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MIDWEST SPORTS EVENTS INTRODUCES WEB SITE
Wisconsin Midwest Sports Events, a new nonprofit fitness organization based in Wisconsin, recently launched its Web site, www.midwestsportsevents.com. This organization will be introducing
new events in the Midwest area as well as training programs.
Executive Director Gloria West said, "This is a fabulous grass-roots endeavor as this organization will exclusively be operated by a board of
directors who are fitness enthusiasts." The organization will again direct the Waupaca Triathlon and Fifth Third Bank Half Marathon in Chicago.
One of the new events is for the former Fox Cities Marathon director, Bret Younger, who died suddenly in a car accident last spring. It is titled the Bret Younger Memorial 10K.
In addition to the 10K event, Midwest Sports Events will introduce four more new events this year: the Valentine's Day 5K, Aurora High Cliff Triathlon, Pewaukee Triathlon, Green Bay Duathlon and the Lo Carb
Turkey Trot 15K Run. The organization plans to introduce approximately four new events every year.
Craig Congdon, a local marathoner, will be developing a variety of
training programs. "Many of the training programs and education we put together will be race specific," he said. "We will implement virtual
training programs on the actual courses themselves, which will help assimilate race-day experience."
The organization's goal is to put on top-notch events and training
programs. Midwest Sports Events plans to enhance youth through their kids' running programs and will share any of the marketing supports they have. For more information, call (920) 338-8741 or visit www.midwestsportsevents.com.
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PUBLIC MEETING ON CLOSING PILLSBURY STATE FOREST TO OHVS
Minnesota The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold a public meeting to consider closing off-highway motor vehicle
(OHV) use in Pillsbury State Forest. OHVs include all-terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles and off-road vehicles such as four-wheel drive trucks.
Currently, Pillsbury State Forest allows motor vehicle use on any road or trail unless posted otherwise. The proposed reclassification to
"closed" is the result of 2003 legislation requiring a review of OHV use guidelines in most state forests. The closed classification will not impact snowmobiles.
The public meeting is from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, April 6, at Pillager High School, 323 East Second Street South, Pillager. At that time, the DNR will present information and receive public comments on
the proposed reclassification. Written comments on the proposal must be submitted by 4:30 p.m., April 30.
The recommendation to limit recreational vehicle use in Pillsbury State
Forest was based on the potential environmental impacts and limited opportunities to provide OHV trails in a forest that is heavily used for horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and hunting. The
proposal is also based on the relatively small size of Pillsbury and existence of OHV trails located within 40 miles at Foothills State Forest and Land O' Lakes State Forest.
Pillsbury State Forest, located in southern Cass County, was created in 1900 and is the oldest state forest in Minnesota. It was founded with a
990-acre donation from the Pillsbury estate. The state currently manages 10,000 acres in the Pillsbury State Forest.
Copies of the forest reclassification proposal and a map showing the
lands covered by the proposed reclassification are available on the DNR Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us. The proposal can also be obtained from Jack Olson, Minnesota DNR, 1601 Minnesota Drive, Brainerd,
MN 56401, or by calling (218) 828-2701. Comments can be submitted by e-mail to pillsbury.stateforest@dnr.state.mn.us.
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OLD ABE TRAIL WORK
This summer's planned reconstruction of the Old Abe Trail Bridge over the Chippewa River at Lake Wissota, Wisconsin, is being heralded by the Friends of the Old Abe Trail.
The citizen group's winter newsletter stated, "All rumors regarding the cancellation of this project are just that rumors."
The citizen group has been working with the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources to see the project through. The bridge, which spans 800 feet, will be rebuilt to maintain snow cover for skiers and snowmobilers.
In related news, the Chippewa County Forest and Parks Department is moving ahead with its plans to develop the Old Abe Trail from south of Highway. S to the junction of County Highway. I just east of St.
Joseph's Hospital.
