Post by Robert Braun on Jun 12, 2002 11:03:02 GMT -5
I visited Wisconsin Heights Battlefield this past Saturday (June 8.) Here are some observations worthy of note:
1. The ground and trails revealed only limited traffic since a recent rain. Several deer... but no people;
2. There has been marked improvement in restoration of historic vistas. Many weed trees previously girded and sprayed have been cut down--and flush with the ground, leaving no stumps to annoy the eye or trip the feet. Much in the way of "oak savannah" has been improved... however the site could still profit from a general burn-off;
3. Trail cutting is better, and the bridge across the stream in the base of the ravine remarkably improved (although I don't understand why it was moved in the first place.) The trail switchbacks in the ravine, then turns towards Militia Ridge. The trail to the "sharpshooter vantage," on the spur of "Black Hawk's Mound," is in need of more cutting and better definition;
4. Interpretive artwork rendered by Mike Thorson have yet to be transferred to metal plaques as originally intended. However, the wood boxes with clear plastic tops that were collecting water and mould have been replaced with plaques of poly-vinyl that bear a transfer of the original artwork. No interpretive text accompanies the plaques.
5. The site suffers from a general lack of visitor interpretation. At present, the easiest and most practical solution would be a series of numbered stakes at strategic points (probably near the artwork plaques) indexed to a brochure/site map, that would allow visitors to better understand the battle and its chronology. This is a project ideally suited to the talents of the Old Lead Region Historical Society, in cooperation with the Deparment of Natural Resources. Ideally, an exhibit shelter located up the hill from the parking area would fulfill long-term interpretive needs;
6. The site would also benefit from some scheduled day-long interpretive "special events" at the site... and idea offered to the DNR for at least a year. This would raise awareness of the site, and provide a vehicle for improved interpretation.
The work done at the battle ground is greatfully acknowledged and appreciated by those of us who continue to celebrate the achievements of the Wisconsin DNR in saving and preserving this important site for future generations to see and enjoy.
1. The ground and trails revealed only limited traffic since a recent rain. Several deer... but no people;
2. There has been marked improvement in restoration of historic vistas. Many weed trees previously girded and sprayed have been cut down--and flush with the ground, leaving no stumps to annoy the eye or trip the feet. Much in the way of "oak savannah" has been improved... however the site could still profit from a general burn-off;
3. Trail cutting is better, and the bridge across the stream in the base of the ravine remarkably improved (although I don't understand why it was moved in the first place.) The trail switchbacks in the ravine, then turns towards Militia Ridge. The trail to the "sharpshooter vantage," on the spur of "Black Hawk's Mound," is in need of more cutting and better definition;
4. Interpretive artwork rendered by Mike Thorson have yet to be transferred to metal plaques as originally intended. However, the wood boxes with clear plastic tops that were collecting water and mould have been replaced with plaques of poly-vinyl that bear a transfer of the original artwork. No interpretive text accompanies the plaques.
5. The site suffers from a general lack of visitor interpretation. At present, the easiest and most practical solution would be a series of numbered stakes at strategic points (probably near the artwork plaques) indexed to a brochure/site map, that would allow visitors to better understand the battle and its chronology. This is a project ideally suited to the talents of the Old Lead Region Historical Society, in cooperation with the Deparment of Natural Resources. Ideally, an exhibit shelter located up the hill from the parking area would fulfill long-term interpretive needs;
6. The site would also benefit from some scheduled day-long interpretive "special events" at the site... and idea offered to the DNR for at least a year. This would raise awareness of the site, and provide a vehicle for improved interpretation.
The work done at the battle ground is greatfully acknowledged and appreciated by those of us who continue to celebrate the achievements of the Wisconsin DNR in saving and preserving this important site for future generations to see and enjoy.