Businesses struggle during mild winter

Above-average temperatures and the lack of ice and snow have kept many tourists and recreationists from visiting the area this winter.

To that end, their is a move to open ATV trails to help bring people to the area to spend money.

The Prospector ATV Club has requested that the ATV trails be reopened in March. A decision hadn’t been reached as of press time.

For Blomberg’s gas station owner Range Cooperatives, the lack of snow business can be seen in the numbers.

“Our business typically sees a substantial amount of snowmobile traffic through our Cenex convenience stores in Babbitt and Ely during the winter months and this year has been dismal to say the least. Last year we tallied upwards of 5,000 riders through the Babbitt store alone, and this year we have recorded less than 30. Our Ely store sees several riders as well, and as riders stop at our stores to fill up their gas tanks, they’ll often grab a slice of pizza, a pop, candy bar, or might even top off the oil in their machine. Many of these riders carry on to their favorite restaurant or back to their hotel, motel, VRBO, etc.

“Transitioning the trail systems earlier than normal would give the businesses in our area a much-needed shot in the arm, no matter how limited that time frame may end up being. I do realize spring break-up and trail closures are necessary to keep them in manageable shape, but even a short window in-between would be a significant help to everyone affected.”

Richard Huovinen of Zup's Food Market wrote in support of the Prospector request to the DNR, Forest Service and St. Louis County.

“The lack of snow this winter has negatively impacted our business. Whether it be snowmobilers, skiers or other winter visitors, our sales are drastically down from normal winters.

“The Prospector ATV Club is attempting to open the ATV trails which would both bring people to our area in March and give local residents an opportunity to travel the trails.

“We support this move and strongly urge the various land agencies to grant this request immediately so we can notify our guests and customers of this positive economic news.”

Prospector Club president Nick Wognum said while there has been strong support from the business community, there's no guarantee the request will be approved.

“We have high hopes we can get people up here and out riding our trails in their side by sides,” said Wognum. “Even a month's worth of riding would help our local business community. They have been so supportive of Prospector and the Babbitt club we felt we needed to try to help them during this non-winter.”