2019
FRIENDS OF LAPHAM PEAK ANNUAL REPORT Lapham Peak Friends
PURPOSE Lapham Peak Friends, incorporated in 1989, is a nonprofit organization whose purpose serves to promote and support the Lapham Peak Unit-Kettle Moraine State Forest.
ORGANIZATION The Friends group is guided through a Board of Directors and coordinates its activities with the Park Manager. Some activities of the Friends group include sponsoring special events, assisting with projects at the property, and providing additional services to park visitors.
Membership is divided into six categories: Individual (1 vote), Family (2 votes), Senior (1 vote), Lifetime (1 vote), and Honorary and Corporate (no votes).
Meeting of the Lapham Peak Friends are held periodically with an annual meeting each November.
Donations to the Lapham Peak Friends and the Snowmaking Project are tax deductible.
We invite you to become a member of the Lapham Peak Friends and benefit from the recreational and educational opportunities at the park. Inquiries may be directed to
Lapham Peak Friends W239 N846 County Hwy C Delafield, WI 53018 Phone: 262-646-3025 Website: http://www.laphampeakfriends.org/ Board Members 2018-19
Year ( ) indicates Board term expiration in November 2019
Louise Borzynski (2019)
Anne Riendl (2020)
John Hillmer (2020)
Rita Keber (2021)
Kris Maki (2019)
John McCarthy (2020)
Jackie Nicholson (2019)
Karl Timm (2021)
Rick Von Haden (2021)
Randy Wichinski (2021)
Dan Wiley (2020)
Anne Korman, Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest Superintendent Treasurer's Report
The financial health of the Friends of Lapham Peak remains strong. The General Fund took in $67,224 and spent $38,329 finishing with an ending balance of $126,129 (split amongst a variety of dedicated funds, see spreadsheet below). Snowmaking took in $96,428.12 and spent $132,304 with an ending balance of $64,118 resulting in a decrease of $35,876. The Snowmaking Committee implemented two extensions to the manmade snow loop: Phases 3B and 3C.
WAUKESHA ST BANK - SAVINGS $30,503.07 WAUKESHA STATE BANK - CHECKING $214,263.10 TOTAL CASH $244,766.17
OTHER ASSETS VANGUARD ENDOWMENT FUND $10,294.61 TOTAL OTHER ASSETS $10,294.61
TOTAL ASSETS $255,060.78
DEDICATED FUNDS SNOWMAKING (SM) $64,118.33 NATURE CENTER (NC) $54,867.16 TOTAL DEDICATED FUNDS $118,985.49
FUTURE OBLIGATIONS MEMORIAL BENCH FUND $46,951.37 ENGRAVED BRICKS FUND $5,345.21 BUTTERFLY GARDEN FUND $415.07 HABITAT RESTORATION FUND $9,851.26 DAN & MELLISA JARECKI PRAIRE RESTORATION FUND $10,675.28 TOTAL FUTURE OBLIGATIONS $73,238.19
TOTAL LIABILITIES $0.00
NET WORTH (TOTAL ASSETS MINUS LIABILITIES) $255,060.78
Total Discretionary in General Fund $52,542.49
Endowment: Greater Milwaukee Fund $42,241.00
Income & Expenses October 1, 2018 To September 30, 2019
GENER SKI Fright Fright Bike Solsti Solsti Knowe Natu SNOWM AL SERIES Colorama Colorama Hike Hike Swap ce ce ls re AKING TOTAL & LOPPET FUND 2019 2018 2019 2018 2019 2018 2018 2019 2019 Ctr 54,8 BEGINNING BALANCE 90,539 0 -30 0 175 0 1,412 1,341 0 0 38 81,674 229,948
