The Ice Age National Scenic Trail has its northeastern terminus in Sturgeon Bay - ! (and is one of only four National Parks facilities in Wisconsin). The trail route follows the Ahnapee State Trail and then proceeds through Sturgeon Bay's west side streets, ending in Potawatomi State Park. This would seem to have significant economic potential: signs for and improvements of our sections of this National Scenic Trail (including street sections in Sturgeon Bay's west side), attracting business branding like, say, a Mammoth Cafe, connecting with school programs, having a Mammoth walk/run, selling the Ice Age National Scenic Trail merchandise including guide books, maps, t-shirts... trail-building internships for our students... many possibilities.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail route
We could work toward becoming an "Ice Age Trail Community" - see this. "What is a Trail Community? The Ice Age Trail Alliance’s Trail Communities program is designed as a symbiotic relationship between the Ice Age Trail Alliance (IATA) and communities near the Trail which enhances awareness of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (IANST) and improves the quality of life in communities throughout Wisconsin. Initially, a Trail Community will be defined as a community with the IANST going directly through it, is part of a school district and has had a partnership with the IATA. Future definitions of a Trail Community may expand to include broader regions. This program will formalize existing partnerships as well as establish a template that can be used to build partnerships in the future. Criteria – A strong community application will include the following: • An application committee comprised of elected officials, Chamber of Commerce (or related group), businesses and local Ice Age Trail Alliance chapter representatives; • Community support for the Ice Age Trail and Ice Age Trail Alliance is evident; • Language for the protection of the Ice Age Trail is included in local land use plans, planning tools, ordinances, and/or guidelines; or demonstrate support to amend change or add to such plans; • Involvement with the Ice Age Trail Alliance or Ice Age Trail with a local school including participation, or willingness to participate in, a Saunters program or service-learning event; • Willingness to host a volunteer-based event such as a Mobile Skills Crew event, local chapter hike(s) or trailwide events."
Thank you for your consideration.
Nancy Aten
(Sent via Center Line Community Forum)