From trails to Main Street: Lincoln County workshop gives residents a voice in outdoor recreation, downtown planning

LINCOLN COUNTY – Residents who hike, paddle, bike or hunt in Lincoln County, or who want to see more activity downtown, can help plan the future of both at a free two-day community workshop Wednesday, Oct. 21 and Thursday, Oct. 22, in Tomahawk and Merrill.

Lincoln County was selected for the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation’s new Outdoor Recreation Technical Assistance Program. With support from the UW-Stout Center for Sustainable Communities, the program brings local, state and federal technical assistance partners together to help communities grow their outdoor recreation economies and bring new energy to their downtowns. It is modeled after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Recreation Economy for Rural Communities program.

Since August, a local steering committee has been gathering information about outdoor recreation across the county. The workshop is the public’s chance to say what should come next, from the county’s downtowns to its rural parks and everywhere in between.

Participants will discuss the county’s strengths, gaps and opportunities in areas such as recreation infrastructure, trail and water access, wayfinding, amenities, business support and visitor services.

Organizers especially hope to hear from people who bike, ride ATVs and UTVs, camp, fish, hike, boat, snowmobile or use the county’s trails. They also want input from current and prospective owners of businesses tied to outdoor recreation, including lodging, campgrounds, restaurants, equipment sales and rentals, guiding, repair services, outdoor retail and tourism services.

“Lincoln County has tremendous natural and recreational assets, and the people who regularly use those assets – especially the businesses and communities directly connected to them – have valuable insights into where the greatest opportunities and challenges exist,” said Sara Guild, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation. “These workshops are an opportunity to share those perspectives and help identify practical ideas that can guide future planning, investment, and partnerships.”

The goal of the workshop is for area residents and business owners to “share ideas, identify needs, and help guide strategies that could strengthen our county’s recreation assets, local businesses, downtowns, and communities for years to come.”

“Everyone is welcome, participation is free, and your local perspective matters,” organizers said in their promotional materials.

The workshop opens with a goal-setting and visioning session from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at SARA Park Hall, 900 W. Somo Ave., Tomahawk.

It continues with brainstorming and planning for action steps from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, in Room 255 of the Lincoln County Service Center, 801 N. Sales St., Merrill. Participants can come for the morning (9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.), the afternoon (11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), or the full day.

Organizers welcome residents to take part in as much or as little as their schedules allow. Food will be served at the Wednesday evening session, and lunch will be provided Thursday.

Registration is appreciated, but not required. Organizers ask those planning to attend to register by Friday, Oct. 16, at www.tinyurl.com/LCOR-CommunityWorkshop. The registration form also asks about dietary restrictions and accessibility needs. Registered participants will get final details a week before the workshop.

For more information, contact Guild at Director@lincolncountyedc.org or 715-390-0747 (call or text).

The local steering committee includes Sara Guild, Executive Director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation; Rod Akey, City Administrator for the City of Merrill; Dan Wendorf, Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Merrill; Sarah Brooks, Executive Director of the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce; Mike Bellile, Owner of Coaster Cycle Works; Greg Hartwig, President of the Friends of the River Bend Trail and Member of the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors; Renee Krueger, Lincoln County Government Administrative Coordinator; Lucas Williams, Director of Lincoln County Forestry, Lands and Parks; Jeff Schneider, Board Member for the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation; Amanda Bartz, City Clerk and Treasurer for the City of Tomahawk; Charis Lau, Executive Director of the Tomahawk Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Jennifer Turkiewicz, Executive Director of Tomahawk Main Street.