Land Purchases Bolster NCT in Wisconsin

submitted by Todd McMahon

Two major land purchases and several smaller ones have bolstered the North Country Trail in Northern Wisconsin. Using state and federal funds, the 3995 acre Nemadji River Tract on Wisconsin’s western border was purchased in August. Also, in late September the State of Wisconsin purchased land northeast of Copper Falls State Park. Plus, several smaller tracts are being purchased near Solon Springs in hopes of eliminating the road walk there.

The purchase of the Nemadji River Tract from the Wausau Paper Company will allow 6 miles of the North Country Trail to be built on that property. Plus, 4 more miles of the trail could be built on adjacent lands. The Nemadji River Tract was purchased using 1.9 million from the State of Wisconsn’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and another 1.9 million from US Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program. The 3995 acres will become part of the Douglas County Forest.

At its September 2010 Board Meeting, the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources agreed to purchase the 720 acre Stilin Properties Tract. The property adjoins Copper Falls State Park to the east, and other state property to the north. In the purchasing agreement, it specifically states that the North Country Trail will be sited, developed and maintained through the property. It will help eliminate the Trail’s dead end at Copper Falls State Park. The land was purchased for $936,00, which includes a $85,028 donation from the John Dolan Dee Estate. The land will become part of the Ashland County Scattered Forest Lands Program and some of the land may eventually become part of Copper Falls State Park.

Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has purchased 3 smaller properties near Solon Spring. One of the properties is a key link to eliminating the road walk north of town. The two other properties are private properties that the NCT currently is on.

The Brule/St Croix Chapter of the North Country Trail is working on eliminating another dead end by completing the trail from Spring Creek to Gordon Dam County Park. According to Tim Mowbray, President of the Chapter, the trail is already cleared to Gordon Dam County Park, but it passes through some wet areas where boardwalks and a puncheon will need to be built. In order to obtain the permit to build the boardwalk and puncheon, a Certified Floodplan Engineer will be hired to prove the structures will not be a flood hazard. The National Park Service has set aside money to hire the Certified Floodplain Engineer and the Brule/St Croix Chapter has already bought most of the materials for the project. The Chapter is hoping to work on the structures next summer.

This segment is on NCTA map WI-01, 02

See Brule- St. Croix Chapter of the NCTA

Remains of Missing Hiker Found in Alaska

Paul Schoch (photo from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College)

from several sources

The remains of Paul Schoch, of Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin have been found, and returned to his home for burial. Schoch disappeared in Alaska, two years ago. He was a volunteer and supporter of the North Country Trail.

Schoch was found by hikers in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska, last month. He had been camped in a remote area of the park, accessible only by plane. He was located about 12 miles from his campsite, and it looked as if he had sat down on a rock to rest, had a heart attack and died. Schoch was camping alone in the Skolai Pass area.

“He did a lot of the stuff most people only dream about,” said Chuck Zosel of the Brule-St. Croix Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. “He was willing to take those challenges.”

In June, a campsite along the NCT was dedicated to Schoch. Friends told stories, sipped wine he had made and shared photos. "Our memories of Paul are all connected with the North Country Trail,” wrote Peter and Lynne Nason of Solon Spring, Wisconsin. (Lynne is the chair for the Ashland 2010 Conference.)

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College has established a scholarship in Schoch’s memory. The Paul Schoch Memorial Scholarship will be available to WITC-Ashland students this fall. Preference will be given to non-traditional students enrolled in the marine repair technician program.

See Brule- St. Croix Chapter of the NCTA
See Hiker's remains found in Alaskan park, Superior Telegram
See Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Scholarship