Renovations to the Brownstone Trail Make It Safer for Everyone!

Before & After - Blue Wing Bay Stairs - Brownstone Trail

The section of the Brownstone Trail south of Blue Wing Bay Road is easier travel now, thanks to a Bayfield County Health Department grant to the Town of Bayfield. We also owe a debt of gratitude to Anthony Jennings, Kathleen Russell, Tim and Cari Logemann, Heidi Zimmer of Wild Rice Retreat, and Landmark Conservancy for their donations. Bayfield Area Trails volunteers were able to cross a number of items off the To Do list due to great participation over seven days and Will Krift's fantastic leadership. Special kudos to Rex Dollinger (and Ollie) for the use of his trailer, tools, and extra support. 
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The main goal of the recent work was to make a steep unstable section of the trail more user friendly for walkers of all skill levels, as well as for "wheeled" users including bikes and strollers. Bayfield Area Trails Committee Chair Kate Kitchell explains the other purpose; “We hope this will keep trail users on the proper trail right-of-way, rather than crossing private property along the old railroad grade.” New signs will be installed by Landmark Conservancy to provide clear direction for trail users.

Kate Kitchell and Will Krift and lots of Geocell Grid Paver!

​The project goals were accomplished by widening the trail and installing Geocell Grid Paver material to stabilize the trail slope for “wheeled” vehicles; replacing deteriorated risers in the steps; filling the steps with fresh gravel; and adding railing along the steps. Other trail upgrades included refreshing gravel from the top of the steps to Blue Wing Bay Road and installing a sluice box “culvert” across the trail to improve drainage. At the base of the renovated steps, a pad was prepared for a memorial bench to honor Peg Dollinger. Once it is installed next spring, trail users will be able to rest and enjoy a great view of the lake! 

Kate Kitchell, Will Krift and Betsy Blanchard work at the top of the renovated section of the Brownstone Trail.

​This important project would have never happened without the time and energy of the many BATS volunteers who pitched in: Sue Aiken, Betsy Blanchard, Bill Bussey, Doreen Conrad, Rex Dollinger, Neil Howk, John Ipsen, Kate Kitchell, Gene Lemmenes, Ted May, Jim Moeller, Jimmy Moore, Scott Nesvold, Cyndi Taylor, Monarda Thrasher, Stephen Vircsik, Kris Wegerson, Grant Wilcox, and Jan Wilcox. 

Many thanks to all who pulled together to make this happen! Go check it out.

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Visit Landmark Conservancy’s Brownstone Trail Updates page to learn more about the Brownstone Trail’s bigger picture.

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