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Public input sought on plan for Badger State Trail
MADISON, Wis. The public will has an opportunity to review and comment on the proposal to develop a 40-mile State Trail that would run between Madison and the Illinois state line as well as how the trail should
be used during a public comment period and at two public meetings that will be held in November.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is proposing to establish what would be known as the
Badger State Trail on the former Illinois Central Railroad corridor. The DNR Bureau of Parks and Recreation recently completed a draft master plan that estimates the trail will attract 100,000 to 175,000
users annually. The draft master plan for the Badger State Trail is available on the DNR Web site.
Under the draft plan, the DNR would develop, manage and operate the trail. Proposed trail uses would
include biking, hiking, rollerblading, equestrian, winter ATVing and snowmobiling. The trail will also provide for activities such as berry picking, bird watching, and general nature study.
"This trail will provide a regional connection to such trails as the Capital City State Trail, Military Ridge
State Trail, and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail," said Dana White Quam, the park and recreation
specialist for the DNR South Central Region. "In addition, the Badger State Trail and the Sugar River Trail
intersect in Monticello thus making the Badger State Trail a spoke in a much larger hub of regional trails."
South of Monroe, the trail will reach the Illinois border and then continue south to the Jane Addams Trail in
Freeport, Illinois. From Freeport the trail will find connections to the 500 mile Grand Illinois Trail System.
Development of the proposed year-round multi-purpose state trail is estimated to cost $4.4 million including
tunnel reconstruction and repairs, bridge decking and railing, trail surfacing, trail heads, parking areas, fencing and signing. To date, more than $600,000 has been spent on bridge decking and railing, regulatory
signing and brushing of the trail corridor.
Following the public comment period and any plan revisions that result, the Natural Resources Board would
have to approve the final management plan. If approved, the trail would likely be developed in phases over
several state budget periods with the first sections of trail possibly open to the public in the fall of 2006.
"There has been strong support for development of the trail from recreational user groups and most local
units of government have been supportive of converting the use from rail to a recreational trail," Quam said.
The corridor for the Badger State Trail encompasses approximately 40 miles in Dane and Green counties. On the North end the trail would begin in the City of Madison and go south through the City of Fitchburg,
the unincorporated town of Basco, the Village of Belleville, the unincorporated town of Exeter, the Village of Monticello, the City of Monroe, and the unincorporated town of Clarno.
Open house information meetings on the Badger State Trail draft master plan will be held:
November 14, Monroe - 6-8 p.m. at the UW Extension Pleasant View Annex, N3150B Highway 81
November 16, Fitchburg - 6-8 p.m. at the Fitchburg Community Center, Oak Hall, 5520 Lacy Road
The Department of Natural Resources will be accepting public comment for this plan until Nov. 18, 2005.
People may send comments to Dana White Quam, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg WI 5371.
The Illinois Central Railroad Company was incorporated in July 1886, and construction was begun on the branch line from Madison to Freeport. The railroad company abandoned the line in 1976 and the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation purchased the corridor which continued to provide short line rail service for the Wisconsin and Calumet Railroad until 1991.
In 1997, the Department of Natural Resources began to negotiate with the Department of Transportation and the South Central Regional Rail Transit Commission to convert the corridor from rail to trail use.
After a feasibility study with public input, the parties reached agreement in March 2000, under which the Department of Transporation will continue to own fee title to the corridor and the Department of Natural
Resources will develop and manage the trail.
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Input sought for Amery-Dresser trail environmental assessment
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resouces recently indicated it has initiated an environmental assessment of the proposed Amery-Dresser Trail, a 13-mile rail-trail in west-central Wisconsin.
Written comments from the public will be collected until November 4 and can be sent to Mark Stokstad, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 107 Sutliff Avenue, Rhinelander, WI 54501.
Comments should focus on environmental issues but may include any concerns or hopes you have for this trail.
