Ice Age Trail Alliance
Chippewa Moraine Chapter
Ice Age Trail Update
Mid-June 2019
Restoring trail After logging reroute, 2018
Trail Improvement Day on June 15 on Nawakwa Area Trail Reroute
We’ll work the morning of Saturday, June 15 on the section of trail that was roughed-in last summer east of Deer Fly Trail. Our agenda includes trail repair, trail building, rock work, and vegetation removal.
We will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Deer Fly Trail trailhead parking area, 25475 Deer Fly Trail. We’ll have refreshments at the conclusion, but bring your own water, possibly a snack for mid-morning, and the usual bug repellent, & gloves (yes, they are here!). Long pants and socks are important to keep ticks at bay. We provide tools.
Please confirm your intent to attend the improvement day via email so we can plan for you and make your time worthwhile and productive.
Click Here For Registration Site
Potluck Picnic & Meeting on June 17 -- We Will Welcome Superintendent & Manager of IANST
Our July Chapter Meeting and Potluck is being moved to Monday, June 17 at 6 p.m so we can meet the new National Park Service Superintendent of the Ice Age Trail Eric Gabriel along with Trail Manager Pam Schuler. We’ll meet at the Obey Interpretive Center at the Chippewa Moraine and enjoy the view of South Shattuck Lake from atop the ice-walled-lake-plain.
Eric Gabriel began his assignment with the Ice Age Trail earlier this year, and has been working to get up to speed after spending most of his NPS career in the iconic western parks. He is reawakening his Wisconsin roots, however, with this assignment. Pam Schuler is no stranger to us, having managed the NPS responsibilities for the trail for many years. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the NPS role in managing the IANST.
Bring a dish to pass, your eating utensils, and a beverage. There may be a bug or two, so plan for that as well. Please arrive prior to 6 p.m. so we can begin the potluck on schedule.
The Obey Interpretive Center is at 13394 Co Hwy M, New Auburn WI 54757. (Use this map link to be sure you don’t end up in Sand Creek!)
Amazing! Solstice Hike, 2017
Solstice Family Hike Returns on Friday, June 21 at 7 p.m.
Celebrate the Summer Solstice with a guided family hike on the Ice Age Trail from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 21. Explore the many interactive activities at the Obey Interpretive Center. Games and refreshments also are provided.
We are again teaming with Mayo Clinic Health Center and the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, along with the Obey Center, to sponsor this family-friendly evening experiencing the midsummer sounds and sights of north woods along the route of the Ice Age Trail.
Please register for the event by June 19. Click the button for more information and the link to the registration page.
Click Here For Registration Site
Ice Age Trail bridge across Devils Creek in the Blue Hills, 2013
Return To The Blue Hills For A Trail Improvement Project on Thursday, June 27
We will again head north for a day of trail improvement activity in the beautiful Blue Hills of Rusk County with members from the Blue Hills Chapter on Thursday, June 27. Work will involve some structures and trail work.
We’ll meet at the Obey Center at 9 a.m. and head north for the day. We’ll work until mid afternoon, so please bring your lunch, water, and snacks. There will be some refreshments to round out the day. All tools will be provided, but as usual, be prepared for insects.
In order to plan the project we need to know who is coming, so please register.
Click Here For Registration Site
High Water on Picnic Lake Causes Trail Detour
Several areas of high water on Picnic Lake have caused some rerouting in the Harwood Lakes Segment just east of Highway E. A short portion of trail is under water, but negotiable by walking on the side hill. (A walking stick helps!) But another segment has forced a temporary bypass reroute higher up the side hill on old trail parallel with the lake. An older section was flooded and bypassed previously and continues. While water levels are stabilizing generally, Picnic Lake has no outlet and it may be some time before the level drops.
Trail Adopters Are Invaluable Part of Keeping Trail Walkable
We have an outstanding corps of trail adopters -- individuals or couples who have adopted a specific segment of trail and plan to walk it several times per season, watching for issues needing maintenance and taking care of small details. We’re grateful to them for helping us to hear comments from hikers commenting on what good shape the trail is in.
That said, even adopters aren’t on the trail all the time, and a hiker report of a tree down, high water, empty map box, or other issue is always appreciated, along with those who take a moment to drag a downed branch off to the side or take home a piece of debris. You can report any problems you encounter via email to chippewamorainechapter@iceagetrail.org. Snap a photo and send it along with your report.
Thanks for being part of a trail community where everyone lends a hand.