Calls on legislators to fund Knowles-Nelson

Vox Pop

Dear Senator Petrowski and Representative Edming: My grandfather, Herrmann Emanuel Rusch, emigrated from Germany and settled in Rib Lake in 1896. While I love Taylor County, the reality is that it reached its high point in population about 1925 and has been losing population ever since. A major contributor to this population loss is the lack of work or jobs paying less than what you can reasonably support a family on.

I have been privileged to work on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail since 1983. Its local chapter, the High Point, with its partners and volunteers, have succeeded in building and maintaining over 50 miles of the “IAT” in Taylor County. But that was “easy” because most of that mileage was on national forest or county forest lands. With rare exceptions, we must buy the land or an easement in the land where we want to put the trail. The Ice Age Trail Alliance has made extensive use of the past stewardship funding and its predecessors. The reauthorization and funding level proposed by Governor Evers is not only appropriate but is necessary for the Ice Age Trail to complete the remaining 600 miles yet to be built.

Stewardship monies have been essential in acquiring recreational opportunities in Taylor County in addition to the Ice Age Trail. For example, the Town of Rib Lake used stewardship funds to acquire a boat launch and beach on South Harper Lake. It is used extensively. Taylor County used stewardship funding to pay one-half of the quarter of a million dollars required to buy all the land around pristine Wood Lake, which is now our most popular county park.

In the Town of Rib Lake we now have two B& B’s. The majority of their clients come from urban areas seeking the amenities of the Northwoods and its extensive system of trails. This is also true for the motel in the Village of Rib Lake. Obviously, these guests buy gasoline, food and pay for other services. I don’t think there is any doubt that they will continue to contribute to a growing portion of local commercial activity.

Please advocate and vote for full reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson legislation.

Thank you. — Robert “Bob” Rusch, Rib Lake Vox Pop