Ice Age National Scenic Trail Will Expand

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail will be expanded in northwest Wisconsin, under a land deal approved by the state Department of Natural Resources Board. Members approved the purchase of 260 acres, to add to Straight Lake Wilderness State Park in Polk County.

Kevin Thusius of the Ice Age Trail Alliance said the acquisition will allow completion of about six miles of trail corridor.

“It will be on wide properties where you’ll cross one road in that six-plus miles and interpreting some beautiful natural scenery, especially at the Straight Lake itself with the nesting swans. One of my favorite spots on the entire trail,” Thusius said.

The DNR will use $350,000 from the state Stewardship program and a federal grant will pay for the property. The purchase is from the Herbert Lundberg Trust. Lundberg is also donating $100,000 in land value.