A parking lot at the junction and the trail system will provide access through the Chippewa Nature Conservancy under the Cray Boulevard
Bridge and connect with an existing blacktopped trail on the west side of the boulevard.
"The Old Abe Trail continues to be a very popular place for those
looking for outdoor exercise," Pat Jasper of the county parks department recently wrote, adding that the blacktop surface "is beginning to show its age."
Jasper indicated that 70 percent of the proceeds from the trail passes sold by local businesses go toward county maintenance of the trail.
Friends of the Old Abe Trail president, Bob Thorson, can be reached
220 West Willow St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.
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OFF-ROAD DUATHLON DEBUTS MAY 8
Organizers of the Chequamegon Fat Tire Triathlon are fulfilling athletes' requests for an off-road duathlon. This off-road race provides another opportunity to enjoy the beauty and challenge of the northwoods. The Chequamegon Fat Tire Duathlon consists of a 5K trail run, 25K
mountain bike and 5K trail run in and around the cross country ski trails at Telemark Resort in Cable, Wisconsin. The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 8, at 10 a.m.
The first trail run traverses sections of the infamous World Cup trail (Swen Wiik section) before returning to the transition area. The mountain bike course follows the grassy, rolling terrain of the
Birkebeiner loop to the Powerline where it connects to the Kortelopet trail. The trail is 100 percent double tracked, providing ample room for both elite racers and novices. The bike course continues on the
Korteloppet trail back to the transition area at Telemark Resort. The second trail run follows the same course as the first.
"We've had an overwhelming number of requests to organize an
off-road duathlon and Telemark Resort is the perfect place to have it," assistant race director Montgomery Mouw said.
Awards will be presented to the top three overall men and women and
the top three in each age group. For more information or to register, contact: www.FatTireDu.com or the race hotline at (651) 762-1510.
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NICOLET FOREST MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL POSSIBLE
A new mountain bike trail may be developed and opened as early as this fall in the southeast corner of the Nicolet National Forest where few such trails now exist.
Nearly 18 miles of trail through rolling and rugged terrain will connect campgrounds on Boot and Boulder lakes, pending an environmental assessment process by the U.S. Forest Service.
Charlie Johnson, working with the Wolf River Territory, which organizes the Wolfman Triathlon each September, is recruiting volunteers to help
scratch out a single-track trail starting in July. The trail will consist of new trail with some parts following existing logging roads.
"We've looked over topographic maps and picked out a fun place to
ride," Johnson said. He said the trail would be posted for mountain biking and hiking in the summer and skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
The trail will include a loop between the campgrounds 10 miles as the crow flies. The trail will cross County Road 64 between Langlade and Lakewood.
The trail plan has come a long way, he said, since the group first approached the park service with the idea in November 2002.
Darrell Richards, assistant ranger for the Nicolet Forest Lakewood
District, said the trail is not yet a "done deal." He said construction could be delayed due to completion of a comprehensive forest management
plan. Approval of the trail requires further analysis, including environmental considerations and a public comment period.
"There is a process we have to follow," Richards said, "and where the
process leads is where we have to go."
Nevertheless, Richards said he didn't anticipate opposition to the trail or roadblocks that would likely prevent construction starting this summer.
"A good mountain bike trail is not something we have in this area of the park," Richards said.
Johnson said he's seeking volunteers to help build the trail. Anyone interested can e-mail him at loanrngr@sbc.global.net by typing "bike
trail" in the subject line.
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SIX ILLINOIS COUNTY TRAILS FUNDED
Illinois- Gov. Rod Blagojevich has OK'd $907,200 in grants for recreational trail development projects in six Illinois communities.
The projects were recommended for funding by the Illinois Greenways and Trails Council, a panel which includes representatives of statewide motorized and nonmotorized trail-user organizations, statewide agency
organizations, organizations with expertise in greenways and trails, and metro-area greenways and trails coalitions.
The grant recipients, grant amounts and project descriptions follow:
Ballard Nature Center Foundation (Effingham County), $25,600 for construction of a 50-foot-long pedestrian bridge over Second Creek and the installation of 25 interpretive signs along a 1.25-mile self-guided
nature trail at the nature center near Altamont.
