Why notorious gangsters hid in Wisconsin's Northwoods

PLUS free private trail system (they're epic), our only endangered mammal, and Sugar River Wildlife Area

Author

Forrest Koslowski
December 19, 2024

Mornin' to everyone curious what happened to the kayaker who faked his own death—he showed up, alive with only $20 to his name. 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.

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This week’s weekly:

🚵 WinMan Trails offers free mountain biking and winter sports trails

🤝 Funding received to recover Wisconsin’s only endangered mammal

🌲 Dane County expands Sugar River Wildlife Area

🦹 Story of the week: Why notorious gangsters hid in Wisconsin’s Northwoods

🚵 WinMan Trails offers free mountain biking and winter sports trails LINK

  • The WinMan Trails in Winchester, Wisconsin, offer over 1,300 acres of free, year-round multi-sport trails managed by a non-profit, with features like mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing.

  • Originally started as a private family project, the trail system has grown into a professionally managed outdoor destination, attracting over 55,000 annual visitors and contributing $4 million to the local economy.

  • WinMan Trails plans further expansion, including the 2025 launch of WinMan BaseCamp with lodging and new trail connections, supported entirely by donations and community funding.

🤝 Funding received to recover Wisconsin’s only endangered mammal LINK

  • The U.S. Department of the Interior has awarded over $800,000 to support the recovery of American martens, Wisconsin's only endangered mammal, focusing on habitat restoration and connectivity across national forests.

  • The four-year project involves federal, state, tribal, and academic collaboration to develop forest management strategies and train future ecologists and biologists.

  • Once considered extinct in the region, martens play critical ecological roles, including controlling rodent populations and dispersing seeds, and their recent sighting on Madeline Island offers hope for their recovery.

🌲 Dane County expands Sugar River Wildlife Area LINK

  • Dane County has invested in expanding the Sugar River Wildlife Area by acquiring 80 acres of land, creating 1,000 contiguous acres of public space that connects with the Madison Metropolitan School District Forest.

  • The expansion aims to restore woodlands and uplands, establish a wildlife corridor, and enhance public recreation and educational opportunities while promoting agricultural best practices.

  • The larger preserve will support wildlife conservation, reduce flood risks, and provide a natural retreat for activities like hiking, hunting, and foraging near Metro Madison.

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