Iditarod changes needed

J's World, by Jeremiah Bartz

A final decision will not be made until Monday afternoon, but the Restart of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race will most likely be moved from Wasilla, north to Willow.

Due to our recent warm weather, organizers of the Last Great Race were once again faced with the dilemma -- whether or not to go north. Last year's unseasonably warm weather and lack of snow prompted officials to take drastic measures and move the Restart to Fairbanks for the first time in race history. And now unless southcentral Alaska is treated to piles of snow and bone chilling temperatures in the next 24 hours, Willow will once again host the Restart.

The fact is, the trend in the Mat-Su Valley is to see warmer temperatures and a smaller amount of snow, late in the winter. Now every season in the dog mushing community and Iditarod circle, the weather's effect on the race and its trail is a hot topic of debate. It seems to me that action must be taken and officials must decide if Wasilla can be the permanent site of the race Restart. Unfortunately for Wasilla, with this weather trend, that may not be possible.

The problem with moving the Restart to Willow, the trail bypasses Knik, the home of former legendary musher Joe Redington Sr., a godfather of the Last Great Race. Knik is a sentimental spot for mushers and dog mushing enthusiasts.

If Wasilla is the permanent home of the Restart, officials need to seriously consider moving the start of the race to a much earlier date in the year. An early February start would not only allow mushers better trail conditions, but organizers still could coordinate their events with the Fur Rendezvous.

The Iditarod Trail Committee needs to establish a permanent home for the Restart. Both Wasilla and Willow are good options, but a permanent site is needed.