BLOG |
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!
0 Comments
 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.
These trails are among several that were professionally planned by Trails Anonymous under a contract with the City and funded by the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program. Two more of these trails have yet to be built. The Pine Bluff Trail is slated for construction before winter settles in. Pine Bluff will link the Gil Larsen Trail in the Ravine bottom to the East Rim Trail, creating access all of the way up to the North Ravine Trailhead on Meyers-Olson Road. If grant funding comes through for 2021, the final link, Hemlock Heights Trail, would make a similar connection between the Gil Larsen Trail and the trail network northwest of the Bayfield school.
Kate Kitchell from the City of Bayfield Parks and Recreation Committee and Bayfield Area Trails Committee has been inspired by the generosity and spirit of all who pitched in. “It’s truly remarkable to see what we’ve been able to accomplish!” My heartfelt thanks to Sue Aiken, Katie Barningham, Adrian Bethel, Bill Bland, Ian Campbell, Matt Carrier, Abe Clark, Mike Eldred, Liz Fentress, Bob Feyen, Neil Howk, John Ipsen, Genevieve Johnson, Dave Judd, Mike Kinnee, Kate Kitchell, Gene Lemmenes, Chris Nybo, Anney Olson, John Olson, Mark Peterson, Sheree Peterson, Keith Ray, Janel Ryan, Erik Scott, Kris Wegerson, and Bob Wood. “You’re the best!” Please let us know what you think or if you’re interested in joining in by clicking here or sending an email to bayfieldareatrails@gmail.com. Hope to see you out on the trail! |
