The work site where the new 35-foot clear span bridge will be constructed and installed.
Photo by Tim Malzhan
Deep in the velvety silence of the Chequamegon National Forest, gnarled trees remind us of the power nature unleashed 15 years ago when the Gilman tornado touched down and chewed through 4,000 acres of forested land, of which 900 acres were approaching old growth status.
Here is where the Ice Age Trail Lake Eleven Segment crosses a stream via an aged pedestrian bridge, declared “unsafe” four years ago. Now, we’re constructing a new 35-foot clear span bridge designed to last 50 or more years.
Join us for this mid-summer adventure where daytime industry meets campfire conversation and flickering fireflies.
Trailbuilding Event
Lake Eleven Segment
July 26 – 29, 2017
Taylor County
What We’re Doing
We’re removing an unsafe pedestrian bridge and replacing it with new. The complexity of the project grows with the 45% grade encountered at the building site. This hiker’s challenge will be mitigated by skilled side hill tread construction. We’ll also upgrade another ¼ mile of tread with side hill construction and bringing trail signage elements to Ice Age National Scenic Trail standards.
Project Map for details related to the area where we’ll be working.
All Abilities and Talents Welcome
As with all Mobile Skills Crew events, no experience is necessary and there’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities…bring the whole family!
Your participation is welcome for any amount of time you can give.
Training is provided by certified volunteer crew leaders and all participants get free meals and (for those working with us for multiple days) a free place to pitch a tent.
Registration
To help us plan this event with your needs in mind, please visit our online registration page and register by Friday, July 21, 2017.
Schedule
Your participation is welcome for any part of the event or the entire week.
Work begins on Wednesday, July 26th and concludes Saturday, July 29th. Trail stewardship activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Project Team members will be on site by Tuesday; if you are interested in arriving early, please call Special Projects Coordinator, Brad Crary at 262-370-2995.
Checking In at Base Camp
Volunteers should report each day to Base Camp for registration, assignments and shuttles to the work site. Base Camp (also the location of the camping area for those spending a night with us) is at the Kathryn Lake Campground (click here for driving directions). Watch for yellow “Ice Age Trail Event” signs as you arrive in the area. Morning and evening meals will be served here; lunch will be in the field.
Carpooling
If you’re in need of a ride or have an extra seat or two in your car, please head to our Facebook Lake Eleven Event page and post a note.
What to Bring
- Dress for variable weather — even in July, extra layers for warmth is advised.
- Bring sturdy hiking or work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves. A long-sleeve shirt and pants are recommended for trail work; mud boots, if you have them, may come in handy.
- Bring a day pack, water bottles, sunscreen and a hat.
- If camping, bring a headlamp, tent, sleeping gear and toiletries. Bring a lawn chair; you’ll appreciate having it to relax around the fire in comfortable clothes at the end of the day.
- Ticks or black flies may be numerous so bring your preferred insect and tick repellant.
Questions?
Please contact Brad Crary (262-370-2995) or the IATA office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you soon!
Happy Trails,
The Lake Eleven Project Team