Wisconsin - Gold Mine to Wren Falls

Chapter President Michael Stafford drives home some nails during the September 20 weekend

from the Wisconsin North Country Trail News, edited and submitted by Gaylord Yost

What a great way to finish off the trail season for 2008. Great Lakes Trail Coordinator Bill Menke made the final inspection of the newly constructed NCT segment between the Gold Mine and Wren Falls during October. Only a few minor glitches will need to be touched up yet but the heavy work is done and the new segment can be easily hiked.

Work will continue on this segment, however, as the Chapter is responsible for constructing three bridges and several more boardwalks such as the one pictured to the left. These structures are needed to bring the trail to the high standard customary for National Scenic Trails.

Volunteers worked on two weekends during September and October to construct the 96’ boardwalk. Much of the preliminary work was done in September when volunteers with the Chequamegon Chapter, combined with Heritage volunteers, cut up the lumber and moved it to the boardwalk site. The crew also leveled the support beams in September.

The Chapter rented a pickup truck and was able to move all of the lumber for the boardwalk and a portion of the lumber for two of the bridges needed into the woods. Construction of the two bridges will begin probably in May 2009 when the weather permits.

Volunteer Dale Yerkes from Milwaukee puts some of the finishing touches on the completed boardwalk

Chequamegon Chapter members taking part during the September weekend included Bob Norlin (Iron River), Tana Turonie (Mellen), Mike Ryan (Mellen), John Beghun (Iron River), Mikie Kuhman (Cable), and Marty Swank (Ashland). All are members of the Chequamegon Chapter except Bob Norlin who is actually a member of the Brule-St. Croix Chapter but is also the Chequamegon Chapter's Trail Adoption Coordinator. Michael Stafford and Gaylord Yost represented the Heritage Chapter at the joint weekend.

Work on the boardwalk ended in September with nailing the framework together. In October, the deck was laid down and screwed to the frame. We are grateful for the nice turnout of Chequamegon Chapter members and help from other non-members.