North End of East Rim Trail Receives Enhancements

Bob, Sue, & Bill unload the gravel.

Every trail needs a little TLC after prolonged use.  It may require ruts that need smoothing, overgrowth that demands pruning, or muddy spots that need filling.

Such was the case on the morning of August 8th, when a volunteer crew worked to enhance the East Rim Trail experience for walkers. Eight cubic yards of gravel, purchased with funds committed by the Town of Bayfield for trails, were distributed to low and potentially muddy spots along the northern end of the trail.

Using a Kubota UTV on loan from the Bayfield Winery and two tractors commandeered by Phil Peterson and Gerry Miller, the gravel was transported along the first half mile of the trail. With metal rakes, ten volunteers smoothed newly placed gravel on the trail while cutting back light-seeking vegetation that was beginning to encroach upon the trail.  A few depressions in the gravel parking lot were also made level once again.

Gerry shuttles gravel down the trail.

In a matter of only two hours, the trail received a sprucing up that will be appreciated by countless trail users in the months and years ahead.

After the gravel crew completed their project, Mike Kinnee shuttled lumber for constructing 32 feet of boardwalk over one of the “chronically wet” sections near the City of Bayfield’s north boundary. That project will be finished between now and Labor Day.

​Many thanks to the City for covering the material costs and Mike for his unwavering dedication to the Big Ravine trails.

Thanks to the following volunteers:

​​Sue Aiken
Bill Bland
Bob Durfee
Neil Howk
Kate Kitchell
Mike Kinnee
Gerry Miller
Rich Path
Phil Peterson
Mark Peterson
Doug Welty