Freeport Park District (Stephenson County), $68,000 for fine aggregate trail surfacing material on the most northerly 2.5 miles of the Jane
Addams Trail, from the village of Orangeville to the Illinois-Wisconsin state line. Funds will also be used to develop three trailhead/access areas along the 14.5-mile trail. The Jane Addams Trail, an
equestrian/hiking/biking trail open for snowmobiling in season, is part of the Grand Illinois Trail.
McHenry County Conservation District, $304,000 to develop a
10-foot-wide, 1.75-mile recreational trail that will connect the 26-mile McHenry County Prairie Trail with the 5-mile Hebron Trail near Richmond. This trail is part of the Grand Illinois Trail. Trail uses include
snowmobiles, bicycles, hikers, cross country skiers and equestrians.
The Morton Arboretum (DuPage County), $50,700 to develop a 0.36-mile asphalt path that will link the east- and west-side trails of the
1,700-acre site utilizing an existing walkway under Illinois Route 53 and the development of an interpretive trailhead. In 2001, the arboretum in Lisle had more than 215,000 visitors.
Peoria Park District (Peoria County), $270,500 to develop a 3.2-mile hiking trail with interpretive signs, a restroom building and a picnic
shelter. This is the first phase of a planned 9-mile hiking trail. The trail traverses diverse habitats and elevation changes. Park district naturalists
have identified 144 species of birds and 380 species of plants adjacent to the planned trail.
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PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PROTECTS KEY LAND
ALONG MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Minnesota Crow Wing State Park's outstanding natural and cultural resources will be enhanced by the state of Minnesota's recent acquisition of Mississippi River frontage linking the park with the popular Paul
Bunyan Trail.
Acquisition of the critical 96-acre parcel from Potlatch Corp., the state's largest private forest landowner, was facilitated by the Conservation
Fund in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota and the Paul Bunyan Trail Association. The Conservation Fund and its partners
are working with Potlatch to acquire two additional parcels, located in the popular Brainerd Lakes area of central Minnesota. If successful, the acquisitions will establish public ownership on more than two miles of
Mississippi River frontage in an area under strong development pressure.
The Brainerd Lakes area is among the areas experiencing the greatest development pressure as more people seek to acquire recreational
property in northern Minnesota. Timber management is generally compatible with recreation and maintenance of wildlife habitat. However, the Potlatch property has unique recreational value because it
adjoins two very popular recreation areas.
The recently acquired land and remaining two parcels contain a variety of timber and vegetation, which augment the exceptional prairie
landscape and pine and hardwood forests found in Crow Wing State Park. The park is also culturally rich, containing remnants of a frontier town and a section of the old Woods Trail that served ox-cart traffic
and carried supplies to and from St. Paul.
Conservationists are also applauding the acquisition of the long-awaited connector between the Paul Bunyan Trail and Crow Wing State Park.
One of the nation's most premiere recreational trails, the Paul Bunyan Trail is a 110-mile, mostly paved route beginning in the Brainerd/Baxter area.
"The signature of the 110 miles of the Paul Bunyan Trail is woods and waters," said the Paul Bunyan Trail Association volunteer coordinator,
Terry McGaughey. "This acquisition will greatly enhance that with magnificent views of the river. I predict this trail section, when developed, will become one of its most popular segments."
The Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota recently acquired a fourth parcel, 78 acres from a private landowner, between two of the Potlatch parcels. Parks & Trails Council also worked with the Minnesota
Legislature to secure funding to acquire these and other parcels for state parks statewide.
"Partnering with the Conservation Fund enabled each of us to do more,"
said Dorian Grilley, executive director of the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota.
