Keeping 15 miles of hard-to-access Ice Age Trail open and passable through rough, rocky terrain is no easy task. It takes a certain amount of grit to volunteer for a project of this magnitude, and 59 volunteers rose to the challenge and committed 1,471 hours to this worthy cause.
The Blue Hills are a gem and, thanks to your service and stewardship, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail is in fine condition for enjoyment by visitors from far and wide.
Volunteers:
- Operated 4 mowers for 90+ hours
- Skillfully and safely operated 7 chainsaws, clearing dozens of down and hazardous trees from on and across the trail
- Cleared encroaching brush with 3 gas-powered weed whackers, fit with metal cutting blades
- Rehabbed ¼ mile of tread
- Installed trail signage posts and thoughtfully painted several hundred reassurance markers – the iconic 2×6 yellow blaze
In all, 14+ miles of the Ice Age Trail were made open, passable and readily follow-able.
Special Thanks:
- YOU!!
- The Rusk County Forestry Department for use of the Murphy Flowage day use area for camping and base camp needs
- All 18 Chippewa Moraine chapter members for pitching in to help a neighboring chapter and the MSC program
- The Superior Lobe and Chippewa chapters and all individuals who loaned or provided power equipment
- Fred Nash for pre-event planning and logistics
- Thelma Johnson (Camp Chef), Letitia Koppa, Carol Johnson and Donna Pachaud for the amazing meals (and rhubarb galore!) that kept everyone fed and full of energy
- Chris and Stephen McDiarmid of Gorilly Goods for the delicious organic snacks
- Jennie-O Turkey for the tasty sandwich meats for our hand-prepared lunches
- Jerry Sazama and all crew leaders for your dedication and leadership
Next Up:
IAT-U and Boardwalk Construction, June 21-25; summer camp for Trail wizards and lots of hand-on learning. Details here.
We’re heading to Kewaunee County to raise dollars for the IATA by serving good grub at Farm Technology Days, July 11 – 13. Details here.
2017 Mobile Skills Crew Sponsors:
This project was made possible, in part, by these generous sponsors who have stepped up to support the Trail program in 2017.
