MECCA Trails all public after land acquisition

By RICHARD JENKINS

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MERCER, Wis. — The MECCA Cross Country Ski Trails are now entirely on public land after the Iron County Forestry Department completed a recent land purchase.

The purchase acquired a 40-acre parcel that the trail had been on for years after the past owner, Jim Kichak, was interested in selling it.

“We’re very pleased to now be on 100% public property. It gives us a long-term ability to plan and expand and enhance the trails without risk of having to reroute trails,” said MECCA President Mike Shouldice. “Jim Kichak was very generous for many, many y...