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2023 Bayfield Area Trails Forum

3/14/2023

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​Please join us on Saturday, May 6th, for the Bayfield Area Trails Forum and Open House under a large tent at Bayfield Winery and Blue Ox Cider at 87380 Betzold Rd. in Bayfield.

​The forum runs from 9:00am to noon. There will be a feature presentation from 10-10:30am.

Table Topics:
Visit each table to mark-up maps & share ideas about enhancing and expanding the area’s trails and our volunteer programs.
  • Bayfield Area Trails: Developing the big-picture vision and plan. 
  • Bayfield County: Trail projects.
  • City of Bayfield: Big Ravine Trail system & more.
  • Landmark Conservancy: Brownstone Trail updates & vision.
  • Mount Ashwabay: Trail enhancements. 
  • Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa: Trail opportunities.
  • Town of Bayfield: Hatchery to Ashwabay & Big Ravine Headwaters.
  • BATs: Participate! 
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We look forward to seeing you there! Spread the word and bring a friend. Click the Event Poster button to download a PDF version of the event poster.
EVENT POSTER

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Sponsored by the Bayfield Area Trails Committee
LEARN MORE
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We’re Buying a Bridge!

3/8/2023

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Similar example of an Anderson bridge from a project in Oak Brook IL. Click image to enlarge. Photo credit: Anderson Bridges - https://andersonbridges.com/bridges
​Over the river and through the woods we go! Thanks to the sponsorship of the Town of Bayfield, we are celebrating the selection of Anderson Bridges as the contractor to supply and install a steel truss arched bridge across Pikes Creek. The bridge is the centerpiece of an all-new BATs trail connecting from the Les Voigt State Fish Hatchery Trail south of Bayfield to the Jolly Long Loop Trail at Mt. Ashwabay. The new bridge will be fifty-five feet long and five feet wide with steel railings and treated Southern yellow pine decking.
​“We were overwhelmed by the response to our plea for financial support for this project,” said Kate Kitchell, BATs Committee Chair. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we were able to raise the funds to proceed in record time. We are especially grateful for a very generous gift from Jim Bryan and Dee Johnson who donated more than half of the cost of the bridge.
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Pikes Creek at proposed bridge Location. Click image to enlarge.
​“Dee and I enjoy walking the many trails of the Bayfield area for which Bayfield Area Trails deserves much credit,” Jim Bryan said. “One of our particular favorite walks is along Pikes Creek. We found the idea of connecting the Pikes Trail to the Ashwabay system to be very exciting and worthwhile. The key to the project was the placement of a well built and durable bridge across Pikes Creek. Kate and BATs had done the ‘legwork,’ but the fundraising was far short of the goal. We decided to make a donation to push the funding ‘over the top’ and hopefully make the trail a reality in 2023. We’re thrilled that the project is indeed on schedule to open this summer. We live in a wonderful place and an enhancement like this trail will help make it even better for all.”
​The balance of funds for the bridge, boardwalk, and final trail work is available thanks to forty donors who contributed over $13,000 and $6,000 committed by the Town of Bayfield.
Our goal is to install the bridge by mid-July. The bridge site will be accessed from the service road/angler access behind the Fish Hatchery, about two tenths of a mile beyond the Red Dam gate. No equipment will be allowed in the creek due to its ecological sensitivity; thereby requiring all installation to occur from the side adjacent to the service road.
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SIgn for the South Shore Lake Superior Fish and Wildlife Area - Pikes Creek Unit. Click image to enlarge.
Other trail work will begin after the snow melt when Will Krift of Trails Anonymous will return to do "touch up" and drainage work on the trail built last fall. Following bridge installation, BATs volunteers will build about 150 feet of boardwalk across the floodplain to connect the new bridge with the trail built last fall. The final touches will include directional signage with maps, plus interpretive signs designed by BATs Communications team member Neil Howk.
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Anderson Bridges sign on Jerry Jolly trail bridge that crosses Pikes Creek. Click image to enlarge.
​Because the project is sponsored by the Town of Bayfield, a subcommittee appointed by the Town Board went through a competitive bidding process for the bridge fabrication, delivery, and installation. The subcommittee received seven bids and chose Anderson Bridges of Colfax, WI whose bid was within the fundraising goal of $45,000. People may be familiar with other Anderson Bridges in Bayfield County including the bridge over Pikes Creek on the Jerry Jolly Trail, and many snowmobile bridges. 
The plan for a trail to connect the Fish Hatchery to Ashwabay was developed over a two-year period with input from many community members. Thanks to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Paul Piszczek and Greg Behling for supporting the project and providing guidance as to how to develop the trail in an environmentally sensitive manner. As always, for their ongoing support, thanks to the Town of Bayfield including the Town Board, Town Chairman Tom Gordon, and staff members Kelly Faye and Billie Hoopman. 
Watch this video for a tour of the new trail and description of this important trail connection.
Thanks also to project subcommittee members Bob Feyen, Carol Fahrenkrog, Karen Boutin and Dennis Clark.
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“Later this summer we’ll have a dedication to wrap it all up and tie it in a bow!” Kate said.  Please check the BATs website in the coming months for information about volunteering on the project and the dedication! 
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Here is a list of the people who generously donated to the funding of this project:
​Allan & Christy Ingram
Bill & Nancy Bussey
Bob & Patty Wood
Bryce & Susan Thompson
Cyndi Taylor
David Forrester
Dawn Lovisa
Erik & Paula Scott
Ipsen/Wegerson
Janel & Rich Ryan
Jared Johnson Cribbage Classic
Jeff Garrett
Jerry Meyer
Jim Bryan & Dee Johnson
Joe Groshek
John Breese/MarySweval
Johnson/Kinnee
Jon & Tina Nelson
Kathleen Russell 
Keith Ray & Cindy Anderson
Leo Stern 
​Liz & Larry Fentress
Lois Albrecht
Lucy Terry
Lynn & Mike Brown
Mark Peterson
Mary O'Brien
Matt Carrier
Neil Howk/Susan Larsen
Pat Jerich
Paul & Brenda Kaese 
Peter Magnuson
Peter Rothe
Richard Charboneau
Ross Huelster
Ross Smith
Scott Nesvold
Sean Reagan
Ted Dougherty
Terese Lynch
Timothy Pavlish
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BATs Most Ambitious Trail Project is in Full-Swing

