10/19/08

July 14-17 - Work Project & Trail Plumbing / Rock Work Training Seminars - Dells of the Eau Claire, Marathon County – Project Announcement 

Hello-  

Like the water of the Eau Claire River through the bedrock, the Dells of the Eau Claire Mobile Skills Crew Project, is rapidly approaching, July 14th-17th .  The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation's Marathon County Chapter, the Wausau  & Marathon County Parks, Rec and Forestry Dept, and the Mobile Skills Crew project team invites you, your friends and your family to one of the "gems" of the Ice Age  National Scenic Trail - the Dells of the Eau Claire - for what promises to be an event for the ages. 

Project goals include the following: Rehab and sign the Ice Age Trail within the county park while paying special attention to the 70 year old CCC-built segments , build several water crossing with the native rock (ala CCC) , build swales to get water off the Trail, fix-up a bridge or two and sign completely from CTH Z to Sportsman Road (over 2.5 miles).  When complete, the Trail in the area will compliment the natural splendor built since the last glaciation. 

CONTACT AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION:  Contact Bob Broman at rbroman@charter.net or Jim Beck at (715) 675-6206 to confirm your attendance.  Please let us know 1) when you will arrive,  2) how long you anticipate staying and 3) If you are interested in the "Trail Plumbing" training seminar.  Your timely response helps us accurately plan meal and food needs and organize potential crews.  

EVENT SCHEDULE:  Trail work starts 8am Thursday July 14th and concludes Sunday noon, July 17th.    Project Team members will be on-site well in advance and a Crew Leader meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 5PM.  For travelers arriving Wednesday night, please bring your own dinner, or, some of us are planning on visiting one of the local establishments.  Friday night bluegrass-by-the-fire is also on tap.   

TRAIL PLUMBING SEMINAR:  Intended to introduce local and novice trail builders to the trail's number one natural problem, water.  We will discuss a wide variety of solutions for problems caused by waters, such as flat trail, bridges, stepping stones, swales, etc.  The tentative schedule is a half-day on Saturday. 

BASE CAMP LOCATION:  Dells of the Eau Claire County Park.

From US-51 exit east onto SHY 29 for approximately 12 miles to Ringle.  Exit onto CTH Q and go north (and west) 8 miles to CTH Z.  Take a right and go east 4 miles to CTH Y.  Take a left and go north approximately 2 miles to the park entrance.  Enter to the left (west) and find the group camp area.  As always, keep an eye out for the yellow Ice Age Trail Event signs as they will guide you. 

Tents are allowed at the camp site as are pop-up campers.  Large RV's should use the campground on the other side of CTH Y.  For reservations, contact the Marathon County Parks Dept at 705-261-1550.  There will be a primitive camp shower on-site and other options will be available. 

WORK-SITE LOCATION:  

All participants should come to the group camp site and register prior to walking over to the nearby worksite. 

WHAT TO BRING:  Dress for variable weather (hot or cool, rain or shine) and for comfort at the days end.  Wear sturdy hiking or leather work boots on the trail and bring leather work gloves. A hat, long sleeves and long pants are recommended for trail work.  Bring a day pack and carry extra water and bug juice.  Remember to bring a towel, swim suit and shorts/casual camp wear for days end.  You provide your own tent and sleeping gear. 

QUESTIONS?  Contact Bob, Jim or Kevin. 

Thanks,

Kevin

Kevin Thusius

Land Stewardship Coordinator

Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, Inc.

P.O. Box 176

Cross Plains, WI  53528

Phone (608) 798-1866