The rock work crew proudly gathers at the culmination of their efforts. Photo by Alaina Dedo.
The Mobile Skills Crew 2018 (MSC) season finale was a thundering conclusion to a successful season of Ice Age National Scenic Trail development, construction, and stewardship. The first-ever MSC event in Langlade County generated the most project hours in the history of all IATA events, and the most miles of new Trail opened in one fell swoop since such data has been reliably tracked.
Team work is the name of the game as volunteers work together in exceedingly cold and soggy conditions to build a bridge. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
We are humbled by, and grateful to, the 192 volunteers who persevered and devoted a staggering 5,764 hours to protect and reimagine the Ice Age Trail experience in Langlade County. With persistent cold, rain, and snow shadowing every step of the 7-day event, there were a thousand reasons to quit and a thousand times when “close enough” could have been good enough. You did neither. Instead, with ever present smiles and careful, methodical work, each person, each day, helped in their own way to push us forward.
View of Upper Ventor Lake located near the new DCA. Photo by Tim Malzhan.
A ribbon of brand new tread weaves its way through the woods. Photo by Tim Malzhan.
The results are SPECTACULAR: A stately old growth white pine measuring 138 inches in circumference; two lakes devoid of civilization; a new bridge overlooking a tamarack swamp in full autumn splendor; noble stone work worthy of kings; over 120 trail signage posts installed since July; and a new Dispersed Camping Area was established. All compose the new hiker experience on the revamped Old Railroad Segment.
Download the PROJECT OUTCOMES map here.
Checkout our PHOTO GALLERY on Facebook here.
The last ones out! This hardy group of 12 stuck around to complete final items on the list. Photo by Tim Malzhan.
Members of the UW-Madison Hoofers Outings Club smiled their way through the entire project. Photo by Tim Malzhan.
Special THANKS to:
- Sam Picone and Lee Auner for their many advance preparation hours;
- Ted Berry, Lloyd Godell, Dave Tlusty, and Sam Picone for providing and operating their personal UTV’s to shuttle people, tools and supplies;
- Joe and Peg Jopek and Langlade County Chapter volunteers for coming out in force and for providing cookies and firewood;
- Thelma Johnson and project support crew participants for keeping everyone fed in less than perfect weather;
- Jerry Sazama, Bob Kaspar, Theresa Werner for tag-teaming the Crew Leader Manager role, and all Crew Leaders for outstanding leadership;
- Antigo High School, Northland College and UW-Stevens Point students, and the UW-Madison Hoofers Outing Club, for planting the seeds of future conservation successes;
- Langlade County for providing base camp facilities.
- Goods and services were provided by Jones Dairy Farm, McDougals Farm, Kohm-Spychalla Farms, Delafield Brewhaus, Sitka Salmon Shares, Pine River Pre-Pack, and Whilhelm Lumber.
Project Specific Funding:
This project was made possible by funding awards from the National Park Service and Outdoor Foundation, the Antigo Rotary Club, and the Rotary Club Foundation.
NEXT UP:
Regional Rallies are a good venue to connect with regional volunteers and share your passion for the Ice Age Trail.
The published schedule has run its course, but we’re going full force into December with “wildcard” chainsaw work, trail layout and design, potential boardwalk construction, and lots more to ready the docket for next year’s projects.
Look for the 2019 Mobile Skills Crew schedule in your inbox come early December and…THANK YOU for all you do help create, support and protect the Ice Age National Scenic Trail!!
2018 Mobile Skills Crew Sponsors:
This project was made possible, in part, by these generous sponsors who stepped up to support the Trail Program in 2018.
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Happy Trails,
The MSC Langlade County Project Team