Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
The city of Shawano has obtained state grant money to help pay the costs of property purchases already made along the Wolf River to make way for a future walking trail.
The city learned Wednesday it was awarded $111,280 through the Department of Natural Resources’ stewardship program.
Shawano Park and Recreation Director Matt Hendricks said the city’s project was one of 68 selected for grant money out of 112 applications.
The money will cover roughly half the cost of three property purchases made over the last couple of years and will go into the city’s capital improvement project fund, which the city tapped to make the purchases.
The city has been envisioning a walking trail along the river for about 10 years and has been purchasing properties as they have become available. The trail would eventually link Sturgeon, Judd and Kuckuk parks.
In the case of the last two property purchases, the parcels were split so that the city could sell the residence and further recoup its investment while retaining the rest of the property for the future trail.
One of those properties has already been sold and the other is still on the market, Hendricks said.
The city has purchased four properties in the last three years.
The city has also been open to getting easements from other properties along the Wolf River for the trail. Much of the waterfront along those properties is wooded and apparently unused by the owners.
The property purchases were made with the hope the city would get DNR grant money to reimburse part of the cost.
The grants are available to local units of government and nonprofit conservation organizations and help fund land acquisition and recreational development statewide.
Hendricks said the money was by no means guaranteed, but city officials were confident about the application.
“It’s a very strong project and would be a good thing for our community,” he said.
Hendricks said it could be years before the trail is completed, and three properties — or at least easements — would still be needed to complete it.
The city has not solicited any properties but has waited for them to come onto the market.
Even with completion of the trail likely being years off, Hendricks said it would be prudent to start laying the groundwork for a development plan that would add amenities to the future trail.
He said there is also additional DNR grant money that could help pay for developing the trail.