September 14-17 - New Trail, Point Beach State Forest, Manitowoc County  – Project Announcement

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is a thousand-mile foot trail tracing Ice Age formations across Wisconsin.  The upcoming Mobile Skills Crew project – September 14-17, 2006 - will help to install up to eight new miles along the Trail’s largest glacial feature – Lake Michigan. 

Using the beach, ridges, swales, existing trail and new trail, the Ice Age Trail route will traverse along the lake’s edge, through ridge-and-swale topography, along Molash Creek, and a red-pine plantation as it winds from south to north.   

The Background: The Lake Michigan corridor planning effort has put Point Beach SF into the general plan for the Trail route.  Now, its time for a more small-scaled approach as the Trail will be installed in the Point Beach State Forest which has six miles of beach front, over 20 miles of existing trails and plenty of camping options.  For more information on the Forest see: http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/specific/pointbeach/    

The Work: Work starts at 8am each day and ends by 5pm Thurs-Sat, and noon on Sunday.  Coming off one of the more technically difficult projects the MSC has ever encountered, we will down shift a gear to one of the least technically difficult we have seen, but no less worthwhile.  Sandy soils and sensitive ecological habitats limit the construction of ‘tread’ in most areas.  Corridor clearing and signage will be the key components of this project.  Signing up to 8 miles of Trail is no easy task.  There will also be one small boardwalk/puncheon constructed.   

Camping: For this project, the DNR has provided us with the Indoor Group Camp facilities.  There is limited indoor space on bunks.  They are on a first come, first serve basis.  There is one men’s (sleeps 14) and one women’s (sleeps 12) cabin with outdoor pit toilets; wash sinks will be provided.  There is some space for pop-ups/RV’s but there is no electricity.  There is also a decent amount of space for tenting.  If you would like to rent your own campsite at the campground, you may do so at Reserve America- http://reserveamerica.com/  

Registration: Please respond to volunteer Crew Leader Manager Sharon Dziengel ASAP by email her at sharondziengel@yahoo.com .  Please include your anticipated arrival date/time, how long you'll stay, and what meals we should plan with YOU in mind, including any special dietary needs.   If you have any questions about the project, please feel free to email or call me – Kevin (see signature at bottom of email). 

Directions: Point Beach State Forest is located north of Two Rivers.  From I-43, take STH 310 east into Two Rivers.  Turn left onto STH 42 and go over the West Twin River, then stay on STH 42 as it turns right (east) and goes over the East Twin River.  Then, when STH 42 bends left (north) go straight onto Sandy Bay Rd (CTH O).  Follow CTH O to either Group Indoor Camp entrance or Headquarters/Concession area – both on the right (east).  Follow the yellow Ice Age Event signs. 

Special Notes:  The camping facilities – although in the same Forest – are about a 10-15 minute drive from the showers and Concession area, where we will be eating breakfast and lunch.  Please come to breakfast prepared for field work, and you may want to come ready for a shower after the workday as well (ie. bring a change of cloths to breakfast/the field).  There will not be time between breakfast and the beginning of work to go back to the group camp. 

Also, PLEASE DO NOT BRING FIREWOOD from your home, we will get some from the Forest’s supply.  Thanks. 

Schedule: Car pool from base camp daily before 6:45am.  Breakfast is at 7:00am (don’t worry, we will have coffee at camp, too).  Lunch will be in the field.  Work ends about 5pm.  Dinner is back at the concession area around 6:00pm. 

*One last note, if you are interested in helping the state research and rare plant species – Dune Thistle – they are looking for assistance on Wed, Sept 13^th.  For those interested, please contact Gene Tiser at Gene.Tiser@dnr.state.wi.us.  Camping Tues night will be provided for survey participants. 

See you soon,

MSC – Point Beach Project Team

 WHAT TO BRING:  

CLOTHES