“Every time I work with Will, I learn something new,” Gene Lemmenes piped up. “This time we discovered how handy a come along and rock net can be for moving the really big rocks.” The trail enables access from the Gil Larsen Trailhead on Washington Avenue to the West Rim Trail, and on to Martin Road that connects to Betzold Road and the orchards area, including the Erickson Orchard. It also connects the West Rim trails to the East Rim trails via the Gil Larsen and Pine Bluff Trails. The Hemlock Heights Trail can be accessed from above via the West Rim trailhead located at the parking lot adjacent to the Bayfield school’s baseball field which, by the way, must have the most beautiful view of any ballpark in the world!  Hemlock Heights weaves through the trees. Click image for full-size view. Hemlock Heights is the latest addition to the new trails network on City of Bayfield park lands that includes the Iron Bridge, Sweeny Switchback, Gil Larsen extension, and Pine Bluff trails. Kate Kitchell, Parks and Recreation Committee Chair is grateful for the City’s sponsorship. “We couldn’t have done all of these exciting trail additions without the incredible support from the City of Bayfield staff, Council, and committees.” The Hemlock Heights Trail work was funded by a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program grant with matching grant funds from the Apostle Islands Area Community Fund, and donations from the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau. A huge round of applause to the funders, the volunteers and Will. Next up? Beginning in mid-August, plans are to construct a connecting trail between the parking lot on the east side of Bayfield High School to the Gil Larsen Trail. It is hoped that the new “school” trail will facilitate safe and easy access for students to the Big Ravine for outdoor education and recreation. Please contact us if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.
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In case you missed it, click the images below to take a look at this year's volunteer training presentations including information on the Bayfield Area Trails 2021 Volunteer Program and the Fundamentals of Trail Construction and Maintenance.
Please contact us if you are interested in being a volunteer.
Overheard at the beginning of the Gil Larsen Trail on Saturday morning May 1st:
Right on the heels of the planting project came the installation of four new interpretive signs at the Gil Larsen Trailhead on Sunday May 2nd. Thanks to Bob Durfey, Neil Howk, and Gene Lemmenes for digging, assembling, and setting up the signs that will now be enjoyed by visitors and residents for years to come. The visitor will first encounter a sign about the historic apple shed and the William Knight house. After climbing the steps, there are three more signs filled with information about Big Ravine trails, cultural history, and natural features.  Three new signs installed at the Gil Larsen Trailhead. Neil Howk remarked “It has been rewarding to be a part of this project from start to finish. I hope that the information presented on the signs will help everyone to appreciate how special the Big Ravine Preserve is.” Thanks to the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program for funding these new signs.  Apple Shed sign installed at the Gil Larsen trailhead.
Since most people expressed a willingness to donate funds, Bayfield Area Trails plans to follow-up with a request for donations once we have finalized our 2021 work plans. Also, due to the high level of interest, we will likely re-run the survey when the trail field season is in full swing this summer. We are interested in your thoughts. Click the button below to provide feedback on the report.  Starting on Saturday December 5th, volunteers began efforts to restore the view of Bayfield’s Historic Iron Bridge at the Gil Larsen Trailhead on Washington Ave. This phase of the work is now complete thanks to the help of 12 community volunteers who dedicated 60 hours of time cutting and clearing trees and brush.
This sets the stage for restoring the creek bottom with native species. The cut stumps will be carefully treated by mid-December with an herbicide. The first round of planting and continued invasive species control will occur in Spring/Summer of 2021. Over the last four months, the City Parks and Recreation Committee, in coordination with the Tree Board and Landmark Conservancy, has led development of this Plan to Restore and Maintain the Viewshed in the long-term by planting low and slow-growing shrubs and trees that will “frame” the view corridor. Bay Area Environmental Consultants provided technical input on this plan as part of a contracted Erosion Control and Restoration Plan for the Big Ravine. Copies of these plans are also linked on the Bayfield Area Trails website News page. For more information contact: Kate Kitchell katepkitchell@gmail.com or Matt Carrier matthew-carrier@bethel.edu.
 Pine Bluff Steps
With this connection, folks will be able to travel from the new parking area on Meyers-Olson Rd. to the top of the Second Street hill as well as along a loop via the new Pine Bluff Trail between the Sweeny Trailhead and north Second Street.
The Big Ravine Trails map is being updated and signs are being posted to show this section of trail as open for public access. Chuck Finn knows how much this means to our community. “As Mary and I encounter folks out on the East Rim Trail and the Finn Loop, we hear sincere gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Big Ravine. This access from Bob and Maria is a tremendous addition for all.” As a condition of granting this access, Bob and Maria Fierek ask that all users greet one another with a smile and that we make sure to take good care of the land. WE CAN DO THAT!! PLEASE NOTE: There is no parking at this trail access. Please park at the Sweeny Ave. Trailhead lot, just one block away.
Doug Olson, Mt. Ashwabay’s Operations Manager, applauds the help from special partners. “We could not have gotten this done without the donation of five days rental of an excavator from Northland Lawn and Sport. That is HUGE!”
It will be time to wax your skis before you know it!  New Meyer-Olsen Parking Area If you travel Meyers-Olson Road north of the City of Bayfield, you may notice the new parking area about 1/3 of a mile from the Betzold Road intersection. This long-awaited improvement will make parking and access to the Big Ravine’s East Rim Trail (previously known as “The Old Snowmobile Trail”) much safer throughout the year. Many thanks to C&W Trucking and the Town of Bayfield for their great work!
Also, a project to address the very wet sections of the northern end of the East Rim Trail has been completed. If you’ve ever traveled this trail in the spring and early summer, you’ve realized that rubber boots and tick repellent were a necessity. To resolve these sections, the trail is being re-routed in two locations and the low wet areas are being filled in with rock and gravel. We have improved over a mile of walking trail now. Chuck and Mary Finn are in the process of adding “The Finn Loop” onto their property off of the main trail, providing some more options for enjoying the woods on the Ravine’s east side. We’re especially grateful to Chuck for the many hours he has spent on his excavator building all of these new trail sections. Look for blue blazes that mark East Rim Trail and gold blazes on the Finn Loop. Signs will be installed at the trailhead and at key spots along the trail. It’s important to note that bikes and ATVs are prohibited. These improvements are made possible thanks to funding and support from the Town of Bayfield, the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, the Bayfield Chamber and Visitor Bureau, Landmark Conservancy, and dozens of volunteers. Thanks to all! If you’re interested in helping, please contact please contact bayfieldareatrails@gmail.com or sign up on the website at bayfieldareatrails.com. |
