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September 2025

The Cloverland Town Board voted unanimously to support the River Trail project and the proposed central route along the Highway 70 corridor at their August Town Board meeting. This vote reversed the 2023 decision to not support the proposed route due to safety concerns. At the town board meeting, Chairman Steve Favorite, who took office in April 2025, shared information that showed the 2023 decision was based off misinformation.  

Volunteers with Great Headwaters Trails Foundation (GHTF) are working with the Town of Cloverland on a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application for the Cloverland West segment of the trail. This funding opportunity could supply critical resources for trail design and construction. The design focus for the segment will emphasize safety and accessibility features, while providing bikers and pedestrians an opportunity to view the beauty of the Wisconsin River along Highway 70. GHTF has retained Trail Strategies LLC to assist with the grant writing process while the project team works closely with local and outside agency partners to ensure all requirements are met. The grant application is due by the end of October, and we will keep you updated on progress.

A group of GHTF volunteers working on the TAP grant application did a site visit to a key area along Highway 70.

Land Use Agreement Acquisition Initiative

Securing land use agreements along the State Highway 70/17 corridor remains a top priority for the project team. Our acquisition initiative has been focused on building collaborative relationships with private property owners, local businesses and relevant public entities. The GHTF River Trail team has been working with a real estate specialist from the engineering firm Becher-Hoppe to assist us with this part of the project. Recent conversations have been positive, paving the way for formal agreements that will enable trail expansion and long-term stewardship. We appreciate the cooperation shown and encourage anyone interested in participating or learning more to reach out to the project team.

Highway 45 Crossing Project

The Highway 45 Crossing project in Eagle River is moving through preliminary design stage, with pedestrian and bicyclist safety as the top priority. Becher-Hoppe engineers are working with GHTF and the Eagle River Revitalization Program, which is sponsoring the project, to meet stakeholder needs and secure Wisconsin DOT approval. Options such as signalization, group separation, and enhanced signage are under review, with coordination ongoing between municipal and state transportation authorities. If approved, the project will create a safe link between downtown, Riverview Park, the River Trail and the Three Eagle Trail. Construction is planned for 2026.

Project Team Leadership Change

With Mike Robillard retiring in September, Mike Maierle has taken on the role of River Trail Team Leader. Mike is a retired Civil Engineer, an avid cyclist, and has been an active member of the River Trail Team.  

Stay tuned for more updates as the River Trail project continues to evolve, bringing enhanced connectivity and recreational opportunities to our community. Follow us on Facebook for notices of upcoming River Trail Commission meetings, which are open to the public. 

Extension Project Moving Forward

With the support of the Town of Conover and the Vilas County Forestry, Recreation, and Land Committee, GHTF has taken the next big step toward the Conover-Phelps Torch Lake Park Extension. We’ve engaged engineering firm Becher Hoppe to develop the initial Feasibility (30%) Design of the proposed trail, and the GHTF Board has committed to fully fund this initial design work.

When completed, this approximately 2-mile extension will expand recreational access and strengthen trail connectivity, further establishing the Conover-Phelps Trail as a key regional asset.

Celebrating Mike Robillard’s Retirement and Legacy with GHTF

This September, GHTF bids a warm farewell to longtime volunteer, leader, and friend Mike Robillard, who is retiring from Tara Lila LLC after nearly two decades of dedicated involvement in local trail projects.

Mike has been part of GHTF since its earliest days, serving on the board, taking several turns as Secretary, and most recently as the River Trail Project Team Leader. His steady leadership, tireless work, and collaborative spirit have helped shape many of the trails that connect and strengthen our Northwoods communities.

Mike’s impact extends well beyond GHTF. He played an instrumental role in developing and maintaining the Three Eagle Trail, working closely with the Aylward family on their Tara Lila properties to create hiking, biking, and snowshoe trails enjoyed by countless residents and visitors. He served on the Three Eagle Trails Foundation board of directors, including as president, for many years. From organizing the annual Tara Lila Snowshoe Event to writing successful grants that funded trail expansions and resurfacing, Mike’s contributions have left a lasting mark on silent sports opportunities in the region.

