Annual Trails Forum Celebrates World Trails Day June 7th in Cornucopia

The Most Dedicated Volunteers Receive Bayfield Area Trails Mugs as a BIG THANK YOU!!

On Saturday June 7th, sixty folks gathered at the Bell Town Hall and Community Center in Cornucopia to celebrate World Trails Day at the Bayfield Area Trails annual trails forum. The day started at 7 am with a guided nature/bird hike led by Ted May and Neil Howk at the Siskiwit River Preserve.
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The Forum festivities began at 9 am where attendees had the opportunity to enjoy world-class baked goods and coffee while mingling around information tables hosted by Bayfield Area Trails Committee members and other partners. The Bell Town Hall was a fantastic venue for the event: many thanks to the Town of Bell for allowing the opportunity to host the Forum!

This was followed by several presentations, with Mike Passo from American Trails as the keynote speaker. Mike reflected on the essential value of trails: providing the opportunity for self “re-creation” in the natural world. This resonated with the Bayfield Area Trails group whose mission is “To enhance individual and community well-being by connecting people with nature and each other.”

​Mike also spoke about the resources and roles of the American Trails organization which hosts webinars and projects to support all types of trails and capacity building across the country. American Trails also promotes all types of trails, non-motorized and motorized, recognizing that through dialog and planning these uses can provide outdoor opportunities for all.

​View Forum Presentation .pdf.

Mike Passo from American Trails (our keynote speaker) reflects on how trails re-create us.

Ashley Huinker and Daniel Penzkover spoke about the Red Cliff Nation Trails Study which includes the concept of a trail connection between Red Cliff and Bayfield. View presentation details.

Dan Penzkover explains the potential Red Cliff to Bayfield trail.

​Kate Kitchell discussed the status and outlook of the Bayfield Peninsula Trails Plan and welcomed everyone to look at the planning maps and provide input on priorities. Copies of the May Update Report were also available.
 
Members of the Trails and Communications Subcommittees provided reports about the Adopt-a-Trail Program, the Trail User Surveys, the 2025 Project Schedule, and Communications activities, making a pitch for new volunteers to join the fun.

Chris Morgan from the National Park Service Rivers Trails and Conservation Assistance Program discusses the Bayfield Peninsula Long-Term Trails Plan.

The 20 most dedicated volunteers and partners were thanked and recognized with cobalt-blue mugs adorned with the Bayfield Area Trails logo. The meeting hall resounded with applause and cheers. Thank you volunteers! We would be nowhere without you!
 
The morning wrapped up with four break-out demonstration sessions where participants could take deeper dives into the following topics:

• The Bayfield Peninsula Trails Plan – map review and discussion: Kate Kitchell, Chris Morgan
• The Basics of Trails Maintenance and Construction: John Ipsen, Ted May, Kris Wegerson
• The Economic Impact Study Trail User Surveys: Kathleen Russell
• A Roundtable Conversation with Mike Passo from American Trails​

Mike Passo, keynote speaker, chats with the audience.

Thanks to the fabulous work of several volunteers on the planning, logistics, set up, and communications, the Forum was a SUCCESS! We were happy with the great turn out, especially on a day with so many other activities going on. It’s always wonderful to see our Bayfield Area Trails supporters; and 15 new people joined us at the event! To help make this a better forum in the future, we hope participants will take a few minutes to provide feedback to this online form.

Forum Information Tables
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• Ashwabay Alliance: Ashwabay trails
• Bayfield County: Siskiwit River Preserve; Fire Hill; Glacial Kettles
• City of Bayfield: Big Ravine; “Sweeny Loop;” Dalrymple to Wash. Ave beach
• Cornucopia Trails Club: Siskiwit River Preserve
• Landmark Conservancy: Brownstone Trail; Brownstone to Salmo Connection
• Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa: Trails Study; Red Cliff to Bayfield link
• Town of Bayfield: Salmo Accessibility, Big Ravine Headwaters: Pileated Woodpecker
• Chequamegon Audubon: partner in education and stewardship
• Northwoods Weed Cooperative Management
• Recreation and Fitness Resources
• American Trails
• North Country Trail
• Bayfield Peninsula Trails Plan
• Trail Information Resources

Thanks to our most dedicated volunteers & supporters – always there when we need you!
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• Kris Wegerson
• John Ipsen
• Tony Jeannette
• Peter Rothe
• Ted May
• Genevieve Johnson
• Mike Kinnee
• Neil Howk
• Liz Fentress
• Kathleen Russell
• Bob Feyen
• Gene Lemmenes
• Sue Aiken
• Paul Kaese
• Mark Peterson
• May Ledin
• Lindley Mattson
• Erika Lang
• Jacob Kaiser
• Holly Larson
• Chris Morgan