Second annual Dryland Showdown in Seeley Lake kicks off the sleddog season

2024 Dryland Showdown in Seeley Lake

People from all over the country gathered in Seeley Lake for the 2024 Dryland Showdown, a significant event hosted by Bitterroot Dog Powered Sports on September 28-29. This race marked the beginning of the season and served as a preparation for the upcoming Dryland Dog Dash Continental Championships in Wisconsin later this month.

Dryland Racing and Sustainable Development Goals

Dryland racing, as defined by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, is a dog-powered sport that can be conducted without snow. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and ensuring sustainable communities and cities (SDG 11). The event showcased various types of dryland racing, including canicross where a person and one dog run together, as well as races where participants ride bikes, rigs, and scooters attached to competing dogs.

Event Details

The two-day event in Seeley Lake featured seven classes: Canicross, one-dog scooter, one-dog bike, two-dog scooter, two-dog bike, four-dog rig, and six-dog rig. The races were held on two different trail lengths, with the shorter one being 1.8 miles and the longer one 3.3 miles.

Participant Highlights

Teresa Petterson, a resident of the Bitterroot area, organized the Seeley Lake Dryland Showdown and will be representing Team USA in the Dryland Dog Dash at the International Federation of Sleddog Sports Snow World Championship in Norway in February. Petterson emphasized the strong bond between racers and their dogs, highlighting the importance of companionship and teamwork. She expressed her gratitude towards the local Forest Service and the volunteers who made the event possible.

Lisa Weaver, who traveled from Michigan, participated in the six-dog rig class. She was attracted to the showdown because it was an IFCC-sanctioned race and provided her with the opportunity to compete in a different environment. Weaver and her team of young dogs appreciated the support from the community and recognized the role of individuals like Petterson in making such events possible.

Future Events and Conclusion

Dog Powered Sports plans to host another Dryland Showdown in Seeley Lake next year, aiming for the last week of September. This event not only promotes dog-powered sports but also contributes to the local economy and community development, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article discusses dryland racing, a dog-powered sport that promotes physical activity and well-being.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – Although not explicitly mentioned in the article, hosting and participating in dog racing events can provide educational opportunities and promote learning about animal care and sportsmanship.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article mentions the organization of the Dryland Showdown event, which contributes to economic growth through tourism and the involvement of local businesses.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article highlights the choice of Seeley Lake as the location for the event due to its suitable trails and environmental conditions, promoting sustainable outdoor activities.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The article discusses the use of dogs in dryland racing, which involves responsible pet ownership and the promotion of human-animal interactions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being – The promotion of physical activity through dog racing can contribute to reducing premature mortality and improving mental health.
• SDG 8.9: By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products – The organization of the Dryland Showdown event promotes sustainable tourism and local economic development.
• SDG 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage – The choice of Seeley Lake as the event location highlights the importance of preserving natural landscapes for outdoor activities.
• SDG 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation – The responsible use of trails and forests for dog racing aligns with the goal of sustainable forest management.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Number of participants in dryland racing events – This indicator can measure the promotion of physical activity and well-being (SDG 3.4).
• Number of local businesses involved in hosting racing events – This indicator can measure the economic impact and job creation through sustainable tourism (SDG 8.9).
• Condition of trails and natural landscapes used for racing events – This indicator can measure the efforts to protect and safeguard cultural and natural heritage (SDG 11.4).
• Adherence to responsible pet ownership practices during racing events – This indicator can measure the promotion of sustainable management of forests and responsible human-animal interactions (SDG 15.2).

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: seeleylake.com