DNR Secretary: Aldo Leopold's Legacy Alive On Renamed Trails

Tourism Secretary, Nina Leopold Bradley help cut ribbon to Leopold state system

Madison, Wis. (Vocus) June 4, 2009-- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank today helped Nina Leopold Bradley cut the ribbon designating the state's recreational trails as the "Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System (http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/land/parks/trails/leopold/index.html)" at a ceremony at the Lussier Family Heritage Center.

Gov. Jim Doyle signed legislation renaming the state's 42 trails covering 1,728 miles after Leopold, often referred to as the nation's "father of wildlife management."

"The legacy of Aldo Leopold is living all around us today," Secretary Frank said. "Aldo Leopold wanted people to see and to understand the land - and to enjoy that understanding. It's hard to come up with a better way for all ages to see, to understand and to enjoy that connection to the land than by using any of Wisconsin's 42 trails."

Senate Bill 161 renaming the trail system was sponsored by Sen. Mark Miller of Monona during the 2006-2008 session and signed into law by Gov. Doyle. The renaming was supported by the Aldo Leopold Nature Center (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RiKzl9r134) in Monona and the Aldo Leopold Foundation (http://www.aldoleopold.org/) in Baraboo. Both organizations are partners with the DNR on this project.

Joining Frank at today's ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail System was Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble, Leopold's daughter - Nina Leopold Bradley, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, Aldo Leopold Nature Center Board Director Rick Phelps, Sen. Miller and members of conservation, recreation and tourism organizations.

Nina Leopold Bradley, daughter of the late famed conservationist and author of essays included in A Sand County Almanac (http://www.aldoleopold.org/books/Default.asp), told the audience today's ribbon-cutting was another time when she wished her father was standing nearby.

"The world has changed in many ways since Aldo Leopold died in 1948 - perhaps the most significant are the barriers we have erected between ourselves and nature," Leopold Bradley said. "Wisconsin's splendid trail system, being named for Aldo Leopold, will surely be useful in penetrating those barriers. As our citizens walk and bike these trails, they may gradually discover a new connection with the natural world - a slow sensitizing of people to land."

Tourism Secretary Kelli A. Trumble said the new trail signs remind travelers of Wisconsin's history of stewardship and those who inspired it. "With the renaming of the trail system, we celebrate Aldo Leopold as one of Wisconsin's original visionaries and honor his vision of seeing the natural world as a community to which we belong," she said. "Our precious natural resources inspire and define the state's tourism experience, and connect people in remarkable ways."

Secretaries Frank and Trumble also urged the audience to mark two dates to kick off the summer season in Wisconsin: June 6 - National Trails Day (http://www.travelwisconsin.com/event_detail.aspx?eventid=21569); and June 7 - Wisconsin State Parks Open House Day (http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/news/DNRNews_article_Lookup.asp?id=1097).

National Trails Day began in 1993 as a nationwide celebration to introduce all to the health, social and educational benefits along with family fun of using trails. Wisconsin State Parks House Day means free access to parks, forests and trails, giving all a chance to see the vacation opportunities not far from their back yards.

In addition, Free Fishing Weekend (http://www.travelwisconsin.com/event_detail.aspx?eventid=2352) takes place June 6-7. Fishing events take place throughout the state providing new and practiced anglers an opportunity to fish in all state lakes, streams and rivers bordering Wisconsin for free. During Free Fishing Weekend there is no fishing license required for adults (ages 16 and up).

To learn where you can find the closest Aldo Leopold Legacy Trail, state park or more about Aldo Leopold, visit: dnr.wisconsin.gov, travelwisconsin.com, naturenet.com/alnc and aldoleopold.org.

MEDIA CONTACT

Joanne M. Hass, DNR Communications, 608/267-0798

Lisa Marshall, Tourism Communications, 608/267-3773

Kelley VanEgeren, Aldo Leopold Nature Center Communications Director, 608/221-0404

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