11/13/2022

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Man wearing a shirt that says
We build the bridge! The new bridge on the new Pike's Creek Trail.
Bayfield Area Trails (BATs) had saws slicing, Pulaskis pounding, and loppers lopping, as the first phase of its largest and most ambitious trail project was recently completed on October 29th, promising new opportunities for non-motorized recreation by foot, such as walking, running, and snowshoeing.
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Pike's Creek Trail Map. Click to enlarge image.
Autumn scene with the traill passing through the middle of three large tree trunks.
The new trail passes through 3 giant poplars.
​This is an entirely new 1.3-mile trail to connect the Red Dam Fisherman Access Trail at the Les Voight Fish Hatchery just south of Bayfield on Highway 13 to the existing and popular Jolly Loop Trail at Mt. Ashwabay.

​Traversing Wisconsin DNR property with a 12-foot-wide approved easement, the scenic trail crosses Pikes Creek and climbs up a ravine through oak, maple, birch and fir forests to a prominent ridge from which a short spur trail leads to a bench overlooking a portion of the valley below. From this ridge, the gradient moderates along a plateau, crossing the Xcel power line corridor to tie-in with the eastern flank of the Jolly Loop.  When completed as planned in 2023, it will be possible to travel on trails from the fish hatchery all the way to the base of Mt. Ashwabay, or to the Jerry Jolly trailhead on Star Route, for an ambitious wildland excursion of at least a few hours or more.
Will Krift of Trails Anonymous provided his expertise, volunteer supervision, and operation of a mini excavator to ensure a final product everyone can all be proud of. 

“Working with Will is always great. He is a talented trail builder who knows how to make hard work fun,” said trail volunteer Gene “The Machine” Lemmenes.  