The environmental assessment is being undertaken as part of an out-of-court settlement of a lawsuit brought against the DNR by the Friends of the Lincoln-Osceola-Garfield Greenway (LOG). LOG objected to the
DNR giving a green light to ATVs on the trail without first studying the environmental consequences of motorized use of the corridor.
LOG suggests letter writers make the following arguments in their letters to the DNR:
The community ought to promote healthy lifestyles by providing worthwhile opportunities for pedestrians and bicyclists;
The City of Amery, Town of Osceola and Town of Garfield desire a non-motorized trail to balance other local trail opportunities;
Country roads are increasingly dangerous places for pedestrians and bicyclists and alternatives are needed;
This region is aging and needs opportunities for the elderly to recreate safely and comfortably;
Everybody needs safe, paved trails and motorized trails are unsuitable for casual walkers and bicyclists;
ATVs displace all other trail users who do not want to subject themselves to noise, dust, speed, etc.;
The Wisconsin DNR's own documents indicate that ATVs are incompatible with other non-motorized uses;
No additional public land and trails should be subjected to damage by ATV'ers;
Landowners near the trail should not have to fear trespassing and damaging ATVs drivien illegally off the trail;
Bicycling and walking reduce congestion and air pollution, greenways increase nearby property values and urban tourists seek peaceful rural settings;
The trail corridor includes Indian burial sites and campsites that deserve protection; wildlife habitat and nesting sites that deserve protection; and rare prairie remnants that deserve protection;
The trail corridor has not been surveyed for endangered species.
For more information, write to Friends of LOG Greenway, P.O. Box 203, Amery, WI 54001.
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Birkie Ski Foundation doles out $44,000 in grants
During the past three years, the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) has awarded $44,000 to regional organizations promoting the early development of healthy lifestyles through cross-country skiing.
ABSF Skier Development Committee Chairman Scott Chapin said more than 20 organizations have received funding through the foundation.
"Several of these organizations have received multiple grants, and many of the recipients have been school
Nordic skiing programs or nonprofit organizations that hold summer camps for coaches and skiers," Chapin
said. "It's been a very fulfilling job supporting organizations that encourage youth to adopt cross-country skiing and healthy lifestyles. We hope to see some of the youth participate in future Birkebeiner or
Kortelopet ski races."
The recipients include the following:
City of Lakes Nordic Ski Foundation, Minneapolis, Minn.: $2,500 to support its Bryn Mawr Skis Program
to introduce a diverse group of inner-city children to cross-country skiing;
Central Cross Country Skiing Inc., 10-state central region of the United States: $3,000 to support its Birkie Summer Camp;
Spooner Middle School, Spooner, Wis.: $1,000 for the purchase of equipment;
Drummond Area Nordic Ski Team, Drummond, Wis.: $1,500 for equipment;
4-H CANSKI, Washburn, Wis.: $1,700 for the purchase of equipment;
Hayward High School Nordic Ski Team, Hayward, Wis.: $3,000 for purchase of uniforms, coaches' training and rollerskis;
Spooner High School Nordic Ski Team, Spooner, Wis.: $500 for purchase of equipment;
Wisconsin High School Nordic Ski League, Madison, Wis.: $1,000 to help defer costs associated with running the State Nordic Ski Meet;
North Superior Ski and Run Club, Ely, Minn.: $1,000 for the purchase of uniforms;
Birchwood Public Schools, Birchwood, Wis.: $1,000 for equipment;
Rhinelander Nordic Ski Team, Rhinelander, Wis.: $1,500 for equipment;
Wilmar Nordic Ski Club, Wilmar, Minn.: $750 for equipment;
Lakeland Nordic Ski Team, Minocqua, Wis.: $1,000 for equipment;
LCO Boys and Girls Club, Hayward, Wis.: $2,000 for equipment;
Bloomer Area Ski Trail Association, Bloomer, Wis.: $1,500 for equipment;
Runestone Nordic Youth Ski Program: Alexandria, Minn.: $1,500 for equipment;
Ely High School Nordic Ski Team, Ely, Minn.: $550 for equipment.
