This story was updated with GHT information at the end. 12-5-2019 8:00 a.m.
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A proposed recreation bridge over the Wisconsin River as part of a 10.2 mile bike link between Eagle River and St. Germain was explained to the Vilas County Forestry Committee this week but not all committee members were supportive of the comminity link at this time.
Cloverland town board supervisor Steve Favorite indicated Great Headwaters Trail (GHT) supports linking the river trail as part of a 55 mile system in Vilas County with the ten mile connecting route.
“The proposed bridge over the Wisconsin River will span 260 feet costing $750,000,” Favorite said. “Seven of the ten miles are in my town and mainly follows state Highway 70 right-of-way.”
It's proposed the bridge could be dual use with snowmobiles and possibly ATV's and be the only segment with dual use.
All town roads in Cloverland are open to ATV travel but are not permitted on state highway right-of-way.
Favorite said GHT needs to obtain easements from 22 private property owners to get through the town of Lincoln west of Eagle River.
Committee menber and county board chairman Ron DeBruyne wanted GHT to “complete the Conover-Phelps bike trail before this proposed 10.2 miles.”
GHT representatives report the River Trail project is being undertaken by the River Trail Commission. It is a multi-jurisdictional commission composed of the towns of St Germain and Cloverland and Eagle River, and it was created in spring of 2018 with the purpose of building, maintaining and operating the River Trail. GHT is doing the legwork and fundraising for the Commission.