“This has been the most complex project undertaken by Bayfield Area Trails to date due to the trail length, the relative inaccessibility of the route, and transporting equipment and materials,” observed John Ipsen, BATs Trails Subcommittee member and dedicated volunteer.  “Xcel Energy has been great to work with, allowing us to use the power line road to access the trail,” he added. “That access greatly reduced the amount of time spent by volunteers to get to the trail.” 

Building a Bridge Slideshow

In advance of building the trail tread, Ted May, Peter Rothe, and Kate Kitchell used chainsaws, loppers, and muscle to clear the trail corridor. While Will and volunteers built the trail tread, Sean Reagan led the construction of a small bridge to protect a drainage on top of the plateau as well as facilitate emergency access. He also mowed between the power line and the Jolly Long Trail to make the final trail connection. 

Altogether, 34 volunteers contributed over 320 hours working on the new trail, flagging the trail corridor, cutting trees and small shrubs, removing stumps, hauling and dispersing trail vegetation, and raking a smooth four-foot-wide tread.  After the snow melts next spring, follow-up work will address drainage and other residual needs to create a finished trail.

In 2022, BATs received $21,150 from donations and grants to kick off the project. This recent trail-building cost a little over $11,000, leaving funding available to put toward the cost of constructing a substantial steel or fiberglass reinforced plastic bridge to cross Pikes Creek that will withstand the periodic high-water events that can flash through the riparian corridor. To achieve this second phase of the trail in the summer of 2023, BATs will continue fundraising for the bridge, expected to cost as much as $55,000.

Trail Preview

For now, the trail is best accessed via the Jolly Long trail at Mt. Ashwabay. The creek crossing bridge from the Hatchery trail is not in place yet. Stay tuned for opportunities to help with this next important phase of construction.
 “The project couldn’t have happened without the enthusiastic support from the Town of Bayfield,” said Kate Kitchell, BATs Committee Chair.  “They’ve been great to work with. They have provided support from the Town Plan Commission and Town Board as well as helpful staff to support the administration of funds.  Carol Fahrenkrog, the Town Representative who serves on the BATs Committee, has provided essential communication”. 
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While this project has been challenging, the toughest part might be finding a name for the new trail.  In that pursuit, BATs is seeking suggestions for the trail name.  Email your ideas by clicking the button at the bottom of this post!

​We would like to have all submissions by December 1.
Submit Trail Name Ideas

Thank You!


A big THANK YOU to all donors, funders and volunteers!

Donors:
  • Ted and Tracy May
  • Kathleen Russell
  • Genevieve Johnson and Mike Kinnee
  • Mike Eldred and Kate Kitchell
  • Jen Maytum and Mick Parent
  • Sue Aiken
  • Three anonymous donors​
Funders:
  • Bayfield County Health
  • Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation's Apostle Island Area Community Fund
  • Town of Bayfield
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Jared Johnson Cribbage Classic Supports Bayfield Area Trails

11/13/2022

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Jemma Johnson, Carol Fahrenkrog, Kate Kitchell, and Julien Johnson receiving a donation check for $3000!
Jemma Johnson, Carol Fahrenkrog, Kate Kitchell, and Julien Johnson receiving a donation check for $3000!
​Jemma and Julien Johnson recently greeted Carol Fahrenkrog, Town of Bayfield representative on the Bayfield Area Trails Committee, and Kate Kitchell, BATs Committee chair, at the Gil Larsen Trailhead in Bayfield with a gift of $3,000 to Bayfield Area Trails! The funds represent the proceeds from this year’s Jared Johnson Cribbage Classic, an event held at Bayfield’s Lakeside Pavilion in honor of Jemma and Julien’s father, Jared. The tournament is sponsored by Jared’s friends.

“Jared loved cribbage,” said Anna Johnson, Jemma and Julien’s mom. “Nick Wszalek, a life-long friend of Jared’s, started the tournament in 2021 with cribbage boards made and donated by Dale Ripp. Joey Ann Meyers contributed graphic design work, and Genny and Tim Hay and other friends helped out with the organization. Many local businesses sponsor cribbage boards, and contribute items for the raffle as well as food and drink. They want to honor Jared’s memory by gathering friends, family and community to play cribbage with the goal of raising funds to support organizations and initiatives that benefit kids and families who live here.”

