volunteer ski trail grooming and minor trail maintenance at Rapid River National Cross Country Ski Trail. Signing for DCNT were Tony Lambert and Howard Wilson.

“We feel this agreement is a win-win for all involved, including the public. We look forward to working with DCNT at Rapid River Ski Trail and other trail-related efforts,” said Morgan.

DCNT members present for the signing echoed this enthusiasm.

“National Forests provide many benefits to the public. DCNT is really excited to formalize its support for local U.S. Forest Service trails,” said Lambert, DCNT president.

The Rapid River Cross Country Ski Trail has for many years been groomed by a group of dedicated individual volunteers. The new agreement will bring the volunteers together under DCNT. The organization can bring a higher profile to the need for volunteer groomers and perhaps help attract more volunteers and more skiers.

“We hope that the new agreement will help us continue to provide high quality cross country ski opportunities without the need to implement trail fees,” said Paul Holeva, Recreation Program Manager with the U.S. Forest Service, who also attended the signing.

The public can support the ski trail by contributing to the Donation Box at the trailhead.

“We are excited about DCNT’s interest in formalizing this agreement. We thank all the members at DCNT for their dedication to maintaining high quality trail experiences on public lands,” said Morgan.

Attending the signing from DCNT were Tony Lambert, Laurie Johnson, Steven Ouwinga, Glenn VandeWater, Howard Wilson, Andrew Paul Claes, and Rick Elrod. For more information about DCNT, visit their website (http://dcntrails.com).