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By Diana Bowley, Of the NEWS Staff - MONSON - A Monson family that embraces environmentally friendly practices and activities at their cross-county ski trail business has been recognized with a national award.John and Sue Chase, owners of A Fierce Chase Cross Country Ski Trails, were selected for the Eco-Active Award among cross-country ski areas in North America. Although the selection was announced earlier this year at the National Conference for the Cross Country Ski Area Association in Vail, Colo., the Chases made the announcement this week. "We are very honored to have been selected for the Eco-Active Award," John Chase said this week. The environment was always foremost in the development of their business plan, he said. "We wanted to run our business as we run our home, being cognizant of our impact on the earth's natural systems," he said. Because the couple are teachers, they also wanted to educate customers about different ecological issues, without being overbearing. They have succeeded toward that end by partnering with schools and community organizations. When the couple designed their trail system, they developed a forest management plan to ensure that the habitat for wildlife was not adversely affected. The 14 kilometers of trails, each named after a predatory species of wildlife indigenous to the area, were designed to prevent erosion."We offer meticulously groomed trails that are designed for the novices in mind," John Chase said. "It's designed so it's gentle yet has a lot of variety to it." Other ecofriendly moves made by the couple include the installation of a composting toilet in their warming hut, a building heated with wood harvested from their land. John Chase said the couple also embrace recycling, and offer homemade vegetarian soups and whole-grain breads using organically grown ingredients. Aside from providing information about the wildlife and birds in the region, the couple also offer guided full-moon wildlife tours with a biologist, another collaboration with a local natural resource center that offers activities for the public. A Women's Wellness Weekend is offered during the year when women can learn more about their health. This year, the couple also will host the Penobscot Valley Conference Cross Country Ski Championships in February and a super ski fest in January. With the first 6 inches of snow, Chase said the business would reopen and again offer a full complement of rental cross-country skis and snowshoes. |