Looking up the Big Ravine to the Iron Bridge, Anna said, “The Johnsons lived close to the Big Ravine and Jared spent some of his best days playing here when he was a kid. When he had the chance to walk the new Big Ravine trails in the fall of 2020, he was so happy about how they made this special place more accessible for people, especially kids. We’re glad to be able to support that work.” 

Carol voiced her enthusiasm for the trails; “I’m excited that the Bayfield Area Trails Committee will have a chance to put this gift toward top priorities, including the new trail connection between the State Fish Hatchery and the Mt. Ashwabay Trails that is being sponsored by the Town of Bayfield,”

With a grateful smile on her face, Kate said “How wonderful that Jared loved these trails—and that we’re able to work on them in his honor for others to enjoy. We are truly touched by this gift. Many thanks to Jemma and Julien, their mom, Jared’s other family members, and many friends for this generous support of Bayfield Area Trails.”
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Gil Larsen Trail Boardwalk Replacement

10/21/2022

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October 13 was a chilly but beautiful day to be working on the Gil Larsen Trail in Bayfield’s Big Ravine. With the goal of replacing the boardwalk overlooking the waterfalls, a select group of BATs volunteers, under the leadership of Trails Anonymous’ Will Krift, placed six-by-six crib-wall beams and pounded rebar stakes to hold them in place. 
Will Krift and Gene Lemmenes standing in the foundation framing for the new boardwalk.
Will Krift and Gene Lemmenes - Click to enlarge image.
​They also worked on the frame for the new boardwalk, and would later install new decking. Work started on the project earlier in the week when the crew tore out the old boardwalk. 

“The old boardwalk was forty-plus years old and starting to show its age -- built on posts on a shelf above the creek. Plus, it was recently damaged by a tree that fell across it in September,” explained City of Bayfield Parks and Recreation Committee chair Kate Kitchell. “With more and more people using the Gil Larsen—many with children, the Committee determined that it would be wise to stabilize the structure as well as add railing. It’s a much nicer viewing area for the waterfalls, and easier for people to take pictures.”
Setting the foundation above the creek. Will & Bill above the creek edge.
Setting the foundation above the creek. Will & Bill above the creek edge.
“There we go!” whooped volunteer Gene Lemmenes, lowering his sledgehammer after driving a piece of rebar through the boardwalk frame. “It’s amazing we haven’t hit any rock. Look at it! Loose rocks up there, loose rocks everywhere; you’d think there would be bedrock.”

“It’s a hybrid between a crib wall and a boardwalk,” Will explained. “The crib will help prevent future erosion and keep the hillside in place. And because we’re replacing the boardwalk, it won’t really change the look.” Will has been busy during the trail-building season working on projects all the way from the Cable area up the Iron Range. Kate calls him, “A project leader extraordinaire!”
​Will thought the project was going smoothly and was especially grateful to the Coast Guard for carrying the six-by-six beams and other materials down the Sweeny Switchback and across the stream to a more accessible staging area.
Gil Larsen Boardwalk completed, viewed from a distance.
Gil Larsen Boardwalk complete view looking away from the stone steps.
Gil Larsen Boardwalk complete looking toward the stone steps.
The completed boardwalk. Click images to enlarge.
​The new boardwalk was funded by the City of Bayfield over two fiscal years. Many thanks to volunteers Bill Bland, Kate Kitchell, Gene Lemmenes, Scott Nesvold, Keith Ray, and Pete Rothe, who helped with the project.
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About the Adopt-A-Trail Program

9/25/2022

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Hemlock Heights trail meandering along the Big Ravine.
Hemlock Heights Trail
​2022 marked the first year of the Bayfield Area Trails Adopt-a-Trail program. Through the Trails Subcommittee, we signed up twenty adopters to monitor over thirty trail segments from Ashwabay to Frog Bay to Siskiwit Bay.
​Trail Adopters are stewards and advocates for a section of trail within the BAT system. They serve as “eyes and ears” for the entities that own/manage the trails and lands that they traverse. Adopters perform an essential service: helping to maintain a safe high-quality experience for trail users and keeping the land managers informed about trail condition and use. 