Following a career in the paper industry, Mike poured his energy into trails as both a leader and hands-on volunteer. Whether mapping routes, clearing paths with his loyal dog Arlo, or building kiosks and shelters, Mike could always be counted on to get the job done.

Now, Mike and his wife, Laura, look forward to new adventures in retirement. They plan to travel across the U.S. and Canada with their recently acquired fifth-wheel camper, make time for family (including five grandchildren in Wisconsin and Kansas), and hopefully visit France, where Mike has family roots. Closer to home, Mike will keep busy with woodworking, writing, biking and fly-fishing, already tying beautiful flies to test on Northwoods waters.

GHTF is deeply grateful for Mike’s years of service, vision and friendship. His legacy will live on in the trails he helped build, the partnerships he fostered and the community he strengthened. We wish Mike and his family many happy miles ahead, on the road, on the trails and beyond.

On a beautiful, warm, Saturday, July 26th, a record 501 participants took part in the 14th Annual Ride with Leinie in Conover. Once again, Dick and Jean Leinenkugel welcomed riders and supporters to the ride and after-ride festivities at Conover Town Park.

Preliminary results indicate the event raised over $27,000. The GHTF Board voted recently to share a portion of the proceeds with the Towns of Conover and Phelps for their Trail Maintenance funds. The proceeds will be distributed as follows:  

• $2,500 to the Town of Conover, Conover-Phelps Trail Maintenance Fund.
• $2,500 to the Town of Phelps, Conover-Phelps Trail Maintenance Fund.
• $15,000 to the GHTF Conover-Phelps Restricted Funds account to support the Torch Lake Park Extension project. 
• The remaining balance will be placed in the GHTF general operations account to support general operational expenses and planning for the 2026 Ride with Leinie event.  

Dick Leinenkugel on the Conover-Phelps Trail, Ride with Leinie 2025.

SepTimber Ride is just days away! There is still time to register for the fundraising event returning to Eagle River on Saturday, September 13th, offering a fun, scenic ride through the Northwoods with a flavorful twist.

Co-hosted by GHTF and the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce, this unique event features three ride options, all of which highlight two local favorites for beer and wine lovers: Tribute Brewing Company and Three Lakes Winery.

Ride Options:

All routes start at Tribute Brewing Company in Eagle River and include a stop at Three Lakes Winery around the halfway point:

• 28-mile trail ride on the beautiful Three Eagle Trail
• 60k road route
• 100k road route

With great trails, great drinks, and great company, it’s a ride you don’t want to miss!

Registration:

• To learn more and to register (online registration available thru Thursday, September 11, 2025), visit:  https://eagleriver.org/events/septimber-ride/
• Register on day of the ride at Tribute Brewing Co. 

The GHTF has several active teams that always welcome new volunteers. Whether you’re looking to work outdoors, help behind the scenes, or engage with the community, there’s a spot for you!

With both the River Trail project and the Conover-Phelps Trail extension to Torch Lake Park moving forward, we’re building a team of volunteers to lead our fundraising efforts. If you have experience with capital campaigns or simply enjoy the reward of helping important community projects take shape, we invite you to join our Sustainable Funding Team. ghtrails.org/volunteer-2-2/

Help us go digital! GHTF is seeking someone to assist with scanning and uploading documents as we transition from paper files to cloud storage. Flexible hours and a great way to contribute from indoors. ghtrails.org/volunteer-2-2/

If you enjoy planning, hosting, and connecting with others, join our Volunteer Engagement Team! We represent GHTF at the Eagle River Farmers Market and other local events, where we:

• Promote local bike trails
• Share updates on trail projects
• Support bike fundraiser events
• Sell raffle tickets

We need help staffing the booth, setting up/taking down, and ensuring materials are current and messaging is consistent. Training is provided! ghtrails.org/volunteer-2-2/

We’re growing our presence and impact and we need creative minds!

Volunteer roles include:

• Idea generation and campaign planning
• Developing flyers, brochures, and digital content
• Research
• Collaborating with our marketing partner

Whether you want to roll up your sleeves or help behind the scenes, there's a way for everyone to get involved. Join us in building trails and community one project at a time. Visit https://ghtrails.org/volunteer-2-2/, call 715-303-4483, or email ghtvolunteercoordinator@ghtrails.org to learn more!

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