To apply for a grant through the ABSF Skier Development Committee, log on to www.birkie.com/information/foundation.html and download a grant application. The committee reviews
applications year-round, every other month.
ABSF sponsors North America's largest and most prestigious cross-country ski marathon. Spanning 51
kilometers from Cable to Hayward, the Birkie is part of the esteemed Worldloppet series of 14 international races, part of the International Ski Federation (FIS) Marathon Cup series of eight races, and part of the
American Ski Marathon series of 11 races.
Birkie 2006 festivities will take place February 23-25.
In addition to the 51-kilometer Subaru American Birkebeiner and 23-kilometer State Bank of Drummond
and Cable Area Chamber of Commerce Kortelopet ski races, Birkie 2006 will feature shorter races, events and festivities for more than 9,000 skiers and 15,000 spectators. Birkie festivities take place at Telemark
Resort in Cable and on Main Street in Hayward.
For more information or to register for the Subaru American Birkebeiner, State Bank of Drummond and
Cable Area Chamber of Commerce Kortelopet, Johnson Bank Prince Haakon 12K, Salomon Elite Sprints, Hayward Chamber of Commerce Citizen Sprints, CenturyTel Junior Birkie, Cheqtel Communications 10K,
or the Sons of Norway/Swiss Miss Barnebirkie, call 715/634-5025, e-mail birkie@birkie.com, or log on to www.birkie.com.
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Explorers Bancroft, Steger, others to attend Outdoor Adventure Expo, November 11-13
In an event that some outdoor enthusiasts consider a semiannual rendezvous like an old-time fur trappers' reunion every autumn thousands will gather and participate in the Outdoor Adventure Expo at Midwest
Mountaineering in Minneapolis, Friday through Sunday, November 11-13.
It will be the 20th winter edition of the expo since the store opened 35 years ago at the kitchen table of Rod
Johnson who just wanted to sell gear to his climbing buddies.
Explorers slated to give presentations at the expo include Ann Bancroft, Will Steger, Barry Blanchard and
Scott Backes. Also making an appearance will be Andrew Skurka who has just completed the first ever 7,770 mile through hike of the Sea-to-Sea Trail.
The expo will offer 60 free classes, clinics and shows in all. Johnson and his wife, Sharon, will add their own tale of their just-completed dory adventure down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon.
In addition to the presentations on five stages around the store, 60 equipment and clothing sellers, outdoor
clubs, ski race organizers, resorts and magazines will have booths in the two big top tents connected to the store's four 100-year-old brick buildings.
The event takes a page from the history of retailing, in that it is an actual old-fashioned clearance of things
people need for winter in the great out of doors or for waiting at a bus stop, whether it be better socks and shoes, caps, skis, mountain tents or climbing gear.
The entire three-day event is free of charge except for the special North American premiere of films from the 2005 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, at 7 p.m. Friday, November 11, and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 12, for which there is a $12 charge per person.
Expo hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, November 11; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, the expo schedule is posted at www.midwestmtn.com. The store, located at 309 Cedar Ave. S. on the West Bank near Seven Corners, in Minneapolis, can be reached at 612/399-3433 or 888/999-1077.
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota In an event that some outdoor enthusiasts consider a semiannual rendezvous like an old-time fur trappers' reunion every autumn thousands will gather and participate in the Outdoor
Adventure Expo at Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis, Friday through Sunday, November 11-13.
It will be the 20th winter edition of the expo since the store opened 35 years ago at the kitchen table of Rod
Johnson who just wanted to sell gear to his climbing buddies.
Explorers slated to give presentations at the expo include Ann Bancroft, Will Steger, Barry Blanchard and
Scott Backes. Also making an appearance will be Andrew Skurka who has just completed the first ever 7,770 mile through hike of the Sea-to-Sea Trail.