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NEW TRAIL at MORAINE HILLS STATE PARK
Illinois A new path adjacent to Moraine Hills State Park in McHenry County is now open to bicyclists and hikers. The newly constructed 1.8 mile Moraine Hills River Road Trail connects the city of McHenry to the
park entrance, providing bicycle riders and pedestrians easier access to the 1,690 acre park and the more than 10 miles of trails within the park.
The new trail is also part of the 500 mile Grand Illinois Trail, a network of trails throughout northern Illinois connecting Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.
Moraine Hills State Park is named after the geologic formation known as a moraine, an accumulation of boulders, stones and other debris deposited by a glacier as it melted, leaving gravel rich deposits called
kames that created the park's wooded hills and ridges. The park is an ideal venue for hiking, biking, wildlife watching, fishing and picnicking. For more information, contact the park office at (815) 385-1624.
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WISCONSIN DAM REMOVALS AND RIVER RESTORATIONS
Wisconsin The removal in December of the deteriorating White River Dam on the Fox River in Green Lake County brought to eight the
number of dams removed from Wisconsin waters in 2003, with four removals already on tap for 2004.
"Removal of old, uneconomical, obsolete dams continues to be one of
the best river restoration tools we have at our disposal in the state of Wisconsin," said Todd Ambs, who leads the Department of Natural
Resources' water division. "We're proud of our continued work in this area and look forward to more success stories in the years to come."
The White River Dam was built in the 19th century to aid commercial boats using the locks to travel along the Fox River. The locks were abandoned in 1951 and the dam became obsolete, and over time, fell
into disrepair and no longer met safety standards, according to Linda Hyatt, who supervises water programs for the DNR in the West Upper Fox River Basin.
In 2003, as in previous years, Wisconsin led the nation in the number of planned removals of these old, unsafe and obsolete dams. Nationwide since 1999, more than 114 dams have been removed with Wisconsin
accounting for roughly one-fifth of the total, according to American Rivers figures.
"Wisconsin led the pack again in 2003," says Helen Sarakinos, dams
program manager for the River Alliance of Wisconsin. "Restoring rivers by removing dams is one of the state's and the DNR's success stories.
"Wisconsinites recognize that removing an aging, obsolete hazard and restoring a river to healthy, free-flowing waters just makes good sense good for the community and good for the river. And the rest of the
country looks to us as a leader in common-sense approaches to managing our rivers."
The dam removals in 2003 didn't receive the state and national publicity
given the successful dam removals on the Baraboo River, which involved many partners and created the nation's longest free-flowing stretch of river restored by dam removals. But the eight projects in 2003
some of which removed publicly owned dams, others privately owned dams all were good stories and had many unsung heroes, Sarakinos said.
Following is a listing from the DNR and the River Alliance of dam
removals in 2003:
Beers Dam, located on a cold water feeder to a tributary to Dougherty Creek on UW Research Farm property in western Green County
two remnant timber crib dams on Boulder Creek
Zipperer Dam on the Branch River
Clark's Mill Dam, on Austin and Magdanz creeks in Waushara County
a small dam on state land in Sawyer County near the headwaters of Mosquito Brook
a dam on Nine Mile Creek in the town of Elk, Price County installed without authorization.
Dam removals already on tap for 2004:
the Athens Dam on Potato Creek which is in disrepair and contributing
to damage to a nearby park shelter
Ball Park Dam on the Maunesha River which the city of Waterloo decided to remove this 12-foot by 3-foot dam because the cost of
removing the dam was more economically feasible than repairing it
McCaslin Brook Dam on the North Branch of the Oconto River
Manchester Dam in Grand River, currently a safety liability that has been
under orders for repair since the early 1980s.
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NIGEL DENNIS KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT INLAND SEA KAYAK SYMPOSIUM
Wisconsin -- Organizers of the15th annual Inland Sea Kayak Symposium have announced Nigel Dennis will be the keynote speaker
and instructor at the Inland Sea Kayak Symposium June 17-20 in Washburn, Wisconsin,on the shore of Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands.
