July 3, 2018 at 5:12 p.m.
RASTA receives grants for work at Oneida County Washburn Lake Silent Sports Trails Area
RASTA receives grants for work at Oneida County Washburn Lake Silent Sports Trails Area
"The second grant continues our efforts to construct an elevated boardwalk over the wetlands on the south end of the Cassian Cross Country Ski Trail that hinder our grooming efforts until it has frozen," the release states. "A second project has also been added to the RTA grant to construct a new ski trail at Washburn that will bypass a large wetland area and provide a key connector route. We are very pleased to announce that the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation (WIPublicServiceFoundation) has provided two grants of $300 and $1,500 toward these projects."
"We are making this contribution because we believe that together we can create a brighter future for the communities we serve," said Karmen Lemke, Foundation Administrator.
RASTA President Richard Reidinger said RASTA is "very grateful for the continued support from the Foundation. This is the second time that the Foundation has awarded RASTA a grant for projects and we appreciate that they support our efforts."
RASTA completed half of the Cassian Ski Trail project on May 30 with 60 feet of boardwalk constructed. The remaining 60 feet will be constructed in September and connect to the section that was constructed in 2016. This will result in the completion of the approximate 200-foot boardwalk through the wetland.
"This boardwalk will provide a means to cross the wetland by not only our snowmobiles for grooming, but also other trail users such as hikers, bikers, and hunters," said Guy Hansen, RASTA project manager.
RASTA has contracted with a local trail builder to reconstruct approximately 2,900 feet of the single track and hiking trail at Washburn. This section of trail is known locally as the "Ridge Trail" and will provide a beginner or green trail loop from the Perch Lake Shelter.
It has been a long-term goal of RASTA to provide more beginner trails for users, the release states. The construction on the Ridge Trail is scheduled to begin in early July or August of this year.
"The budget for these four projects is $27,500, of which the RTA grant will provide $13,750 or one-half of the cost," the release states. "We are asking all supporters of RASTA and especially the users of the ski, snowshoe, hiking and biking trails for tax deductible donations for the projects. Checks can be sent to: RASTA, PO Box 442, Rhinelander, WI 54501, and indicate the donation is for the RTA Grant projects, or donation can be made on-line at http://www.rastatrails.org or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/donate/. The RTA Grant was prepared by RASTA in cooperation with the Oneida County Forestry and Outdoor Recreation Department and we are grateful for the support and assistance we have received from the County to develop and maintain the trail system and cross-country ski trails."
The release describes RASTA as a group of silent sports enthusiasts that promote the responsible use of lands open to the public for the enjoyment of all with the following goals:
• Promote non-motorized forest trail use, especially by families and youths.
• Enhance and expand recreational trail opportunities.
• Provide opportunities for trail users to help support trail development and maintenance through volunteer time, user fees, fund raisers, etc.
• Obtain grant monies to help finance trail/trailhead improvements.
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