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Major Nordic Trail Projects Accomplished at Mt. Ashwabay!

9/21/2020

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On the east side of the mountain, some big changes have been made to the lower end of the Raven Trail. First, it has been re-routed to avoid wet areas that always bogged down the groomers and skiers. In addition, a skating route with a less extreme slope has been added. This will make it easier for skiers to get up and down the steep hill as well as diversify skiing options on the east side.
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As we turn the page from summer to fall we have a lot to look forward to on Ashwabay’s nordic trails this winter. A combined trail crew from Mt. Ashwabay and Bayfield Nordic has completed incredible trail improvements over the summer.

Many folks may recall that the Sugar Bush Classic Loop was not open for a long time early last winter due to wet conditions that made grooming impossible. Now, fourteen culverts have been installed to address drainage issues. This will enhance grooming efficiency, enable access earlier in the season, and extend trail use later in the year.  
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The connection between Oppendahl’s and Birch Hill has also been improved, providing another loop connection and more options for skiing routes. 

Bayfield Nordic’s Steve Vizanko is happy about what’s been accomplished. “We took on some of the easier projects in 2019, including the new beginner’s loop and upgrades to the Northern Lights Trail. With that experience under our belts, we have been able to step up to a whole new level of trail work during 2020. It’s really rewarding to see how far we have come in just two years.” 
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!
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Work is Complete on the Big Ravine Access from Meyers-Olson Road

9/15/2020

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New Meyer-Olsen Parking Area
BIG RAVINE TRAILS MAP
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.

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Three New Trails Completed in the Big Ravine Network!

9/12/2020

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BIG RAVINE TRAILS MAP
Bayfield Area Trails volunteers and the community are celebrating three new trails completed during the summer! Extension of the Gil Larsen Trail, and the addition of the Sweeny Switchback and the Iron Bridge Link, have improved a beautiful, leisurely walk up the creek and created exciting new accesses to the Big Ravine. These new trails have added roughly 0.4 miles, filling gaps that have been needed for years. 

“While building these trails during the summer, it was amazing to see how many people of all ages enjoyed them. The Gil Larsen Trail is especially great for families. It’s not too long or steep, kids get to play in the creek, and parents can enjoy the diverse forest,” said Keith Ray of the City Parks and Recreation Committee.
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Work on the Gil Larsen Trail
Over 25 BATS volunteers, wearing COVID-19 social distancing bibs, participated in six, two-day trail building sessions between June 12th and August 22nd under the leadership of professional trail builder Will Krift of Trails Anonymous. The project was funded by a grant from the Apostle Islands Area Community Fund to build volunteer trail crew capacity for the Bayfield Area Trails. Not only did the volunteers gain skills and learn trail building techniques, they even had fun!

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Volunteer Bob Wood remarked, “This has been a really rewarding experience. Building a community of volunteers who have a passion for trails is also exciting for the future of trails in our area. I look forward to continuing the momentum we’ve started this summer.”
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The volunteers also reclaimed several “social trails” that had developed along the sensitive creek banks and had caused erosion and vegetation damage. Hikers are asked to stay off these fragile areas to help protect the Big Ravine for others to enjoy. “Over the years we’ve seen human impacts increase. While we encourage folks to visit the Big Ravine, it has been really good to get ahead of the potential for serious damage,” commented BATS (Bayfield Area Trails Stewards) volunteer Genevieve Johnson. 
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Will Krift on Sweeny Switchback
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!
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