Recently, I complained about new trails in Brookfield (and Milwaukee) that are reported on maps before they actually appear on the ground. A recent visit to Brookfield shows some progress in making reality match their map. The black plastic fencing used to mark off construction zones has appeared along the routes of three of the trails. On the fourth, filling in a gap through a wetland along Brookfield Rd, a boardwalk has actually been built but is not yet open.

Still no evident progress along the Milwaukee trails, however.

Plans are afoot for a new national wildlife refuge in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Called the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge, it would be centered on Genoa City and run between the Bong recreation area on the east roughly to the western shore of Lake Geneva. The northern boundary approximately follows the White River State Trail and the southern shore of Lake Geneva. Despite its proximity to Chicago and Milwaukee, this is an area of small towns, lakes, farms, and country roads that offer great bicycling.

In contrast to older National Wildlife Refuges that consist primarily of federally owned property, the new refuge would be a patchwork offering a variety of environments for wildlife, particularly birds that could move from site to site. This does seem to fit in with current thinking about conservation: rather than concentrating on preserving completely wild areas, find ways to support both wildlife and a variety of human activities.

Recently posted on the Root River Trail website:

Root River State Trail Report April 2, 2012: The bridge repair work is complete and the trail is open from Lanesboro going east to Whalan. Going west toward Fountain, the bridge near Riverside on the Root Restaurant is closed, however, you can access the trail west by starting at Lanesboro’s Bass Pond Parking Lot at the base of County Hwy 8.  The new trail segments will be widened and resurfaced for a fantastic biking experience. The trail is completely OPEN all Saturdays & Sundays and on weekday evenings.

Bikeverywhere offers two options for learning more about the Root River Trail. check out our book Bicycle Vacation Guide or get just the Root River Trail a PDF of the Root River Trail chapter in Bicycle Vacation Guide.