Project Wolf Tracks

 350+ miles (See Trails Map) 

The Tucker was beyond its useful life (made in 1986) and would have cost more to fix than it was worth. From 2016 to 2020 $56,139.00 was spent on the Tucker and $23,859.00 on Big Foot in maintenance, repair and towing. Since that time, the track system and differential also went out on the Tucker, which is estimated to have cost an additional $12,000 to $14,000 to repair. Other major items on the Tucker were aging, and likely to fail at any time. The board chose at that time to not make those repairs. 

Bigfoot is a 1990 model BR400 Bombardier. Bigfoot is also aging, and not always dependable either. It is currently in need of major electrical repair. Having a major breakdown while out on a grooming job requires either towing it back to our base at 3 Lakes Rental for repair (and hiring a mechanic to come out and fix it), or paying to have it trucked to Wasilla for repair. Last year Bigfoot had 4 major breakdowns during the season. The cost to truck either groomer to and from Wasilla is approximately $900 each way, which does not include repairs and lost grooming time. 

Estimated hours for grooming these major trails is (please see our Trails Map):

Moore Lake Loop: 16

Winter Lake trails (Louise/Susitna/Tyone) 10

Crosswind Trails (Tolsona/Big Rock/Crosswind) 10

Two people are required for grooming of all trails which are groomed several times each during the winter months depending on local activities. We have only a handful of volunteers (3-4) available to commit to these longer trips. For the 20/21 grooming season volunteers spent 392 hours just grooming, not including maintenance and break downs. Grooming hours were down due to break downs. 

Depending upon the model chosen, whether it is used or new, and shipping costs to Alaska, estimates range from $150,000 to $400,000+. The board voted to pursue fundraising efforts up to $250,000 through a variety of methods, and to see what equipment was available for the money we raise. Our fund raising and grant writing efforts have been fairly successful so far, and we are optimistic that we will reach our goal.