First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone for contacting my office this morning concerning the lack of snowmobile grooming in northern Michigan.  It is through communications like yours that help my office respond to such matters.

I have been working with the Michigan Snowmobile Association (MSA) and local clubs regarding yearly grant agreements between snowmobile clubs and the MDNR that provide for such things as reimbursement for local grooming.
This morning, after receiving your e-mails, I personally contacted the MDNR.  Unfortunately, it has taken more than three week for the department to compose the new agreements pursuant to its meeting with MSA in early November where a compromise was reached.
I am afraid the MDNR doesn’t quite understand the urgency and importance that grooming provides to both tourism and the snowmobiling in northern Michigan.  So, I have taken the liberty of sharing your sentiments with them as well as my own in order to remind the department how essential grooming services are us in the north.
In conveying our concerns and frustrations to the MDNR, it is my understanding that the department will be sending out grant agreements to local clubs tomorrow morning.  Every club should have them within the next day or two. I would urge local clubs to review and sign the agreements as soon as possible.
According to the MSA, these agreements should now reflect the compromise reached back in November.  In the interim, I am placing pressure on the department to allow the local clubs to begin grooming operations upon the signature of the local club.
I would encourage you to keep me aware of anything you might be hearing locally concerning this issue.  I continue to stand ready and willing to assist local businesses, snowmobile groups and citizens that have any further concerns about this matter.
Thank you again for contacting me.  I appreciate everyone bringing this to my attention and hope things will be expedited as a result of our pressure on the MDNR.
Sincerely,
Kevin
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Kevin A. Elsenheimer
State Representative
105th House District

Contact Information:
State Representative Kevin A. Elsenheimer
Michigan Legislature, 105th House District
PO Box 30014
Lansing, MI  48909
kevinelsenheimer@house.mi.gov
Toll Free: 1-877-536-4105
(517) 373-0829
Fax:  (517) 373-1841