Spring arrived early enabling a hardy group of volunteers to clear corridor and grub out stumps in anticipation of October’s MSC event. Photo by Dave Caliebe.
The trees of the Northwoods are beginning to turn red and gold and, as we say good-bye to summer, a new beginning lies ahead for the Firth Lake Segment of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
Due to the expansion of an All-Terrain Vehicle trail in the Chippewa County Forest, to ensure a non-motorized experience for users of the Ice Age Trail, we are building a newly designed 1.7 miles of improved Ice Age Trail. Change can be a good thing.
Mobile Skills Crew Trailbuilding Event
Firth Lake Segment
Chippewa County (Northern Wisconsin)
October 11 – 15
What We’re Doing
Thanks to two successful April corridor clearing events and ongoing Chippewa Moraine chapter efforts this summer, this MSC Mammoth Event is dedicated to maintaining a non-motorized experience of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. To accomplish this, we’ll construct sustainable sidehill tread, wrestle and place rock for use as retaining walls, enjoy night skies, good food, friendship and roaring campfires at nearby Camp Nawakwa. But wait…there’s more!!
Thanks to the foresight and policies put in place by Chippewa County staff, we are thrilled for the opportunity to partner with the Wisconsin Conservation Corps (WisCorps). Based in La Crosse Wisconsin, WCC affects positive change in the lives of Wisconsites statewide. And, hungry for another opportunity to work with MSC volunteers, on behalf of their community, the entire senior class of Bloomer High School joins us Wednesday to jump-start the event with a bang!
All Abilities and Talents Welcome
As with all Mobile Skills Crew events, no experience is necessary and there’s a role for volunteers of all ages and abilities…bring the whole family!
Training is provided by certified volunteer crew leaders and all participants get free meals and (for those working with us for multiple days) a free place to pitch a tent.
Registration
To help us plan this event with your needs in mind, please visit our online registration page and register by Sunday, October 8th.
Schedule
Your participation is welcome for any part of the event or the entire week.
Work begins on Wednesday, October 11th and concludes Sunday, October 15th. Trail stewardship activities begin each day around 8:00 a.m. and typically wrap up between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day except for Sunday where the work ends at noon.
Project Team members will be on site by Tuesday; if you are interested in arriving early, please call Special Projects Coordinator, Brad Crary at 262-370-2995
Checking In at Base Camp
Volunteers should report each day to Base Camp for registration, assignments and shuttles to the work site. Base Camp (also the location of the camping area for those spending a night with us) is at (click here for driving directions). Watch for yellow “Ice Age Trail Event” signs as you arrive in the area. Morning and evening meals will be served here and lunch will be in the field.
Carpooling
If you’re in need of a ride or have an extra seat or two in your car, please head to our Facebook Firth Lake Segment event page and post a note.
What to Bring
- Dress for variable weather — extra layers for warmth is advised.
- Bring sturdy hiking or work boots (no tennis shoes) and leather work gloves. A long-sleeve shirt and pants are recommended for trail work.
- Bring a day pack, water bottles, sunscreen and a hat.
- If camping, bring a headlamp, tent, sleeping gear and toiletries. Bring a lawn chair; you’ll appreciate having it to relax around the fire in comfortable clothes at the end of the day.
- Special Note: Electricity for camping is NOT available.
Questions?
Please contact Brad Crary (262-370-2995) or the IATA office (800-227-0046).
We hope to see you soon!
Happy Trails,
The Firth Lake Segment MSC Project Team
NOTE: Photo credit: Dave Caliebe