The expo will offer 60 free classes, clinics and shows in all. Johnson and his wife, Sharon, will add their own tale of their just-completed dory adventure down the Colorado River and through the Grand Canyon.
In addition to the presentations on five stages around the store, 60 equipment and clothing sellers, outdoor
clubs, ski race organizers, resorts and magazines will have booths in the two big top tents connected to the store's four 100-year-old brick buildings.
The event takes a page from the history of retailing, in that it is an actual old-fashioned clearance of things
people need for winter in the great out of doors or for waiting at a bus stop, whether it be better socks and shoes, caps, skis, mountain tents or climbing gear.
The entire three-day event is free of charge except for the special North American premiere of films from the 2005 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, at 7 p.m. Friday, November 11, and 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Saturday, November 12, for which there is a $12 charge per person.
Expo hours are 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, November 11; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
The expo schedule is posted at www.midwestmtn.com. The store, located at 309 Cedar Ave. S. on the West Bank near Seven Corners, in Minneapolis, can be reached at 612/399-3433 or 888/999-1077. n
P SS 24 hrs telemark
November 2005 SHORT
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24 Hours of Telemark set for Jan. 7-8
Looking for a cross-country skiing adventure? Then mark your calendars for the 24 Hours of Telemark, America's original 24-hour ski race, scheduled for January 7-8, 2006, on the Telemark Lodge trail system
near Cable, Wisconsin.
You can ski 3, 6, 12 or 24 hours solo or on team of 2, 4 or 6 members. The race is for all abilities and
motivations, whether you want to be competitive or just get in some distance in a low-pressure, supportive environment. 2006 will mark the sixth year of this event.
A 5K loop on the Telemark trail system provides a nearly endless roller coaster of skiing for both classic and freestyle techniques in daylight and in the dark.
"You can make this race your ultimate personal challenge or take a more laid back approach," event organizer Dennis Kruse said.
As a member of the American Birkebeiner Foundation board of directors, Kruse knows what it takes to put on a top-notch event and how important it is to provide a range of options for skiers of all abilities.
Kruse said skiers can enter as a team or in the "Solo Freak" category. The race is against the clock so it comes down to how many 5-kilometer laps participants can complete in 3, 6, 12 or 24 hours.
The 24 Hours of Telemark offers one of the few team events in cross-country skiing and adds the excitement of skiing at night. Add to that the camaraderie of skiing in North America's first 24-hour ski
event and you've got a combination that's hard to beat.
If you hurry you can get lodging right at the venue by reserving rooms at the Telemark Resort and Condos.
Call 877/798-4718. Nearby lodging can be arranged through the Cable Area Chamber of Commerce at 800/533-7454.
For more information about the event, contact Dennis Kruse at 715/798-3571 or e-mail kruseski@cheqnet. For race registration information, visit www.24hoursoftelemark.com.
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Noquemanon Ski Marathon welcomes all Jan. 28
MARQUETTE, Michigan The eighth annual Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon is set for Saturday, January 28, 2006. Registration forms are now available for the 51K marathon, 25K half marathon and the
1K and 2.5K Junior Noque races.
The Subaru Noquemanon Ski Marathon annually attracts over 1,000 skiers. It's an event that caters to
citizen racers as well as the nation's elite skiers. It is best known for the course that highlights the uniqueness
of the Upper Peninsula wilderness: beautiful forests, granite outcrops, a waterfall, lake crossings, and Lake Superior views.
"Last year's course and snow conditions were top-notch because of our purchase of additional grooming
equipment," race director Jon Mommaerts said. "We're also working to improve the overall experience of Noque weekend."
To register online, go to www.noquemanon.com or by call the Lake Superior Community Partnership
offices in Marquette and Ishpeming at 888/578-6489.
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Noquemanon Trail Network hires new director
MARQUETTE, Michigan The Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN) has hired a new full-time executive director. Susan Brian, a Marquette native and Northern Michigan University graduate, has taken over the
position left by former director Carol Fulsher through a contract with the Lake Superior Community Partnership (LSCP).