RECEIPTS DONATIONS 8,976 200 92 96,126 105,394 MEMBERSHIP FEES 1,760 1,760 INTEREST 245 245 BEVERAGE/FOOD SALES 389 935 1,324 DNR/OTHER GRANTS 8,953 2,500 11,453 NATURE CENTER GIFT STORE 0 ENTRY FEES / ADMISSIONS 8,282 6,874 236 40,592 1,079 1,115 58,178 MERCHANDISE/MISC SALES 1,395 75 445 220 2,134 VENDOR FEES 500 300 800 SPONSORSHIPS 1,750 550 1,100 3,400 LPF BROKERAGE ACCOUNT 0 HABITAT RESTORATION FUND 7,300 7,300 BUTTERFLY GARDEN FUND 970 970 HOMESTEAD SHELTER FUND 0 JARECKI PRAIRIE FUND 7,310 7,310 MEMORIAL BENCH FUND 24,000 24,000 ENGRAVED BRICKS FUND 4,605 4,605 LPF ENDOWMENT FUND 1,640 1,640 MISCELLANEOUS 71 300 500 305 82 1,258 TOTAL RECEIPTS 67,224 8,671 7,249 1,986 42,587 2,479 0 0 2,555 2,500 92 96,428 231,771
DISBURSEMENTS SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT 13,131 1,376 2,214 10 107,970 124,701 POSTAGE 109 29 250 388 PRINTING 33 58 90 BANK CHARGES 170 170 ACTIVE EXPENSES 0 PAYPAL ACCOUNT FEES 50 21 1 176 247 FILINGS 100 100 INSURANCE 915 230 7 242 395 1,437 3,226 BEVERAGE/FOOD 10 370 8 389 AWARDS & BANQUETS 769 769 MERCHANDISE/MISC SALES 2,575 53 2,628 FUNDRAISING EVENTS 133 2,705 30,732 179 33,749 CONTRACTED SERVICES 5,470 250 5,000 500 19,715 30,935
ELECTRONIC PRESENCE 70 70 70 210 RTP-TRAIL GRANT 109 109 BUTTERFLY GARDEN FUND 872 872 DNR 2018 ENHANCEMENT GRANT 91 91 DAN & MELLISA JARECKI PRAIRE 3,288 3,288 HABITAT RESTORATION FUND 3,255 3,255 MEMORIAL BENCH FUND 2,040 2,040 ENGRAVED BRICKS FUND 1,572 1,572 LPF ENDOWMENT FUND 1,540 1,540 WISCONSIN SALES TAX - GIFT STORE 0 MISCELLANEOUS 2,931 400 500 305 2,450 6,586 TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS 38,330 1,398 1,524 3,355 33,466 5,312 0 0 1,201 0 63 132,304 216,953
NET INCOME 28,895 7,272 5,724 -1,369 9,121 -2,833 0 0 1,354 2,500 29 -35,876 14,818
- TRANSFER 6,695 -7,272 -5,695 -9,296 -1,412 1,341 18,321 0
54,8 ENDING BALANCE 126,129 0 -1,369 -2,833 0 1,354 2,500 67 64,118 244,766
Butterfly Garden Report 2019 Picture of a hummingbird on one of our beautiful Wild Columbines. It was taken this June by one of the many amateur photographers who spend time in the garden. Picture of a hummingbird on one of our beautiful Wild Columbines. It was taken this June by one of the many amateur photographers who spend time in the garden. The 2019 season in the garden benefited from the over-abundance of rain in May and June (as did the weeds, unfortunately.) The rain gave a great start for the 80 new plants installed in May and June. The garden looked lush and full of color.
This summer I dug out approximately 300 square feet of grass and weeds in four areas for new plants. Most of the 80 new plants were placed in those areas. The new lilac tree that I planted in the wild part of the garden in 2018 had its first flowers this spring. The Highbush Cranberry shrub I planted 2 years ago, also in the wilder part of the garden, turned red/gold last fall and had its first blossoms this spring. It will take five years before we get the cranberry-like fruit. The garden continues receiving a steady stream of visitors all day long and all season long.
