Mornin' to everyone who saw that video of a car breaking through 4-inch ice on Lake Puckaway. This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.

This week’s weekly:

🧊 Early ice good sign, but caution still needed

🥾 Bridge to connect Dane County to Devil’s Lake State Park (finally)

⛸️ Boulder Junction to create one-of-a-kind ice skating trail

💰 Story of the week: Outdoor industry adds another record-breaking $11.2 billion to state’s economy in 2023

🧊 Early ice good sign, but caution still needed LINK

• Ice is beginning to form on the edges of lakes and in shallow bays (hallelujah), but the DNR does not conduct ice safety checks and advises that no ice should be considered completely safe.

• General rule of thumb is that you should stay off ice under 4 inches thick, and don’t drive the family minivan on the ice until it’s at least 9 inches thick (see complete inch guidelines here)

• If you are venturing out on the ice, it’s smart to have safety precautions like ice picks, spud bar for ice checks, not going alone, staying off the ice at night, avoiding rivers as ice is weaker, and informing others of your plans.

🥾 Bridge to connect Dane County to Devil’s Lake State Park (finally) LINK

• Dane and Sauk counties will begin construction in early 2025 on a $10 million recreational bridge over the Wisconsin River near Sauk City, set to provide safer access for snowmobilers, cyclists, hikers, and snowshoers and connect to the Great Sauk State Trail.

• The bridge is a pivotal step toward linking Dane County to Devil’s Lake State Park and beyond, eventually integrating with a statewide trail system including the 400 State Trail and Elroy-Sparta Trail (NOTE: USBR 230 may go away as USBR 30 would no longer rely on the Ferry).

• Expected to be completed by spring 2026, the project aims to boost tourism and create one of Wisconsin’s busiest trail networks, with long-term plans for continuous trails reaching La Crosse and beyond. Boo yah!

⛸️ Boulder Junction to create one-of-a-kind ice skating trail  LINK

• Boulder Junction’s Winter Park is creating an ice skating “ribbon,” named The Glide, transforming an underutilized trail into a unique outdoor rec opportunity expected to open by December 20, 2024, (weather permitting of course).

• Volunteers, local organizations, and grants have supported the project, which includes solar-powered lighting, a Zamboni for maintenance, and the town’s investment to enhance winter tourism amid unpredictable snow conditions.

• The skating trail aims to draw visitors with its one-of-a-kind experience of skating through wooded trails, offering a boost to the local economy and diversifying winter recreational options.

💰 STORY OF THE WEEK: Outdoor industry adds another record-breaking $11.2 billion to state’s economy in 2023 LINK

Wisconsin's outdoor recreation sector has shattered its previous records, contributing $11.2 billion to the state's GDP in 2023, marking a 9.4% increase from the year before.

Upon announcing, Governor Evers emphasized the multifaceted benefits of outdoor recreation, stating, "From our vast and valuable forests and pristine lakes and rivers to Driftless bluffs, vibrant prairies, and urban green spaces, our outdoor recreation spaces are the gems of our state, and no matter where you go in Wisconsin, you’re never very far from a park or trail."

The industry not only supports local economies and employment, with 96,867 jobs and $5.4 billion (with a ‘B,’ folks!) in compensation in 2023, but also promotes healthy livin’ and attracts tourists to further fund our state.

Sectors like multi-use apparel, motorcycling/ATVing, and boating/fishing were among the top contributors to this growth.

Despite the removal of permanent funding for the Office of Outdoor Recreation in the latest budget, the sector's resilience has been evident, outpacing both national and state economic growth rates.

If you’d like to sink your teeth into the national data, click here.

Now forward this email to a friend, have a great weekend, and get out ‘der.

TRIP IDEA OF THE WEEK

What: Dog sledding, snowshoeing, XC skiing, ice caves, downhill skiing, etc

Where: Bayfield, WI during the “quiet” season (AKA winter)

Where to stay: This rustic yurt (just $75/night)!

READER GIVEAWAY

Congrats to Wiscampsin reader OutdoorNut620! You had the most referrals last week, we’ll be in touch regarding your T Shirt!

Want to win a Wiscampsin Basic Tee on the house!? Whoever refers the most readers before next week’s edition will win one! Use your referral link below. Make sure to remind those you refer to verify their subscription by clicking on the confirmation email! Good luck!

WISCAMPSIN WEEKLY POLL

Well last week's poll was a shocker, only 10% of you got it right! In 1914, 24 hunters were killed and 26 injured in shooting incidents.

For more context for this weeks poll, watch a short video of Ontario's longest man-made ice trail at Arrowhead Provincial Park.

MEME OF THE WEEK 😂

A review from the trail… Cripes, sorry for the jolt! Typing too fast I guess…