Bayfield, Wis. — Projects are underway to improve access for individuals with disabilities at two of the Bayfield Peninsula’s most scenic sites along Lake Superior’s shore.
The Salmo Lakewalk Trail is a 1.5 mile out-and-back trail located 2.5 miles south of Bayfield, Wisconsin on Highway 13, across from the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery. Very popular with area residents and tourists alike, the trail meanders through woods and wetlands, ending at a small beach on Lake Superior’s shoreline with views of Madeline Island and the Chequamegon Bay. The rich bird life and public access make it popular for bird watchers and others seeking an easy opportunity to enjoy the lakeshore.
Under the sponsorship of the Town of Bayfield, Bayfield Area Trails (BAT) has launched a major effort to make the Salmo Trail fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Between July 20 and 31, two Wisconsin Conservation Corps (WisCorps) crews will be installing 330 feet of new elevated boardwalk and a viewing platform on Lake Superior’s shore.
Dozens of BAT volunteers have already laid the groundwork for the WisCorps. “The trail volunteers are just amazing. They have dedicated several weekends to improve the existing trail and shuttle huge piles of boardwalk materials in preparation,” says Kate Kitchell, Bayfield Area Trails Committee Chair.
The Salmo project is made possible by grants from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program, the Bayfield County Wellness Program, Essentia Health, Tamarack Health, and the Boreal Waters South Shore Community Fund.
Meyers Beach is best known as the entry point for kayaks heading to the sea caves and, in some years, hikers going to the ice caves. One of the most popular places in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Meyers Beach has historically been accessible only by a 47-step stairway.
Friends of the Apostle Islands (FAINL) is now working with the Apostle Islands National
Lakeshore (APIS) to replace the stairway with an accessible path. In the past year, FAINL
successfully raised $350,000 for this project and secured additional funding through the National Park Foundation and the NPS Centennial Challenge Program to construct the 520-foot, 3% grade accessible pathway featuring kayak rails and a renovated stairway. Construction has begun at the Meyers Beach site with completion slated for this fall.
“National Parks belong to all of us,” says Jeff Rennicke, Executive Director of Friends of the Apostle Islands. “The Meyers Beach project will be a big step forward in our commitment to that idea.”
To see the projects in action, members of the media should coordinate with Bayfield Area Trails for a guided visit of the Salmo Trail or Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore for a visit to Meyers Beach.
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About Bayfield Area Trails: The Bayfield Area Trails Committee is a Wisconsin unincorporated nonprofit association comprised of representatives from government municipalities and non-profit organizations with land management and public trail responsibilities across the Bayfield Peninsula. Learn more at bayfieldareatrails.com.
About Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: The Friends of the Apostle Islands is a 501(c)(3) organization – consisting of a community of sailors, paddlers, hikers, business leaders, beachcombers, lighthouse watchers and more — that serves as the official philanthropic partner of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Contact: Friends of the Apostle Islands, (715)449-6900, info@friend