Pictured below is the new bench in the garden dedicated to Rosemary McCarthy, who maintained the garden alone for years. Rosemary passed away last spring. Bluebirds at Lapham Peak 2019 For a second straight spring, chilly rainy weather delayed Bluebird nesting statewide. Tree swallows also arrived early and competed for nest boxes. Bluebirds produced 70 fledglings while tree swallows hatched 53 fledglings, all in 24 nest boxes. Sandy Street, Karen DeBoer and Mike Fort provided the regular monitoring and reporting necessary for successfully managing the four Bluebird trails at the Park. 31st Annual Lapham Peak Colorama Run/Walk And Smokey Bear Fun Run
“Here comes the sun…” I exclaimed as the 31st Annual Run started on October 5th. Despite dismal weather forecasts of low temps, rain and wind, the morning of October 5th had none of those. At the starting horn, the sun came out in all its glory producing smiles all around. Our brave volunteers showed up, eager to make this event a success in spite of the third year in a row of poor weather forecasts. I cannot thank the crew of loyal and new volunteers who went about their business with experience and/or eagerness to please all. There were 301 participants at least….a few Smokey Bear runners were added late. We had about 90 10K, 124 5K, 62 walkers, and at least 25 Smokey Bear participants. Awaiting the final check from our online registration source, we anticipate a net profit a bit more than last year’s $5700 for the General Fund.
Thanks to our bakers who made a Smokey Bear cake, or donated fruit or baked homemade treats. Our President donated the 75th birthday cake for Smokey Bear, too, a tradition enjoyed by all. Thanks to our loyal sponsors of Waukesha State Bank, Guthrie & Frey, Lake Country Health Center, Dousman Family Dentistry, and the Delafield Dentist, and S E H. We also received many free drawing items from the Hilton Milwaukee Center, REI, Performance Running Outfitters, Culvers, Great Harvest, and a Friends’ member. As I left the Mike Fort shelter at about 2pm after all had helped clean up the remains of the day, the rains began….
Gratefully, Kris Maki, run director
LAPHAM PEAK ENDOWMENT FUND
On May 17, 2010, the Friends of Lapham Peak (Friends), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, established an Endowment Fund with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation(GMF). Establishing an endowment fund was the first step in providing long term funding for the many needs and programs at the Southern Kettle Moraine State Forest, Lapham Peak Unit that are not funded by the State of Wisconsin.
On April 24, 2017, the Friends of Lapham Peak changed its Endowment Fund management for all new endowment fund donations to the large mutual Fund Manager Vanguard. This was done to significantly increase flexibility and reduce management fees.
The Endowment Fund is a means for individuals to donate to this very special place, with the annual earnings (interest) used to support the Park. If only the earnings are provided to the Friends, the gift continues into perpetuity. The earnings may be used to help fund a variety of items, including development and preservation of the nature center and the beautiful natural resources of the Park, invasive species control, wildlife management, school programs, cross country skiing, prairie and blue bird restoration, etc.
The balance of our Endowment Funds are as follows: Greater Milwaukee Foundation $44,992 (8/31/2019) Vanguard $10,410 (9/30/2019) Total $55,402
If you would like to make a donation to the Friends, it may be made in any of the following ways: 1) Gift to the “Friends of Lapham Peak”, by cash, check, or contribution of other assets, to be used for general purposes of the Friends in support of the Park. A specific purpose may be designated. Contributions should be sent to : Friends of Lapham Peak, W329 N846 Hwy C, Delafield, WI 53018 c/o President. 2) Gift to the Endowment Fund, by cash, check, or contribution of other assets, for long term financial support of the Park. Contributions should be made to “The Friends of Lapham Peak Endowment Fund” and sent to the Friends of Lapham Peak at the above address. 3) Estate planning designation. Either the Friends of Lapham Peak or the Friends of Lapham Peak Endowment Fund may be designated as a beneficiary under the donor’s estate plan. This type of gift is a chance to support the Park and provide a legacy for the donor. It may be the easiest way to give and have the least impact on your lifestyle today. Estate plan gifts have the potential to have the greatest impact and are strongly encouraged. Your contributions to either the Friends of Lapham Peak or the Friends of Lapham Peak Endowment Fund may be deductible according to current tax law; however, this determination should be made in consultation with your tax advisor.
www.LaphamPeakFriends.org If you have questions, please contact Rick Von Haden, Friends of Lapham Peak spokesperson (262-646-4178), or email the Lapham Peak Board of Directors at [email protected].
www.LaphamPeakFriends.org
Fright Hike 2019
The 22nd Annual Fright Hike held October 18th and 19th, 2019 from 6pm-8:30pm was a huge success. Positive comments from those who visited for the first time as well as returning fans. Many said it was “The best Fright Hike ever.”
