For the Tomahawk Leader

LINCOLN COUNTY – In an effort to spread awareness about terrestrial invasive species in Lincoln County forests this summer, the Lincoln County Conservation and Forestry departments teamed up to install boot brush stations at several popular recreation locations in the county.

The boot brush stations, made possible by conservation funding, were placed at various trailheads along the Ice Age Trail in Lincoln County.

The stations encourage users to use the brush portion of the station to remove mud, dirt and seed debris from their boots before entering and after leaving trail areas. The stations also provide identification guides to some of the most prevalent invasive species in Lincoln County forests.

“If you walk through an infested area, it is possible that you can unknowingly carry these seeds and drop them in areas that have not yet been infested,” a release from the Lincoln County Land Services Department said. “A great way to prevent these invading hitchhikers is to brush off your boots and equipment before and after each time you go hiking.”

“If shoes and equipment are not properly cleaned before and after each hike, they have the potential to transport invasive species to new areas and start new infestations,” Lincoln County Conservation Program Manager Thomas Boisvert stated. “We hope that these stations will make it easier for the recreational enthusiasts in Lincoln County to help prevent the spread of invasive species.”

“Prevention tools like boot brush stations placed at trailheads and other recreation access points are critical in our fight to stop invasive species,” said Dean Bowe, Lincoln County Forestry Administrator.

For more information on the boot brush stations, contact Thomas Boisvert at 715-539-1054.