I contacted Sally Freckmann and others ( Loretta Klingenberg and Marty Wacker) associated with the Portage County Ice Age Trail Chapter. Sally suggested contacting the local townships: Lanark, Belmont, Dayton and Farmington. We also contacted Mike Bergun, Park Supervisor at Hartman Creek State Park, Sue Eiler, Volunteer Naturalist at Hartman Creek State Park, and Karen and Mike Bloedorn, owners of the Blaine Convenience Store.

We have met twice. Our next meeting is scheduled for April 24, at 9:30 AM at Camp Helen Brachman. At this meeting we will be discussing the proposed route of the Brachman Bike Loop and the number of posts, bike trail signs and arrows needed on the loop. Marty Wacker and myself drove the proposed loop last February 11, 2006 to determine the number and location of posts, bike loop signs and arrows needed. This report will be discussed. Loretta Klingenberg is working on an updated flyer of the Portage County Ice Age Bicycle Trail. The new Brachman Bike Loop will be featured in this flyer.

Jake Czarnik-Neimeyer has written an WEEB (Wisconsin Environmental Education Board) Grant to cover the costs of the posts, signs and arrows. At the entrance to the Camp and at the start of the bike loop at Camp there will be an information kiosk and water with a picnic table for bikers to use. Bikers will also be invited to walk the nature trail at the Camp.