At our skit meetings this summer/fall, I encouraged the student actors and clubs to add new scenes this year to include: Area 51/Aliens/Men In Black Dance, a Zoo, Nightmare Before Xmas, Deadwood, Scary Lemonade Stand, a Cursing Well at the entrance, and an enhanced Jack O’ Lantern Display near the end (many hours were spent this summer crafting at Hausmann Nature Center with the kids and Anne Riendl.) Mark and Maggie Fischer added an element of surprise with a Drive-In movie at the traditional Cemetery. I took advantage of Mike Graham and Rick Bjodstrup’s lighting skills. Investing in some new LED lighting, they managed to set the pines aglow creating a colorful and breathtaking entry to the Fright Hike.
I focused many hours on marketing through social media and print, along with speaking on behalf of The Friends at The Delafield Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards and New Member Showcase. Anne Riendl and I also organized a group to promote the Fright Hike in the Town of Delafield 4th of July parade, delighting the crowd with candy/popsicles and ghosts decked out in Hawaiian attire and pool floaties. For the first time we sold out our $10 online presale tickets prior to the event, capped at 2000 per night. In addition to over 4000 tickets sold online, we offered a limited number of tickets at the door for $15.00 each night. T-shirt sales were also up this year.
The beautiful, fall weather led to a large turnout both evenings. The DNR Office was forced to turn attendees without proof of prepaid tickets away due to overcrowding and limited parking both nights of the event.
I took a new approach to sponsor donation requests by designing artwork for different sponsorship levels, Zombie $250, Werewolf $500, and Vampire $1000. I secured 2 Zombie and 2 Werewolf sponsorships, along with 20 in-kind donations from local businesses to help offset food costs, pumpkins, props, prizes for the students, and miscellaneous supplies. Anne Riendl landed us one Vampire Sponsor.
The allocation of crew leaders helped specific areas of the event run more smoothly. (T-shirt sales/Voting Booth: John Hillmer, Parking: Will Edwards, Security: Charlie Ritter, Tickets: Karl Timm and John McCarthy, Decorating/Set-up: Paul and Rita Keber, Environmental: Rick Bjordstrup.) Many thanks to the DNR staff, the high school actors, community sponsors/volunteers, friends and family, The Town of Delafield Fire and Rescue, and, of course, The Friends of Lapham Peak - a truly generous and caring group of volunteers.
In November 2018 Snowmaking received $8,296.34.25 from Fright Hike profits and $1,000 of it went to the Habitat Restoration Project. For Fright Hike 2019, once again 25% of the net profits will go to the Friends of Lapham Peak.
The Fright Hike is a wonderful community event and is The Friends largest annual fundraiser. Please consider helping next year! Anyone interested can contact Angie Lorbach: [email protected] or call 262.290.8710. Like us on Facebook and view this year’s photos here: www.facebook.com/laphampeakfrighthike
Thank you for allowing me the unique opportunity to organize this time-honored Delafield tradition.
Angela Lorbach, Event Coordinator Habitat Restoration, November 2018 – October 2019 -By Holly Schmaling, Jack Abler, and John Hillmer
Approximately 2,000 hours were logged by volunteers on habitat restoration and invasive species control work during the past year (Nov 1, 2018 – Oct 31, 2019). Holly Schmaling, Jack Abler, and John Hillmer led groups of volunteers throughout the year, during all 4 seasons, as each season provided different needs and opportunities.
