Just $55,503 to Go to Finish Phase 1!
We're almost there! The total project cost for Phase 1 is $709,568 and we're only $55,503 away from our funding goal! Our matching gift campaign is not done yet - we need your help to complete the loop! Donations received now through March 31 are matched $1 for $1.
Gifts at all levels will make a huge difference to meet the match, and our goal, but we need your help to make it happen! Scroll below for the "Donate Online" button or for information on how to mail your donation.
The Boulder Junction Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 public charity, continues to manage the North Creek Loop Trail Fund during the fundraising phase. Any donations received above the construction cost will benefit Phase 2 of the project.
$110,000 Matching Gift Campaign!
Thanks to your dedicated support, encouragement, and patience; Phase 1 of the proposed North Creek Loop Trail is now underway! The Town of Boulder Junction, at its September meeting, awarded the contract to Pitlik and Wick contractors. The construction crew has begun work, with estimated completion in 2023.
Today, we embark on a campaign to meet our goal of $222,000 that will allow us to complete this section of the trail in 2023, which will provide safe access to residents and visitors of the Boulder Junction community.
Thanks to a very generous donor - who loves bike trails just like you do - and a $10,000 grant from the Dairymen’s Foundation - your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $110,000 for gifts given today through March 31, 2023!!
Phase 1 of the project, which runs from Highway K to Rudolph Lake Road, had an initial estimate in 2020 of $520,410. We hit a few bumps in the road – mainly 2020/2021 supply chain issues - which increased the costs of the project. With the Town, DNR, and the contractor working together, the revised construction cost is now $746,126.
The Boulder Junction Community Foundation, a 501(c)3 public charity, continues to manage the North Creek Loop Trail Fund during the fundraising phase. Any donations received above the construction cost will benefit Phase 2 of the project - which will run from Rudolph Lake Road to a newly paved North Creek Road.
Will you help provide a safe trail with a gift to the Boulder Junction Community Foundation North Creek Loop Trail Fund? Gifts given from now through March 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $110,000! Gifts at all levels will make a huge difference to meet the match, and our overall goal of $222,000, but we need your help to make it happen! Scroll below for the "Donate Online" button or for information how to mail your donation.
Phase I Trail Groundbreaking!
The town of Boulder Junction North Creek Loop Trail Committee held a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Phase 1 section of the new North Creek Loop Trail on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 - snowy weather and all! Pitlik and Wick is the general contractor. Construction began November 1st and will be completed in summer of 2023.
Shown in photo left to right: Adam Wallace, Wisconsin DNR Northern Highland American Legion State Forest Interim Property Manager; Dennis Reuss, Chairman of the Town of Boulder Junction; Jim Galloway, Supervisor for the Town of Boulder Junction; Barb Konopacki, North Creek Loop Trail Project Committee member; Jim Fragassi, North Creek Loop Trail Project Committee member; Susan Fragassi, North Creek Loop Trail Project Committee member; Scott Rogers, North Creek Loop Trail Project Committee member; Mark Barden, Town & Country Engineering; and Pat Levandoski, Pitlick and Wick.
Ways to Give
Online:
Click the donate button below
From the drop down menu on the giving page select:
North Creek Loop Trail Fund
By Mail:
Issue check to:
Boulder Junction Community Foundation
On the memo line write:
North Creek Loop Trail Fund or NCLT Fund
Mail to:
Boulder Junction Community Foundation
500 First Street Suite 2600
Wausau, WI 54403
What is the North Creek Loop Trail Project?
The Town of Boulder Junction is overseeing the construction of 3.3 miles of paved trail that will complete the 14 mile North Creek Trail loop of the Heart of Vilas County Trail system in the Boulder Junction area. The new trail runs from the intersection of County Hwys K and H (where it will connect to the existing bike trail between Boulder Junction and Manitowish Waters) along the east side of Highway H up to North Creek Rd. Trail users will then be able to continue down North Creek Rd to access the existing bike trail along Highway M connecting back to Boulder Junction.
Phase 1 of the project runs from Highway K to Rudolph Lake Road, where a large private campground with 223 sites is located. Phase 2 of the project will run from Rudolph Lake Road to North Creek Road, where a state forest campground with 25 sites is located on Upper Gresham Lake.
Maintenance of the trail after construction will be conducted by the town as part of the existing town trail system.
North Creek Loop Trail Project Details
Fall 2022 – Phase 1 Trail Construction Begins
September 2022 – Accepted Phase 1 Bid; construction timeline pending
September 2022 – Phase 2 DNR Grant denied
June 2022 – Construction Bids opened; bid due diligence in process
May 2022 – Applied for Phase 2 DNR grant
May 2022 - Phase 1 Goes out to Bid
February 2022 – Anticipate hearing outcome of Phase 2 DOT TAP grant application - delayed but still under review
January 2022 – Applied for Phase 2 DOT TAP grant
October 2021 – Phase 1 surveying to be completed
October 2021 – As of early October, all needed clearing equipment parts have been received and repairs made. Trail clearing to resume and continue through the winter.
July 2021 – Trail clearing began. Due to severe storms across the Northwoods in late July, along with the breakdown of equipment, clearing has been idle since early August. Storm damage clearing tasks became immediate priority and, due to COVID-19 issues, procuring needed parts for clearing equipment was delayed.
June 2021 – Phase 1 fundraising complete ($520,000 - THANK YOU DONORS!)
May 2021 – Phase 2 DNR grant application submitted (expect outcome September 2021)
April 2021 – Boulder Junction Community Foundation grant awarded ($5000)
December 2020 – Phase 1 fundraising begins
October 2020 – Town of Boulder Junction approves project and funding ($100,000)
October 2020 – Boulder Junction Community Foundation designated fiduciary
September 2020 – DNR grant awarded ($217,299)
May 2020 – DNR grant application submitted
February 2020 – DOT grant denied
December 2019 – DOT grant application submitted
Fall 2019 – Grant writing begins
December 2018 – Donation requests begin
Summer 2018 – Public information/awareness campaign begins
March 2018 – Verbal contact with property owners
March 2018 – Planning meetings with Vilas County Highway Commission and Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
March 2018 – Town and Country Engineering selected
March 2018 – Requests for proposals sent to seven engineering firms
September 2017 – Committee receives permission from Town Board to move forward with planning
August 2017 – Ad hoc committee formed
A National Recreation Trail
The Heart of Vilas County Paved Bike Trail System is officially a National Recreation Trail. The honor, bestowed by the Secretary of the Interior, is given to public trails which positively represent their regions, support diverse communities, and are considered among the nation’s best trails. They must be well-managed and maintained and a clear asset to their areas. The Heart of Vilas County trail system joins more than 83,000 miles of National Recreation Trails listed in an online, searchable database, easily accessible to outdoor enthusiasts looking for the best spots to explore. www.americantrails.org/national-recreation-trails