May 18-22 - Work Project - East New Wood State Wildlife Area (SWA), Lincoln County - IAT Thank You!  

Hello, 

On the heels of life's foray following a great season opener to the MSC 2005 Northwoods tour a couple of thoughts occur.  One is a post-project reminder that the volunteer and partner efforts dedicated toward the Ice Age Trail now speak for them in the setting bear, wolf, and all creatures large and small inhabit.  We could flirt with those conversations from afar, or - return and engage anew.  Every trail builder deserves a bit of hiking time!  The second has to do with transitions.  Witnessing the communication and skill strengths of MSC Crew Leaders and volunteer crew members clearly demonstrates that the vision of completing a premier hiking experience known as the Ice Age National and State Scenic Trail moves closer with each measured stroke of the pick mattock.  

Thanks everyone for your contributions at last week’s Mobile Skills Crew project in the East New Wood State Wildlife Area and elsewhere in Lincoln County.  54 participants contributed 1,410 volunteer hours.  In the SWA you built 5600 feet of sustainable tread, crafted a textbook climbing turn, installed fifteen Carsonite and two 4x4x8 PT trail signage posts and created two signature water crossings using native materials that will last for decades.  You neutralized signage on all relocated sections and installed regulatory use, internal blazes, MSC 2005 plaques commemorating the project, and refreshed blazes from the '03 adventure.  "Off the Map" you mowed over a mile of berry and brambles from Co. E east, installed a half-dozen Carsonite posts and cleared about fifteen down trees from the trail.  You pulled equipment behind you on a sled and sunk the last post after fording the New Wood River.   You went in from Co. E West to the 'bunyun' pines that escaped the great cut-over, corridor cleared, refreshed blazes, and softened two water crossings.  You feed the troops well, on time, and always above expectations.  You pitched in without being asked tending camp chores and were ready for action come first light.  All in a days work you say. 

Special acknowledgments are due. To Jane Severt and the Lincoln County Forestry, Land, and Parks Department for courtesy accommodations at Camp New Wood County Park.  From a distance Tuesday night wolf songs drifted across the river and fueled our dreams.  To Rich Wissink, WDNR property manager with over 10,000 acres in his charge, for trusting the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation to do what is right for IAT users while factoring conservation values and the needs of other foot travelers as part of our mission.  To Herb Schotz and the Northwoods Chapter volunteers who are the principal maintainers of the work we leave behind.  Let us know how it’s holding up, walk it with others, and let MSC know if you need a hand.  To Mary Wendorf of the Merrill School Forest for allowing us to shower and water ourselves.  Mary trusted us to be good stewards of the facility and we thank her for that.  To S.P.R.I.T.E. for the great work you do and the example you set.  It is always an inspiration!   To the National Park Service for their ongoing support of the IAPTF Mobile Skills Crew and to the MSC Project Team including Brad Crary, Ed Hartman, Nancy Frank, Sharon Dziengel, Kevin Thusius, Todd McAllister, Herb Schotz, and all Crew Leaders;  you were knock-outs!  IAPTF and MSC extend a hearty welcome to new faces Theresa Werner, Nancy Kaiser, John Cramer, Donna Pachaud and Derrick Wilson.  Lastly, welcome back from the valley of leprechauns Mr. Rambo!   

If anyone has pictures to share from the project please contact me. 

Gotta go.  To St. Croix Falls.  June 23-26.  See you there! 

Happy Trails, 

tm