Holly’s work, usually on Tuesday’s & Thursdays (T-TH), included help from over 50 different volunteers between “regulars” and several different groups of Kettle Moraine High School students. Jack & John led groups of “regulars” on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (MWF). From time to time, we asked Mike Fort, the Rangers, and other State DNR personnel for advice and support.
We continue to focus our efforts on a few different target areas. These areas include places with high potential for native re-growth that can flourish once the invasive species are removed, and also areas that see a lot of hiking traffic and visibility, such as around the paved accessible trail, south of Homestead Hollow both along trails and deep into the woods, around the picnic shelters, along the Ice Age Trail below the tower, west of the tower lot, and also east of Highway C. Other target areas included work at Nemahbin Springs (where we used a brush-hog) and around the west side ponds and along the Prairie Path, and along the east side of Highway C by the Park’s Front Office.
Buckthorn and honeysuckle removal were done primarily during the fall-winter-spring months. Of particular note, we cut, piled, and burned 406 piles of Buckthorn & Honeysuckle this year! Spring found us battling garlic mustard at many sites, and while work quieted down during the summer, Wild Parsnip and Japanese Hedge Parsley were tackled during this season.
Seed collecting was undertaken in earnest this fall, with help from two different groups from Kettle Moraine High School. Between the high school students and Holly’s efforts, over 15 species of woodland plant seeds and 20 species of prairie plant seeds were collected. Excitingly, woodland seed was dispersed on October 24 by the KM students on the site they had been clearing buckthorn during the prior month, so they got to experience a full cycle of restoration activity. We can keep our fingers crossed for good results!
A focus for this coming fall-winter-spring is to track when and where we work (using a grid system that overlays a map of the park), so that follow-up foliar spraying can be done to those same areas Habitat Restoration (continued) to help stay ahead of the invasive species re-growth. This will also help us communicate with Park Rangers on what and where work is happening. And, this will help the DNR answer questions from visitors about herbicides used within the Park. We have also been posting signage when we are herbiciding near high traffic areas so visitors are kept informed. This past summer & fall, Jack, John and Holly treated the seedlings and resprouts at the previous season’s work sites.
Grants received for Habitat Restoration Work this past year included: • 10/28/2018 – Kettle Moraine Garden Club Grant, $1,000 • 12/15/2018 – Northwestern Mutual Volunteer Grant, $500 • 3/21/2019 – Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant, $10,000 • 10/1/2019 – Natural Resources Foundation - C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund: $2,000 • 10/21/2019 – Kettle Moraine Garden Club Grant, $1,000 • And a number of wonderful donations were also received!
Plans for a Prairie Burn using the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant have begun but have been pending details that we need from the DNR’s Forestry Department regarding some of the planning that is required by them for these types of burns. Other funds from the other grants and donations have helped us maintain our equipment and purchase supplies (including saws, chains, loppers, sprayers, oil, masks, gloves, and herbicides). Plans for the Natural Resources Foundation’s Besadny Grant are already underway with expectations that work will happen over the upcoming fall- winter-spring months. Plans for 2019-2020 Kettle Moraine Garden Club Grant are also in progress for work during this coming season.
This past spring, the Friends of Lapham Peak purchased a new UTV for use by Friends’ Projects and Work Efforts, of which the Buckthorn Busters have been grateful for as it has already logged 100 hours this year. Other efforts that benefited from this vehicle included Snowmaking Projects and Trail Restoration Work, Fright Hike, Summer Solstice, Colorama, Work-days, and the Rangers’ work as well. The UTV is a 3 seat John Deere XUV835M with a large cargo bed for hauling tools, supplies, woodchips, etc. Our vehicle is shown below pulling a small trailer with a brush-hog on it.
