Febr.24,2004

President Dennis Shepherd opened the meeting at 7:05 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance, following the usual potluck. Everyone was welcomed with 23 in attendance including the District 7 Rep. Mac Hadaway.

Minutes: The minutes of the last meeting (these were e-mailed, faxed or mailed) were moved to be accepted by Naomi Snyder and second by Dwayne Powers, motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: In the absence of the Treasurer the usual full report was not available. However, it was reported that the checking Acct. balance is approx. $18,000. The next portion of the grooming money will be sent to the state in March; this year all allocations will be used.

President’s Report: Dennis read a thank you from Maybelle Gilfillan , thanking The Club for the snowshoes that were presented to her at the moonlight event Febr. 6^th. Maybelle has donated many many hours over the years to the hiking group and now The Silverthreaders, completing several photo albums. Another thank you from the Town of South Fork for the letter of support , written by Doug Knudson, when they were applying for a grant in establishing a new town park. Their results were good and a grant was received for the park. A letter was also received from the Town of South Fork asking The Silverthreaders to again help in the Fishing Derby for 2004. ( More about that later). The Secretary position is open as George & Harolena Powell have resigned, therefore, the opening is announced tonight and the Secretary’s position will be filled at the next meeting. An e-mail was received from Royce and Elizabeth Baugh announcing that they will be full time residents in South Fork and we welcome them.

Trails Boss Report: Doug Knudson reports on three items: 1. The town is hoping for help from the Silverthreaders in establishing a trail above the new park area. 2. Art Marcilla doesn’t think it likely that an extension of new snowmobile trails will be available at this time, but perhaps later on. This being due to the recent involvement that has been changed in the national parks. 3. Old Spanish Trail- there has been a recent meeting with BLM folks about the 5 day ride this summer to Saguache, including wagons, horses and those afoot. An auction, concert and other fund-raising events will be taking place , June 22, in Del Norte as they travel through; any items of donation will be accepted and contact Doug Knudson.

Grooming: Jim Snyder and Ronnie Forbes groomed to Chicken Foot last Friday, Dennis & Cal Harding went today within 6 miles of Blow out Pass. There is lots of powder and the drag could not perform to continue further. Jim and Dennis did have Hal Wendler make some new skags ( goes underneath the drag) and it does help. Jim is going to Pool Table tomorrow . There is lots of snow this year!!

Maintenance: nothing major to report- going good.

Social Coordinator: Rex will replace a few needed items in supplies.

Safety: Good report that the survival kits placed in the toilets are still in good condition, no vandalism. There was an accident on Febr. 21 (the Poker Run) so everyone please be mindful of carrying emergency needs, be prepared!

Sport Activities: Snowshoe- There will be a trip into Phoenix Park next week. This has really become popular, Dennis has sold 17 sets. There are different levels of progress so everyone fits somewhere. Cross Country Skiers- the few skiers come on Wednesdays with the snowshoers. Snowmobiling- there was a moonlight ride this month and well attended. There will NOT be a regular ride this Saturday due to the TOUR group "Two Jacks" on Saturday , Sunday and Monday. The Powderbusters will lead Sat. and Sun. and everyone is encouraged to ride with them, Silverthreaders will have two groups on Monday led by O.V. Keith and Dennis, Dwayne Powers will ride "shotgun". Tuesday the Tour will travel on to Creede.

Old Business: 1. the new map is printed and will be ready on Thursday, Dennis will pick it up and deliver to Josephine at Town Hall. This map was a no cost to our club.2.Vests- Mary Shirk brought the vests that were ordered or you can place an order with her- cost is $28.50 each.3. Mac reported on the Poker Run that involved both Powderbuster and Silverthreaders: money raised was $900, 1^st place $450, 2^nd $300 plus and 3^rd was $187; the Mystery Box that was auctioned brought $100; there were 72 entries and 90 hands. Dwayne Powers was the auctioneer for the door prizes.4. Dennis has been contacted about the 5^th wheel trailer that was stolen in December 2002. There is a lead in El Paso Co. that a bust has been made; a picture and special features info has been sent to Phil Leggitt ( Sheriff of Mineral Co.) and Phil is going to check it out

New Business: 1. Fishing Derby- Dwayne Powers made the motion that Silverthreaders help with this event on June 12, 2004 and also furnish the lunch, second by Doug. Knudson, motion carried.2. There was discussion about Silverthreaders sponsoring an ATV Poker Run in August, 2004. Perhaps having it at Hanson’s Mill; this will involve lots of work like getting door prizes, making contacts, publicity, etc., etc.. Ronnie Day with the Forest Service thought a permit would be possible. Mac commented there was a good possibility for a great response. Dwayne Powers moved to do the ATV Poker Run, second by Johnny Yates, motion carried. The South Fork Chamber needs to be contacted and see if they will assist with this. Also a Poker Run was explained to the newest members. At that time Dennis presented the "F.F.O.F." (fickle finger of fate) award to Mac Hadaway because his cards became frozen together at the Saturday Poker Run!

C.S.A. News: Mac Hadaway reported the following- due to letters from Powderbusters, Silverthreaders and the Lake City Club, CSA tabled the "Trails Marking" topic. He thought perhaps that a few mile markers will need to be posted . 2. Creed club is opposing a requirement for a permit due handling details for the Tour group. 3. All clubs in the District are running out of grooming allocations this year and there is no extra money available through State Parks. 4. New or expanded trails will probably be dependent on outcome of the general election this fall.

50-50 Drawing: The drawing tonight was won by Mary Shirk , $10.50.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

Secretary Pro-Tem