Trail Adopters visited and maintained their trail sections starting in May until mid-October. Using hand tools only, they performed basic trail maintenance. When an adopter identified safety concerns, large impediments, trail failures, or issues that required action beyond their capacity, this information was sent timely to the Trail Manager Contacts to resolve the issue and alert the public as needed. 

Adopters submit a Trail Condition and Maintenance Report for their trail section by May 15th, August 1st, and October 15th. Adopters may choose to submit more frequent reports about conditions and completed maintenance. Reports are shared with the Trail Manager Contacts after each due date. 
List of trails adopted in 2022.
List of trails adopted in 2022. Click to enlarge image.
​Based upon the lessons learned in 2022, Bayfield Area Trails will expand the Adopt-a-Trail program in 2023. Keep your eyes peeled to sign up next spring.
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Pikes Creek to Ashwabay Trail Work Begins

9/20/2022

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​An enthusiastic group of Northland College students recently spent a day doing service work on the new Pikes Creek Trail as part of their August Welcome Experience to the Chequamegon Bay area. 
A group of Northland College students lined up for a group photo.
The group of Northland College students who came to help with the trail building. Click to enlarge image.
​According to Kate Kitchell, Bayfield Area Trails Chair, this was the “launch” of work on the Trail which will start at the Les Voigt State Fish Hatchery on Highway 13 south of Bayfield, and connect with the Jolly Loop at Mt. Ashwabay.
A group of Northland college students cutting the trail through the forest.
​Prior to the Northland students’ work, a BATs crew established and flagged a six-foot wide trail corridor, routing it around bigger trees. Then two chainsaw crews--led by BATS Trails Subcommittee members Kris Wegerson and John Ipsen—cut shrubs and small trees from the corridor. The Northland students hauled and dispersed vegetation into the woods, lopped and clipped branches, and raked a four-foot-wide trail tread. 
Volunteers Kris Wegerson and John Ipsen set with their safety gear and chainsaws.
Volunteers Kris Wegerson and John Ipsen cut shrubs and small trees from the corridor. Click to enlarge image.
​A big shout-out and many thanks to Sean Reagan and his employer, Cisco, who pays employees for up to 80 hours of volunteer work for nonprofits or charities annually through their program “Time to Give.” “He found us,” Kate Kitchell said of Sean. “He’s a volunteer from the Twin Cities—and he brought his own tractor!” Sean used his tractor to pull stumps and smooth the surface of the trail after the chainsaw crew and students completed the initial clearing.
Sean Regan showing thumbs-up, standing next to a red tractor.
Volunteer Sean Reagan and his handy tractor. Click to enlarge image.
The recent work was done on the half-mile long “B” segment of the Pikes Creek Trail. The “C” segment starts at the Fish Hatchery, and the “A” segment connects to the Jolly Loop.
A group of Northland College students sitting on the side of the new trail.
Northland College students resting at the end of the workday. Click to enlarge image.
​“It’s beautiful in the trees—and not too hot. And dragging large branches into the woods gets some stress out,” one Northland student commented.

​Another added, “I liked seeing the outcome of our work. When we started, we couldn’t see any trail. And some trees fought back! But when we finished, I thought, ‘Wow! There’s the trail!’ I feel good about giving back to the community.” 
​The students were from all over including Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, central and southern Wisconsin, and the Twin Cities area. Several students planned to major in outdoor education; others were studying biology and natural resources. Welcome, all, to the Chequamegon Bay Area! And thanks for your work on the Bayfield Area Trails!
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The New Pikes Creek to Ashwabay Trail

