Bicyclists in Minocqua will now have the option of using a short segment of the Bearskin Trail without having to pay a full fee for using the trail.
Minoqcua officials announced a lease agreement with the state DNR for a 1,600 foot segment between Doctor Pink Drive and the Bearskin trailhead near the Minocqua Post Office.
Town Chair Mark Hartzheim says the public often uses the segment to observe the scenery, but in doing so, can be subject to a user fee asked by the state...
".....we were successful in working this out with the DNR. They agreed to lease for five years that portion of the trail to us. The town then will exempt this segment from the fee so people don't have to worry about that. It also creates a 3.5 mile in-town bike loop, people in town or people staying at various motels in town can now go out the front door jump on their bike and take a nice little bike ride through town by the park and around the lake...."
Bicyclists using the trail south of Doctor Pink Drive remain subject to the trail fee and the DNR has placed a new fee collection box at Doctor Pink Drive. The town is respsonsible for maintaining the trail surface and railing along the leased segment and pay an annual fee of just under $100. Additional signage will be urge motorists to use caution as the roadway is used by bicycles and other vehicles.
Hartzheim says this also could spur a trail to the new Highway 70 west park complex
