Forest administrator Jake Walcisak receives Public Partner Award by the Ice Age Trail Alliance

The Public Partner award honors individuals who work for a public, governmental agency which actively partners with the Ice Age Trail Alliance. This year’s award recognizes county forest administrator Jake Walcisak for his dedication to preserving historic and ecological attributes of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.

Walcisak’s keen eye for detail observed unusual landforms in the county forest while he was laying out a selective timber cut. Further investigation, and research by Mr. Robert Rusch, manager for the Rib Lake Historical Society, determined these earth ridges had been deposited by horse-drawn “slushers” during the construction of a logging railroad. Walcisak’s curiosity resulted in the preservation of this unique historic site along the Ice Age Trail.

Under Walcisak’s administration of the county forest, a much more protective policy toward the Ice Age Trail and the forest cover along the trail has been implemented. As noted by Rusch, also a longtime supporter of the trail, who wrote in favor of his nomination, “Jake has adopted the practice of formally amending the County Forestry Management Plan by creating “aesthetic management zones” where no timber harvests will take place. To date, he has established these zones at a variety of locations along the Ice Age Trail, including five around Wood Lake. They vary from one to seven acres. They protect, for example, the Ice Age Trail and Wood Lake shoreline, the site of the old Wood Lake logging dam, the site of Rib Lake Lumber Company Camp 4 (1906-1913), as well as a bald eagle’s nest.”

Walcisak and Rusch have also worked closely with the Ice Age Trail Alliance, the High Point Chapter of the Ice Age Trail Alliance, and the County Forest Department to create and enhance a 3.6-mile Wood Lake Loop Trail. It will consist primarily of the Ice Age Trail and a connecting trail, now called the Camp 4 trail. This loop trail will include a series of historical and geological markers, as well as attractive “You Are Here” signage.

As Rusch noted, “Jake’s “can-do” attitude and ready help has played the crucial role in upgrading and protecting the Ice Age Trail through the Taylor County Forest, and setting a progressive and proactive example for other public foresters.”

The Ice Age Trail, one of only eleven National Scenic Trails, is a thousand-mile footpath highlighting Wisconsin’s world-renowned Ice Age heritage and natural resources.