I wanted to step back in and clarify something. Prior to the current situation, I was in discussions with IMBA about the possibility of a very large trail solutions project with a respectable amount of good exposure and value.
Since the situation trickled with insurance, then blame by some onto landmanagers for dealing in what this forum deems as unrealistic agreements where the landmanagers are held harmless (but in 2006 it was take it or leave it).
So now as still an IMBA club, not chapter, which we declined many years ago as the value gained was a fraction of the value realized. We have heard the words about Chapter, Chapter, Chapter, during discussions about the new project.
Having been an early adopter of one of the more poorly worded contracts between the landmanager, we are now doing the homework to get this changed because the insurance debacle opened that door.
I presented the question in the OP to gather facts about what other groups are doing. We sit in waiting to see where the possible new agreement leads, whether it will require outside insurance or not, our quotes on insurance have been marginally ok, but restrictive. As for the project, if IMBA is squirming, myself and others would prefer to avoid partnering with them for several reasons. First, if IMBA calls it quits part way in, we are too small to complete the job alone. Second if IMBA fails, the monies raised may never be recouped, and we are not talking a small venture here.
We as a club, have cancelled all trail maintenance on account of insurance, but was legally obligated to stop since our contract mandated insurance.
Our contract also had an item stating we be a part of IMBA. We want to change this to something such as a large nationally recognized organization. Thus the reason I had asked about other options.
Overall, in the beginning, we had McKay insurance. They were, in our opinion good to us, and explained each and every question during the years we had them. We even bought additional coverage which may prove a good move.
The value we got from IMBA had several tiers, first was the tie to a national organization. Second was they did make the insurance part very difficut to not be a part of, though it did change as time passed, until the end. Third was the ability to present IMBA published data as a form of approved data when requests for trail changes were submitted.
I want to lean back towards the discussions we were in with IMBA prior to the insurance situation. They were proposing a very expensive informal estimate. We asked to proceed in what efforts would be required from us, IMBA and other groups (the big money) to blend this together and move forward. As of today, without us cutting off the deal, we have had no replys or responses from IMBA since several weeks prior to the insurance failure. Again, another reason to ask an outside source over calling IMBA to hear all is well. What is going on with other groups? Simple question to help us focus better.
Our group has worked closely to see each small crisis and make plans for a brighter and stronger future. We are just looking at option if IMBA should or should not be a part of our future. And if not, who do we partner with?
PK