9/20/2022

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​Thanks to sponsorship from the Town of Bayfield and approval from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Bayfield Area Trails is moving forward with the development of the new “Pikes Creek to Ashwabay Trail” that will connect from the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery on Highway 13 south of Bayfield to the Jolly Long Loop of the Mt. Ashwabay trails network.
Map showing the Pikes Creek to Ashwabay trail. Starts on right at Pikes Creek. Ends on the left at the Jerry Jolly trail system.
Map showing the Pikes Creek to Ashwabay trail. Click to enlarge image.
The 1.3-mile-long non-motorized trail will cross Pikes Creek and the floodplain, climb up along a side ravine, and then traverse the plateau above Pikes Creek to join the Jolly Long trail at its western end. Ultimately, there are plans to develop a connection directly to the Mt. Ashwabay trailhead and parking area. ​

​The trail is designed for foot and snowshoe use; because of the special protections in the DNR’s Pikes Creek Management Area, no motorized or bicycle use will be allowed. 
Trail construction begins. A rough-cut dirt trail through the forest.
A first look at trail construction. Click to enlarge image.
“We are super excited about this project as it will create an essential linkage toward our vision for the Bayfield Area Trails network. It also travels through beautiful terrain and forest,” says Kate Kitchell, Bayfield Area Trails Committee Chair. 

​Trail planning began in spring of 2021 with early exploration by adventurers Mick Parent, Ted and Tracy May, and John Olson. In the fall of 2021, the route was refined with the help of Steve Vizanko, Scott Nesvold, Peter Rothe, and Kate Kitchell, based upon finding the best location for the bridge across Pikes Creek. Coordination and permitting with DNR started in December 2021, culminating with approval to proceed in July 2022. 
Steve Vizanko of Bayfield Nordic sees this as a positive addition to the area’s trails. “Adding this as a snowshoe trail will create a great opportunity, as well as alleviate some existing conflicts between snowshoers and nordic skiers. Plus, the views from the plateau in winter time will be fantastic.” 
Winter scene looking through forest off a plateau on Pikes Creek to Ashwabay trail.
Winter view from plateau on the trail. Click to enlarge image.
​This is planned as a two-year project, with trail building of Segments A, B, and C this fall; followed by boardwalks and bridge installation at Pikes Creek next year (2023).  Most of the work will be completed by volunteers, combined with assistance from the Ashwabay Outdoor Education Foundation on Segment A. Due to the challenge and sensitivity of the terrain, Segment C will be led by professional trail builder Will Krift from Trails Anonymous in mid-October.
Another view of initial trail development. A rough-cut dirt trail through the forest.Picture
Another view of initial trail development. Click to enlarge image.
​Work was launched on August 30 – 31. We will soon reach out via email to recruit and schedule volunteers to work on Segment C. If you are not on the BATs email list and you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here. 
​This year’s trail building is possible thanks to funding from the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, Apostle Islands Area Community Fund, Bayfield County Health Grant, Town of Bayfield, and donations from Sue Aiken, Mike Eldred & Kate Kitchell, Genevieve Johnson & Mike Kinnee, Ted and Tracy May, Jen Maytum & Nick Parent, Kathleen Russell, and three anonymous donors.
COMING SOON
Name The Trail
​

After the trail is constructed this fall, Bayfield Area Trails will be seeking suggestions for naming the trail.

PUT ON YOUR THINKING CAPS!
​The Bayfield Area Trails Committee is also especially grateful for the support from the Town of Bayfield Board, Clerk and Treasurer; without them, this project would not have been possible.
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Big Improvements to the Jerry Jolly Overlook Trail Loop

