Description

Driftless Trail project is focus of October 28 presentation at Barneveld Public Library Back in 2017, Driftless Area Land Conservancy held public meetings in Barneveld, Blue Mounds, and Dodgeville to request community input on their proposed Driftless Trail project. Enough people expressed interest in the idea of a 50-mile, public-access footpath across mostly private lands that the organization decided to get started on the project and see how it unfolds. 

Seven years later, six miles of trail are in the ground and the project is building steam. 

On Monday, October 28 from 4:30-5:30 pm, Driftless Area Land Conservancy will present “The Driftless Trail – Why, What and Where” at the Barneveld Public Library’s community room to update the public on the trail’s progress. Speakers will include executive director Jen Filipiak, Driftless Trail project coordinator Barb Barzen, and trail host (landowner) Nan Fey. 

The long-term vision for the Driftless Trail is to create a pedestrian-only footpath that connects Tower Hill, Governor Dodge, and Blue Mound State Parks, crossing mostly private lands in between. Hikers will eventually be able to do a 50-mile hike starting anywhere on this loop, and will have many options for shorter day hikes. 

Speakers will describe the three trail segments that are now open for public use, a fourth segment that will likely open next year, and the general direction they hope the trail will go should enough landowners show interest in hosting it. Hosting the trail is entirely voluntary and requires a conservation or trail easement, which presenters will describe. 

Among the many benefits of the Driftless Trail, it will create more access to nature and the Driftless landscape; educate people about the area’s natural features, history, and agricultural practices; and conserve a lengthy corridor of land forever through easements and land stewardship. To find more information on the Driftless Trail and guides for hiking the three open segments, go to driftlessconservancy.org/driftless-trail.