Now back the recent BOD meeting and the pressing issues that we face. It has become clear that it’s just a handful of members who wish to end the relationship CSS has with the Cross Country Ranch (XCR).  The resounding majority of the pilots who were present at the meeting were appropriately appalled when they were made aware of Saturday’s agenda item/proposal to “end the relationship with the XCR.” These Pilot/Members made their statements and offered suggestions that you see recorded in Jana’s documentary video.

According to the current CSS Board, there have been complaints about the state of the grass in the LZ and pilots have been questioning why we are paying the XCR when the grass is dying.  What everyone needs to understand is that first, water is provided by the XCR as a courtesy to the club based on the relationship the owners of the XCR have with CSS.  But, more importantly, ending the arrangement with the XCR, including the payment of $1,800/month would mean the loss of several other benefits that are critical to the LZ and to the club.

Site Preservation – in the hands of owners that are not friendly to hang gliding and paragliding, we would loose our ability to do landing approaches over the XCR land.  “Airspace” is open to us generally, but the area immediately above private land is NOT free and available to us.  Without the XCR land, our approach options are extremely limited.  Bottom line is that our LZ would shrink significantly and all of the PG approaches would have to be only over the LZ itself, or to the east using the HG approach.
Storage for CSS assets – club equipment like Gracie, Sandy Vans and Gene’s Rangers, etc. are all stored on XCR property and without the agreement, they would have to live in the parking lot, taking up parking space and exposed to vandalism and/or theft.
Access to recreational areas – The Pond, the Hike & Fly road to the 750 launch
Electricity & WiFi for the LZ
Potable water for the LZ kitchen
Use of the XCR shower for pilots camping in the LZ