On December 7, National Park Service Director Chuck Sams made an exciting announcement: the Ice Age, North Country, and New England National Scenic Trails are now official units of the National Park Service.
Although part of the National Park Service since 1980, the designation change means the Ice Age Trail is now equal in status to national park units and the other scenic trails (Appalachian, Potomac Heritage, and Natchez Trace Scenic Trails) administered by the National Park Service. As a result, the Ice Age Trail will have additional opportunities for federal funding through the Park Service, as well as more recognition and public awareness at a national level.
What does unit status mean for the hikers, backpackers, walkers, and other users of the Trail?
It turns out, nothing really changes day-to-day for a Trail user. Now that the Ice Age Trail is a unit, a Trail user’s experience will remain the same as it has been. For example:
- The Trail will remain free to access and use. A National Park Service pass (or otherwise) will NOT be required.
- Parking will continue to be free at Ice Age Trail parking areas unless you’re parking in an area where a permit is required (like a state park).
- Leashed dogs will be allowed on the Trail where permitted. Keep in mind, there are currently some portions of the Trail that do NOT allow dogs or limit when dogs are allowed on Trail. Know before you go!
- Hunting will be allowed on the lands along the Trail where permitted by the landowner. There are also areas along the Trail where hunting is also not allowed. Please know the rules which are in effect and abide by them. And hikers, please wear blaze orange.
- Ownership of property the Trail runs through will not change. This means private landowners, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Ice Age Trail Alliance, National Park Service, counties, cities, villages, school districts, etc. will continue to own property and host the Trail.
- Drones remain prohibited along the Trail, unless a drone operator has specific permission from the landowner.
- Backpackers and overnight hikers remain restricted to camping in designated dispersed camping areas, reservable shelters, and official campsites.
Furthermore, the Ice Age National Scenic Trail will continue to be jointly managed by the National Park Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Ice Age Trail Alliance as it has been since 1980.
What does unit status mean for volunteers?
Much like Trail users, Ice Age Trail Alliance volunteers won’t experience any changes. That’s because volunteer time and talent will remain a critical part of creating and maintaining the Trail. Alliance volunteers will continue to be the boots on the ground doing the hard work inching the Trail ever closer to completion.
In fact, the GOOD NEWS is increased funding opportunities may increase the rate at which the Trail can be developed. This means there may be even more volunteer opportunities in the future.
Please understand it will take some time for the Alliance and its partners to explore new opportunities available to the Trail. However, we are excited for what the future may hold, and all that may be possible. We look forward to continued close relationship with our local National Park Service partners.
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