Verbal Agreement Secures Start for Birkie 2013
(Birkie.com press release)
It has been confirmed that the 2013 American Birkebeiner ski races on February 23 will start on the Telemark property as usual.
Current Telemark owner, Steve Kauffman, has assured the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) through a verbal agreement that the Birkie, at least for 2013, can continue to use the Telemark grounds and trails for the race start.
On April 25, 2012, the ABSF submitted a written, comprehensive proposal to Telemark Properties and their lender for continued and guaranteed land-use access, and to Telemark Partners for use of the lodge facilities for ABSF events throughout the year. This proposal offered Telemark Partners what they had requested for the permanent start area. (See 4/25/12 Press Release).
Since then, however, the ABSF had not received a formal response to this long-term proposal and is therefore now focused on the immediate needs of the 2013 Birkie event and at least a short-term agreement for securing the start area.
In mid-July both Kaufman and Robin Bucholz, current operator of Telemark, assured the ABSF through a verbal agreement that the 2013 Birkie can use the Telemark grounds and ski trails for the race start.
On July 18, 2012 the ABSF mailed a written agreement and initial fee payment to Kaufman and Bucholz to formalize the verbal agreement. The agreement is virtually identical to the agreement between ABSF and Kaufman for the 2012 American Birkebeiner event.
“We are very happy that we’ve been able to reach an agreement with Telemark for the 2013 40th anniversary American Birkebeiner event,” said Ned Zuelsdorff, Executive Director for the ABSF. “We still need to have a long-term solution for securing access to the trails we need for this great event and the significant economic benefit it provides for our communities.”
Any comments or questions regarding the proposal may be sent to Ned@birkie.com.
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Related FasterSkier story: Birkie Puts Trailhead Proposal on Hold, Works with Telemark (April 24)