Brian previously operated the Crystal Mountain Nordic Center in Thompsonville, Michigan, maintaining 40K of cross-country and mountain bike trails. She also served on several governmental agencies and
nonprofit boards involving the outdoors.
"I am excited about the opportunity to develop the NTN into a thriving, nationally recognized trail system. I
would hope that the NTN trail system could become a destination for nonmotorized trail users year-round,"
Brian said. "I am very impressed with the work that has already been done by the NTN. The volunteers are a key component of this organization and the reason why the organization is where it is today."
Brian will focus on fund-raising, membership and operation of the 75K of trails that fall under NTN auspices. Her main priorities for this winter will be establishing a regular grooming schedule, facilitating
programming and fund-raising events and enhancing the trail experience for all trail users.
NTN is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that promotes development of integrated, multiuse, nonmotorized
trails. For more information on NTN, contact Brian at 906/235-2362.
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Grandma's Marathon hires elite runner Keeler
DULUTH, Minnesota Grandma's Marathon - Duluth, Inc. is pleased to announce that Kelly Keeler, one of Minnesota's top elite runners, has accepted the position of director of event and program development. She
begins her full-time position with the organization this month.
Keeler is no stranger to Grandma's Marathon or the running world. She has won the Garry Bjorklund Half
Marathon three times and also set her PR in the marathon (2:42:45) at the 1997 Grandma's Marathon. In addition, Keeler competed in the 2000 USA Women's Olympic Marathon trials finishing 17th overall.
Professionally, Keeler has worked in publishing and editing for nearly 20 years, and has extensive experience in special event planning.
In her new position, Keeler will be responsible for developing new and existing Grandma's Marathon programs, coordinating registration for all races, and creating and maintaining a new Grandma's Marathon
merchandise line. She will also assist with the production of all Grandma's Marathon publications, and will work with the staff to plan and host year-round events.
"We are extremely excited to welcome Kelly to our team," said Scott Keenan, executive director of Grandma's Marathon. "Her work experience and insight into the running community will enhance our
organization and help us tailor our events and operations to meet the needs of our participants even more."
The 30th anniversary celebration of Grandma's Marathon is set for Saturday, June 17, 2006. For more information, log on to www.grandmasmarathon.com.
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DePere to host Noodleini Run/Walk Nov. 27
DEPERE, Wisconsin The 2nd Annual Noodelini 5K & 15K Run/Walk will be held in DePere, Wisconsin, on Sunday, November 27th at 8 a.m.
Last year the Noodleini in Sherwood, Wisconsin (also near Green Bay) drew hundreds of people. The new venue and course will again offer participants an opportunity to work off their Thanksgiving Day meals.
Both the 5K and 15K courses will start at the DePere Community Center in downtown DePere. The short course will turn around in a neighborhood close to the St. Norbert College Campus and return. The
nine-mile route is beautiful, quiet as it follows the Fox River down Lost Dauphin and back.
All participants will receive a goodie bag, T-shirt, coupons for Noodles & Company, a water bottle and a
chunk of Wisconsin Bucky Badger Cheese.
Registration is now open. The event costs $18 for adults and $9 for children (12 and under) through
November 25th. After that date, the fees increase to $25 for adults and $15 for children.
For more information, see www.midwestsportsevents.com or call 920/338-TRI or 800/429-8044.
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New route for Bike Northwoods Tour in June
The organizers of the Bike Northwoods Tour have announced the route of the eighth annual Wisconsin event June 17-24, 2006.
Kathy Schramm, director of the bicycle touring company Two Bicycles and a Map, Ltd., said the route will
take cyclists from the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan. "You'll be able to dip your rear bicycle tire in the Mississippi River and your front bicycle tire in Lake Michigan," she said.
The 2006 route will begin in La Crosse with overnight stops in Tomah, Mauston, Portage, Waupun and Kewaskum before finishing in Sheboygan.
Check out the details at www.bikenorthwoods.com.
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