8/14/2022

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Chainsaw work prep for building one of the water bars to control erosion.
Chainsaw work prep for building one of the water bars to control erosion.
Bayfield Area Trails and Bayfield County Forest Staff made big improvements to the Jerry Jolly Overlook trail loop.
​The Jerry Jolly Trail west of Bayfield is especially popular among snowshoers and cross-country skiers in the winter. Now, with the recent efforts of Bayfield Area Trails’ volunteers working in collaboration with Bayfield County, the trail is likely to become a more popular destination for non-motorized travel during snow-free months as well (foot traffic only).
"Hikers will enjoy walking the nice loop along the trail, climbing to a forest overlook point and strolling along Pikes Creek,” said volunteer crew leader Mike Kinnee who helped organize area citizens to make needed improvements throughout the loop trail. “There’s a lot of interesting ferns and unique flora out there. We found some beautiful lady slippers out there last spring,” he added.
Fifteen Bayfield Area Trail volunteers worked to greatly enhance the Jerry Jolly Overlook Loop Trail that originates at the Pikes Creek bridge about 0.6 miles from the trailhead. This new 0.5-mile-long loop travels from the Pikes Creek bridge, up to the Overlook, across the ridge, and back down to the bridge. The volunteers significantly brushed and cleared the trail, constructed a 32-foot boardwalk across a perennial muddy spot, re-routed a short section, and dug in several water bars to better manage rainwater down a steep hillside to prevent erosion.
Three new signposts were added, and additional wayfaring signs were relocated to better serve trail users. A forthcoming interpretive sign will be placed at the trailhead to explain the history of this site and highlight notable natural features.
Happy crew working on building a water bar for erosion control.
Happy crew working on building a water bar for erosion control.
Erica and Tracy working on ground prep.
Mark and Jeff completing one of 11 water bars.
Mark and Jeff completing one of 11 water bars.
Mark drilling holes for rebar stakes to secure a water bar.
Mark drilling holes for rebar stakes to secure a water bar.
​The biggest job, however, was the addition of two bridges. The main bridge, damaged last winter, was replaced with a six-by-six-inch timber bridge that was constructed on-site by volunteers working with Bayfield County staff.  A second bridge across a small ravine was repurposed from another location and put in by county employees. 
32 feet of new boardwalk
32-feet of new boardwalk.
The project included a new foot bridge across a small drainage
The project included a new foot bridge across a small drainage.
​The original trail was made possible in 2006 by Jerry Jolly, who lived nearby. He donated 72 acres of the land here, containing the creek, meadows, and forests to Bayfield County with the desire that it be open to people for recreation.  While Mr. Jolly has since passed, his legacy gift continues to provide great enjoyment to all who recreate here. It is particularly beautiful in the autumn when one can walk along Pikes Creek reflecting the colors of the fall leaves or from the hilltop overlook gazing through the colorful forest to the creek below.
Jerry Jolly Trail Project Map. Click image to enlarge map.
Jerry Jolly Trail Project Map. Click image to enlarge map.
​“It was a great collaboration between the County Forest staff and the Bayfield Area Trails’ volunteers,” said Lindley Mattson, Recreation Specialist for Bayfield County Forests and Parks.  “The work got done faster and more efficiently than I had expected,” she added. “A great deal was accomplished over just a few days.”
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Exciting Land Donation on the Big Ravine’s East Rim Trail

7/30/2022

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Plaque on bench in memory of Jan T. Larson
Plaque on trail bench in memory of Jan T. Larson. Click to enlarge image.
Map showing the Big Ravine corridor.
Map showing the location of the Larson land donation. Click image to enlarge.
​Public access along the Big Ravine’s East Rim Trail is now more secure for future generations thanks to a generous gift from Emeline Larson. Four lots encompassing almost one-half of an acre were donated by Mrs. Larson to the City of Bayfield in honor of her late husband Jan T. Larson. Since the land is within the City’s Conservancy District, allowable land uses will remain very limited in order to maintain naturalness and protect the watershed.

“We both loved how this property was perched on the edge. The views into the ravine and over the lake were always inspiring. I know that Jan would be happy to know that this special place will be forever protected and enjoyed by hikers.” A memorial bench has been placed on the property so that people can enjoy the views that the Larson’s loved. 
Bench along a trail in the forest.
A memorial bench has been placed on the property so that people can enjoy the views that the Larson’s loved. Click image to enlarge.
This donation was facilitated by the City’s Parks and Recreation Committee in order to establish long-term public access on the East Rim Trail, which has quickly become a cherished walking experience for the Bayfield area community. One Bayfield resident said “This trail has changed our lives. We walk there almost every day and never get tired of it.”

“We are incredibly grateful for this donation. Mrs. Larson’s generosity leaves a positive and long-lasting legacy, and we hope that others will consider following her example,” said Kate Kitchell, City Parks and Recreation Committee Chair.

Thanks also go to the City Council and staff who supported this project. 
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