Group means to acquire Interstate Falls

KIMBALL, Wis. - An effort is taking place to acquire property at Interstate Falls in Kimball, Wis., as part of the Riverside Trail project.

The goal of the project is to connect two waterfalls in Kimball - Interstate and Peterson Falls - to Norrie Park in Ironwood, further connecting to a regional non-motorized trail, connecting Montreal and Hurley in Wisconsin to Ironwood, Bessemer and Wakefield in Michigan.

A private land owner currently owns Interstate Falls and allows for public access through a hiking trail. Northwoods Land Trust, Inc., and the town of Kimball are currently in the process of trying to purchase the property to allow full public access and connect it to the Riverside Trail project.

Northwoods Land Trust, Inc., currently is working on submitting an application for the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grant through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. If the grant is received, it would pay for around 50 percent of the expenses to purchase the property.

The deadline for the grant is Feb. 2.

According to Will Andresen, member of the Riverside Trail Project Committee, there is "nothing new" to report on the grant, but they are going through the grant writing process, getting letters of support and getting a final figure on how much the acquisition would cost.

If the property is acquired, it would be "gifted" to the town of Kimball, and the town would maintain the property.

The project committee would like to implement improvements or structures on the property if obtained. Current, there is a 0.3-mile walking trail. Proposed improvements include development of a new parking area and installing steps, platforms, safety railings and other barriers.

Picnic tables and signage would also be placed at the site. "Northwoods Land Trust and the town of Kimball are the main drivers for this, but it is part of the full trail process," Andresen said. " ... This is a signature piece of the Riverside Trail."

As for the rest of the trail, Andresen said the committee is "about 50 percent through the planning stage."

"The route is planned, but we have made some connections within the city of Hurley, the Hurley School District and the Iron County Farmers Market," Andresen said. "We are collaborating with community partners to benefit trail users, kids walking to school and people going to the farmers market."

If people are interested in learning more about the Riverside Trail, or getting involved with the project, Andresen said they can contact him.

"The trail is just another great example of communities coming together," he said.

For more information, call Andresen at the Iron County University of Wisconsin-Extension office at 715-561-2695.