Hausmann Center and Award for FLP
The Center was open in September and October on Sundays. Rain affected attendance on some days but the last two weeks brought a good group to visit. Thanks to the Wileys, Wilsons, Dennis Vedder, Kathy Eimer for volunteering. Also every Sunday, Molly Moore worked in the Kids area helping the children with projects and the exhibits. Jim Waltz , as always, was there to help with repairs and whatever else was needed. AWARDS for Friends of Lapham Peak (FLP) This year from the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks has awarded the FLP not one, but THREE awards! Thanks to all members who voted in August. Hero award for Outstanding Friends Group Hero award to John McCarthy for Outstanding Individual Friends Member Best state park with a Handicap Accessible Trail KMSF-Lapham Peak Congratulations and Thank you to all the Friends, Volunteers and Park Staff. 2019 Lapham Peak Wednesday Night Ski League And Lapham Loppet
The 2019 Lapham Peak Ski League was a huge success due to the incredible efforts of the rangers of Lapham Peak, the snowmaking committee volunteers, the volunteers and participants. Alas, Mother Nature did not give us much natural snow again, but the manmade snow and additional manmade covered trail made for a great experience for all. We were able to hold 7 events this year between New Year’s and the American Birkebeiner week. Starting with a “pretzel” pattern the first week and changing the race course each week made for an interesting and challenging race season. 32 (on the extra night added during Birkie@ week) to 72 adults, 45 High School students and 7-10 Junior racers participated each week….well, except for January 30th when it was -25 degrees and we were forced to cancel due to frigid and dangerous conditions. At the end of the season 90 racers enjoyed our annual banquet and awards ceremony. A special thank you is given to the loyal and fabulous crew who helped to sign up and time racers, and prepare for the banquet.
This year the Lapham Loppet on January 19th saw 100% more participation as snow eluded SE WI again. 134 racers in the adult division alone enjoyed an extended course due to the efforts of snowmaking volunteers who prepared the course overnight for us. The Middle School and a few Laddie and Lassie Loppet racers completed the field of participants. Hardy volunteers timed the event to avoid paying high timer costs in an efficient and swift manner. Others provided treats, passed out refreshments or aided in signing up the racers. I urge you to check out the participants and results online at the laphampeakfriends.org website. The Ski league points and all participants are listed as well as the results of the Loppet. Profits for the season totaled $7272.41 for the snowmaking fund.
Friends of Lapham Peak Annual Meeting
REPORT ON SNOWMAKING – 2018-2019
By: John McCarthy
The 2018-2019 season was the 14th for snowmaking at Lapham Peak. The snowmaking operations this past ski season were once again expanded to provide a thick layer of manmade snow on about 2.4 kilometers of trail, including the newly completed Phase 3 “Into the Woods” trail.
Snowmaking Operations – 2018-2019 Ski Season
Snowmaking operations in 2018, led by the FLP snowmaking volunteers, under the direction of Joe Stuber and Rich Marusinec, began on December 6th. Snowmaking and spreading were completed for the Phase 3 trails on about January 18th, just in time for the Lapham Loppet. The last day of reasonable grooming was March 14th, resulting in 93 days of skiing on the manmade snow trails. Note that there were about 30 days of skiing on the balance of the Park ski trails, often with marginal conditions.
Snowmaking System Improvements
Another expansion of the snowmaking trails, called Phase 3C, was constructed in May by the snowmaking volunteers. The expansion involved the installation of another 1100 feet of 6-inch diameter pipe and 930 feet of 3-inch diameter 500 MCM cable to supply water and power to 3 new hydrants and power pedestals. The new snowmaking trail segment completed the Phase 3 loop. A map of the current snowmaking trails is attached.
Future improvements include the acquisition of a replacement snowcat and construction of a building to house the snowcat, snowguns, and grooming equipment. The proposed location of the building is shown on the attached map.
Replacing the current snowcat is the snowmaking committee’s highest priority. The current snowcat is 39 years old, and has experienced numerous mechanical issues, resulting in $42,000 worth of repairs in the last 4 years. The snowcat is an essential component of the system, both for spreading the piles of manmade snow, and for breaking up the ice and renovating the trail surface after a warm- up/rain/freeze event; something that occurs numerous times during the season. Planning is underway to acquire a replacement for the aging snowcat.
