The Shawano Country Tourism Council announced this week that it has awarded a $10,000 grant to the city of Shawano.
Keith Marquardt, chairman of the Tourism Development Fund Committee, said the funds will be used to purchase land for the Wolf River Sturgeon Trail expansion. The land is located adjacent to the West Lieg Avenue boat landing in the city and includes 90 feet of frontage on the Wolf River.
This parcel is an extension of the city’s plan to connect the Wolf River Sturgeon Trail from Sturgeon Park to Kuckuk Park. Segments of the trail are done, and the trail connects to the Mountain Bay Trail.
According to Judy Judd, the city’s park and recreation director, the waterfront property acquisition and trail system development were recommended in the City Comprehensive Open Space and Outdoor Recreation Plan and the City Bike Trail Corridor Plan.
“The acquisition of this property combined with past waterfront acquisitions will protect an important segment of the Wolf River corridor from inappropriate land uses into perpetuity,” Judd said.
Future planned improvements include a continuation of the trails, fishing piers and picnic area.
The total purchase price of the property was $50,000. Several local conservations clubs and organizations have contributed funds totaling $15,000 including Woodland Chapter of Wisconsin Deer Hunters, Shadows on the Wolf Chapters in Shiocton, Shawano and Clintonville and The Figure 8 Muskie Club. The city was also awarded a $25,000 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources-Knowles-Recreational Trails Program.
“One of the most significant features of this property is its proximity to the nation’s largest spawning bed for Lake Sturgeon,” Marquardt said. “During the annual spring sturgeon run, thousands of people come to the area of the Wolf River to view this prehistoric freshwater fish. The stretch of Wolf River is heavily used by rafters, kayakers and canoeists.”
The purpose of the Tourism Development Fund is to develop new or expanded visitor attractions that will encourage overnight stays and tourist spending in Shawano and Menominee counties. A seven-member committee directs the fund.
The primary source of financial support for the fund is revenues from a 1 1/2 percent room tax collected by lodging properties within the city of Shawano and town of Wescott.