Q & A about the Corridor Study

Chippewa County Ice Age Trail Corridor Study -
Questions and Answers

Q. What is the Ice Age Trail?
A. The Ice Age Trail is a 1200 mile long National Scenic Trail (one of eight) that follows the end moraine of the last glacier in Wisconsin. About half of the off-road portion has been completed. It celebrates Wisconsin's glacial heritage, teaches about glacial features, and offers an unparalleled outdoor hiking experience, both short and long-distance.

Q. Why is a corridor being studied at this time?
A. The "gap" between the east end of the Chippewa County segment and the west end of the Taylor County segment is relatively long and forces hikers to either skip the section or hike on busy highways. Gov. Doyle has challenged us to double the trail in 10 years, and we're meeting this challenge. Finally, landowners approach us to inquire about donating land, easements, or other agreements across their land for trail purposes, and we need a basis to respond.

Q. Why were these particular routes studied?
A. The trail should highlight glacial features, so we first mapped these to determine where they were and where they were most concentrated. Then we looked at practical considerations, especially how to cross the Chippewa and Yellow Rivers and go around Otter Lake, and where there were large wetlands. We also looked for large blocks of land, any existing public land, existing public recreational facilities, and services. Scenic qualities and variety are important.

Q. Why are there just wide swaths and not specific routes?
A. We identify 3-mile wide bands within which the trail could reasonably pass. Because we only obtain routes from willing landowners, we have to be somewhat flexible as to where the actual trail can go. If one landowner does not want to participate, then perhaps another can be found within the 3-mile band. Eventually one band will be selected as the preferred corridor.

Q. Does the Ice Age Trail condemn land?
A. No. We only obtain routes from willing participants.

Q. What kinds of agreements are made to have the trail cross a landowner's property?
A. There are three ways the route is established: 1. Purchase of a corridor or entire block of land from a willing seller or donor; 2. Purchase of an easement that permanently creates a trail corridor on private land from a willing seller or donor; and 3. Informal agreements that allow the trail to cross private land.

Q. When will a trail route decision be made?
A. A final decision by funding agencies may take several years, but Chippewa Moraine Chapter members would like to work with interested landowners and town governments to establish an interim route which can be used by the community.

Q. Who do I contact for more information or to give suggestions?
A. Contact the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation (www.iceagetrail.org), or call Nancy Frank (715 455-1672), Rick Magyar (715 720-1495), or Richard Smith (715 967-2164).
11/8/2004