Snowmaking Committee –Fundraising
The Snowmaking Committee continues to implement fundraising campaigns to support the snowmaking project. These efforts included the Wednesday Night Ski League, the Lapham Loppet, Fright Hike, and the Summer Solstice event. The committee is also very appreciative of the support provided by the Lapham Peak Ski Club.
The “Into the Woods” fundraising campaign was very successful, with over $100,000 contributed to the snowmaking project during the last year. A new campaign is underway to support funding of the replacement snowcat and the Winter Recreation Storage Building.
Committee member’s meetings with State Representative Cindi Duchow lead to the inclusion of an item in the proposed biannual State budget to fund snowmaking operations; however, the item was dropped by the legislature. The committee is continuing to work with Ms. Duchow to obtain State funding for operation of the snowmaking system.
Land Use Agreement (LUA) with DNR for the Snowmaking Project
A report, entitled ‘Development, Operation, and Maintenance Plan for Snowmaking at Lapham Peak’, was submitted to DNR in August, fulfilling a requirement in the LUA. The report provides a blueprint for the snowmaking project, going forward. It includes an estimate of about $320,000 for future capital improvements, to include the replacement snowcat, the Winter Recreation Storage Building, an additional snowgun, and the Phase 4 snowmaking trail extension. N October 24, 2014 SNOW MAKING TRAILS 0 100 200 400 600 Summer Solstice 2019
It was another enjoyable summer evening with crowds around Mike Fort Picnic Shelter June 22. Despite the few drops of rain in which some people sought shelter for a few minutes, the rest of the evening was perfect. Attendees enjoyed music by Tom Klein (Bicycle Doctor) and his band The Front. Thanks to Larry Nicholson for covering printing costs, Eric Knutson from the Delafield Brewhaus for providing the beer and Sentry Albrecht’s Delafield for donations. The event profited $1,354 toward snowmaking. Thanks to John McCarthy and Paul Keber and all the Friends’ volunteers who made the event successful. Rita Keber
2019 Superintendents Report for the Friends of Lapham Peak
As I looked back through my 2019 calendar and the meeting minutes for the Friends of Lapham Peak in order to put together my annual report, it didn’t take long to realize that we have had another incredibly productive and successful year.
We started off the year with a great turnout for the Lapham Loppet, then things got a little rough the following weekend when the decision was made to cancel the annual Candlelight Hike thanks to the sub-zero temperatures brought by the “Polar Vortex”. It’s never an easy decision when time and effort have been put into lining up volunteers, etc., but the safety of our visitors and the people working the event has to take precedent.
This spring, the Friends Group and the WDNR worked together to purchase a new UTV which will mainly be used by the Buckthorn Busters, but has come in handy for many other Friends events and workdays.
After much planning, Phase 3C of the snowmaking expansion was completed, along with restoration of the trail segments that were impacted by the completion of Phase 3B. This project added another 1100’ of pipe, 3 more hydrants, and power pedestals, giving skiers approximately 1.75 miles of man-made snow to ski on when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate.
The year also contained busy workdays, a fun Summer Solstice event, new merchandise for sale in the Ranger Station and the Nature Center, and plans are shaping up nicely for the replacement of the aging SnoCat, along with a new Winter Recreation Storage Facility in which to store all of the equipment that we have invested in.
The highlight of the year for me however, was the notification that Lapham Peak had won THREE Gold Seal Awards from the Friends of Wisconsin State Parks. Outstanding State Parks Friends Group Outstanding Individual State Parks Friends Member: JOHN McCARTHY Best Handicap Accessible Trail The award presentations will be on November 9th from 3-6:30pm in Mosinee. I am so very proud of this group and this property. Lapham Peak is not among the largest properties in the system, but we have one of the most passionate Friends Groups, whose members are incredibly giving of their time and talents.
I look forward to 2020 and all that is in store for Lapham Peak. We have BIG plans and hope you will be a part of it!
Anne Korman Superintendent