Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Gile Flowage paddle planned

GILE, Wis. - The Northwoods Land Trust and Iron County Outdoor Recreation Enthusiasts are sponsoring a guided paddle on the Gile Flowage Wednesday.

Participants will meet at Gile Park at 10:30 a.m. to launch their canoes or kayaks for a paddle at "an easy pace," according to an event announcement.

"The 3,400-acre Gile Flowage is one of the last, relatively undeveloped Laurentian shield lakes in Wisconsin. Its rocky shores and numerous islands are more reminiscent of the Boundary Waters than other northern Wisconsin lakes," said Cathy Techtmann, environmental outreach specialist with the University of Wisconsin-Extension and Friends of the Gile Flowage president. "We'll explore its rich geologic and cultural history and what is being done to retain its Northwoods character."

Techtmann, who is also on the land trust's board of directors, will be guiding the paddle.

Assuming the weather cooperates, the plan is to paddle from Gile Park to the south end of the flowage, stopping on an island midway for a snack break.

As the flowage can get rough if it's windy, participants should be prepared to move to a different boat launch to start the paddle if necessary.

Participants should come dressed for the weather, and will need to provide their own canoes or kayaks.

While the event is free, the land trust is asking participants register in advance.

To register, contact the land trust's office at 715-479-2490 or email [email protected].

The land trust is based in Eagle River, Wis., and operates in Iron, Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, Price and northern Langlade counties.

-Richard Jenkins