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Bayfield County updates on land purchases, trestle repairs and parks openings; RFP issued for $250,000 trestle project
Summary
The committee received updates on Big Rock and Pratt Road acquisition efforts, closure of Carroll Lake/Cobb 40 grants, storm damage costs, a DNR-funded trestle repair RFP estimated at nearly $250,000, and upcoming campground openings and increased yurt occupancy.
Bayfield County staff on May 11 updated the Forestry and Parks Committee on multiple land-acquisition and parks projects, including grant timelines, storm repairs and trail infrastructure work.
On Big Rock, staff said a Coastal grant application was submitted and recommended amending the purchase offer to extend the closing date from June 30 to Oct. 30 so the grant decision (likely in September) can be accommodated; the grant would cover about 50% of the purchase price. Staff reported grant reimbursement received for the 80-acre Carroll Lake acquisition and the final Cobb 40 closing slated for May 29, after which the Stewardship grant close-out can begin.
The committee discussed a previously reviewed 277-acre Pratt Road property for which staff are working with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a potential National Coastal Wetland Conservation grant that could cover approximately 70% of acquisition and restoration costs.
Parks updates included a nearly $250,000 RFP for trestle repairs on snowmobile trail 63 over 18-Mile Creek in Grand View, funded 100% by a DNR grant; a mandatory pre-bid site meeting was scheduled for May 19 and bids are due in early June. Staff said campgrounds will open next Friday, ATV trails opened May 6, and yurt occupancy has picked up for May with expectations of a strong June.
Staff also reported minimal forest damage from an April 17 storm: an enclosed tandem-axle trailer was likely totaled (replacement estimate ~$15,000), picnic table repairs (~$1,000), and dock repairs (~$1,500); volunteers contributed substantial cleanup hours. Certification-audit preparations were beginning ahead of an early-August auditor visit.
