Wisconsin Develops Statewide Brochure

from Todd McMahon

Last year at Canoecopia we handed out around 2500 National Park Service North Country Trail Brochures. Those brochures are nice, but they really don't have very much information on getting people involved with the local chapters of the NCT

What we really needed was a brochure that featured the all three of the Wisconsin Chapters of the NCT. After I met with Bill Menke on Tuesday, I started working on such a brochure. It is an 8.5 x 11 Tri-fold brochure.

The Brochure is designed to help recruit people to work on the trail and it highlights the 110 mile continuous section in Wisconsin.

This segment is on NCTA maps WI-01, 02, 03

See the Wisconsin Brochure (a pdf)

Proposed Taconite Mining Very Near NCT in Wisconsin

based on a news article at the Wisconsin State Journal

NorthStar Economics, of Madison, Wisconsin, announced in April that a taconite mine is being proposed near Ashland. If the Gogebic Taconite (GTac) mine were built, at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion, the two-year construction period alone would create 3,175 jobs and $20.6 million in state and local tax revenue. The estimated life of the mine could be 35 years, a huge economic impact.

While this would be quite a boost to the local economy, there are environmental issues to balance the question. Ann Coakley, director of waste and materials management for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, pointed out that there would need to be extensive environmental review. Impacts on surface and ground water, wildlife, threatened and endangered species, and air pollution would all need to be evaluated.

Any sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail which are certified will have a certain level of standing which also will need to be taken into account. Mellen, Wisconsin, is usually considered to be the first ever "Trail Town" along the NCT, and Gogebic Taconite holds an option to lease a 22-mile stretch between Mellen and Upson. Upson is just northeast of Mellen, and the North Country Trail traverses a ridge on the north edge of this entire stretch before entering Copper Falls State Park and then heading south into Mellen.



This segment is on NCTA map WI-01

See Chequamegon Chapter of the NCTA

Chequamegon Section Added to Wiki Guide

Marengo River Valley (photo by RMA)

if you like this article, click the Blip chiclet!
received from Ed Ronkowski and Marty Swank

The Chequamegon Chapter of the NCTA has written a good description of the section of trail that their chapter maintains. They cover Copper Falls State Park through the Chequamegon National Forest.

Following is a sample of the guide, describing the trail where the photo above was taken.

Two hundred yards southeast of the Marengo River Bridge is 50 yard spur trail to the small Marengo River Adirondacks Shelter on the bank of the river. The shelter can sleep 4 people and has a fire ring in front. A few small brook trout can be caught in the deeper pools of the Marengo River after the start of trout fishing on the first Saturday in May each year. A trout stamp is required, and the popular spots along this narrow river are quickly fished out.

Climbing up out of the Marengo River Valley, the trail comes to the 50 yard spur trail to the south to the most scenic section of the Chequamegon Segment, the Juniper Rock overlook. The overlook has a grand unobstructed view in three directions over the Marengo River valley. From the spur trail intersection it is another .6 miles east to the Forest Road 202 Trailhead parking.

Anyone who is looking for a nice segment of off-road trail should consider central Wisconsin!

See Chequamegon Chapter of the NCTA

More Trails Day Events

from various sources

The West Michigan Chapter will host a continental breakfast followed by a hike and a DVD of the trail. We will end with a potluck lunch. Meet at the Schoolhouse on June 6, 10 am. Members are each urged to bring at least one non-member guest to the annual celebration of National Trails Day. Contact JerriLynn Osmarosmarjer@charter.net

The Star of the North Chapter, Minnesota, have a planned trail rehab, and maintenance day planned in the Chippewa National Forest near Remer, MN. Contact Brian Pavekpavekb@comcast.net

The Chequamegon Chapter, Wisconsin, is celebrating on June 20th with a trail maintenance day. Contact Marty Swankmarty808@centurytel.net

Wisconsin - Gold Mine to Wren Falls

Chapter President Michael Stafford drives home some nails during the September 20 weekend

from the Wisconsin North Country Trail News, edited and submitted by Gaylord Yost

What a great way to finish off the trail season for 2008. Great Lakes Trail Coordinator Bill Menke made the final inspection of the newly constructed NCT segment between the Gold Mine and Wren Falls during October. Only a few minor glitches will need to be touched up yet but the heavy work is done and the new segment can be easily hiked.

Work will continue on this segment, however, as the Chapter is responsible for constructing three bridges and several more boardwalks such as the one pictured to the left. These structures are needed to bring the trail to the high standard customary for National Scenic Trails.

Volunteers worked on two weekends during September and October to construct the 96’ boardwalk. Much of the preliminary work was done in September when volunteers with the Chequamegon Chapter, combined with Heritage volunteers, cut up the lumber and moved it to the boardwalk site. The crew also leveled the support beams in September.

The Chapter rented a pickup truck and was able to move all of the lumber for the boardwalk and a portion of the lumber for two of the bridges needed into the woods. Construction of the two bridges will begin probably in May 2009 when the weather permits.

Volunteer Dale Yerkes from Milwaukee puts some of the finishing touches on the completed boardwalk

Chequamegon Chapter members taking part during the September weekend included Bob Norlin (Iron River), Tana Turonie (Mellen), Mike Ryan (Mellen), John Beghun (Iron River), Mikie Kuhman (Cable), and Marty Swank (Ashland). All are members of the Chequamegon Chapter except Bob Norlin who is actually a member of the Brule-St. Croix Chapter but is also the Chequamegon Chapter's Trail Adoption Coordinator. Michael Stafford and Gaylord Yost represented the Heritage Chapter at the joint weekend.

Work on the boardwalk ended in September with nailing the framework together. In October, the deck was laid down and screwed to the frame. We are grateful for the nice turnout of Chequamegon Chapter members and help from other non-members.