News from the Lincoln Community Forest

Dear Friends of the Lincoln Community Forest,

The Lincoln Community Forest is one of those rare places that stays with you. For so many of us, it is a refuge—a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect while snowshoeing, cross country skiing, hiking, hunting, or foraging. Its healthy forests, thriving wildlife, and sweeping views of the Marengo never lose their magic.

Because of your continued moral and financial support, we recently accomplished something extraordinary: the building of a boardwalk into Mikinaak Lake, a 10 acre bog. Today, visitors can pause and observe nature’s beauty and observe wildlife such as birds and beavers in their natural habitat. It’s a powerful example of what we can achieve together.

And now, we have another request. First, the background.

We are so fortunate that for the past 13 years, grooming and trail maintenance on the Lincoln Community Forest has been carried out by dedicated volunteers with the support of Landmark Conservancy. Much of this work was made possible by equipment generously provided by Mark and I, and Kim Sturm. Some of that equipment now needs upgrading. So, the Friends Board agreed to take steps to ensure the Friends will have reliable tools and equipment for trails and habitat work.

This spring, the Friends of Lincoln Community Forest purchased a 2026 Can Am ATV with tracks for winter use and tires for summer use to replace Kim’s 20-year-old snowmobile and our 13-year-old ATV currently used for trail grooming and maintenance. Mark and I, and Kim, have donated the full amount from the sale of our equipment to help purchase the new ATV.

All equipment will now be owned and maintained by the Friends of Lincoln Community Forest, including the additional donation of our utility snowmobile and all necessary trail and grooming implements. This consolidation will reduce the number of machines requiring maintenance, while improving winter trail grooming quality.

Currently, thanks to other generous cash donations, and funds set aside in our savings account, one half of the cost of the new ATV and setup has already been raised. We are now seeking your support to raise the remaining $11,000.

There’s more good news. Through many conversations with forest users, skiers, and neighbors, we’ve heard a shared wish—to expand groomed winter trails that make the most of our beloved Marengo River views. Mark and I, and Peter and Sally Grames, will open 4.4 miles of trails on our adjacent private properties for winter recreation, accessible from the LCF trailhead.

This allows us to expand the LCF winter trail system to 8.75 miles, opening access to new terrain, breathtaking views of the Marengo, and those unforgettable sunsets—experiences that truly deepen our connection to this special place. We hope you’ll see it not just as new mileage, but as a lasting gift to conservation, recreation, and community. These trails remain free and open to the public.

Thank you for believing in the Lincoln Community Forest and for helping to protect and enjoy it today and for generations to come.

Please make your donation by either using the donation link on our website (Become a Member – Friends of Lincoln Community Forest) or sending a check to the Friends of Lincoln Community Forest, P.O. Box 544, Ashland, WI, 54806. Sending a check saves us the transaction fee.

With gratitude
Pam Dryer, President

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Friends of the Lincoln Community Forest

P.O. Box 544 Ashland, WI 54806

Check us out on the web! www.friendslcf.com