Sea kayaking adventure pioneer Nigel Dennis will teach a day-long
navigation course and practicum and give a nighttime multi-media presentation on his world travels. Dennis completed the first successful kayak circumnavigation of Great Britain in 1980. Subsequent paddling
expeditions have taken him around Cape Horn and to Antarctica.
Dennis founded the Anglesey Sea and Surf Centre in Wales in 1995 and has designed his own line of boats called Nigel Dennis Kayaks. He is
also the catalyst behind Nordkapp Trust Expedition Centres, a worldwide organization of high quality paddling and sea kayak training centers.
"His melodious Welsh accent, his humor and sincerity make him a great teacher and speaker," said Gail Green, owner of Living Adventure and
one of the organizers of the Inland Sea Kayak Symposium. "He tells fantastic tales of adventure and first-time accomplishments that highlight his distinguished career."
The Inland Sea Kayak Symposium will offer an full schedule of Apostle Islands day trips, on water instruction, seminars and entertainment. Other highlights include:
Two art adventure tours deepen the paddling experience through writing and illustrating.
Alejandro Romero Higuera will present magnificent images of nature and the Latino life of the renowned Baja peninsula.
Canadian Tarmo Poldmaa will add more spice with a course on gourmet dining on the trail. Poldmaa writes a regular cooking column for Adventure Kayak magazine, Canada's premiere kayaking magazine.
Doug Van Doren will teach the finer nuances of traditional Inuit paddling.
Five voyageurs in authentic costume will sing the night away.
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MILWAUKEE'S LAKEFRONT MARATHON ENTERS ITS 24TH YEAR
Coming off one of its most successful events ever, Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon has set October 3 as the date for this year's
26.2-mile event. Online registration (www.active.com; www.lakefrontmarathon.com) is now open for runners willing to make an early commitment to Milwaukee's premier distance-running event.
The marathon claims, "The Best Times are in Milwaukee," and last year was no exception. According to final race statistics, Milwaukee's Lakefront Marathon had a 98.4 percent completion rate. In addition to
that, 21.2 percent of the marathon runners ran qualifying times for the Boston Marathon.
"The Lakefront Marathon has a growing reputation among runners," said
race director, Kristine Hinrichs. "Our course is generally flat, fast and wide which allows runners to spread out and move quickly. Additionally, Milwaukee is blessed with great volunteers who provide
support and encouragement along the scenic lake-front course. I should note that last year we enjoyed warmer weather with a slight tail wind which is a comfortable running condition for a positive experience and
good finishing times."
Not wanting to rely solely on its reputation, the marathon has begun to use the Internet to promote the race. The Lakefront Marathon Web site,
www.badgerlandstriders.org/lakefront, is linked to many popular running Web sites, the Greater Milwaukee Chamber of Commerce Web site, and event calendars for many running clubs throughout the United
States. The marathon also e-mails information to running clubs throughout the Midwest to promote Milwaukee as a race destination for their members to consider as they plan their race schedules in 2004.
"Last year we had 2,700 participants in our marathon and relay activities which greatly exceeded our expectations," said Hinrichs. "Based on the
amazing finishing rate and positive feedback, we are confident participation will continue to increase this year and in 2005 when we celebrate our 25th anniversary."
In addition to online registration, hard copy registration will become available later this spring. The Badgerland Striders will distribute entry forms to its members, and forms will be sent to sponsoring
organizations, area running clubs, health clubs and several corporate fitness centers.
More than 2,500 runners from all over the United States will participate
in the 24th running of this event which begins at 8 a.m. in Grafton, Wisconsin, and winds along a scenic lakefront route to finish in Veterans Park next to the beautiful Milwaukee Art Museum. Prize money will be
awarded to top finishers and there is a unique four-person relay opportunity for those runners who want to teamup to complete the marathon distance.
People interested in more information about the marathon are
encouraged to visit the Lakefront Marathon Web site at www.badgerlandstriders.org/lakefront, or call the Lakefront Marathon hotline, 414/291-2647, or e-mail lfm@execpc.com
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