EMPIRE-SAUK WORK PARTY
Cutting & Treating Brush
Tuesday, December 12 — 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Rattlesnake Ridge
Join us to cut, pile, and burn treefalls and invading black oak. After our fabulous November 13th burn, we have great visibility and access for cleaning up downed trees and clearing brush from the firebreaks to make future burns safer and easier. We could use sawyers with their own equipment and brush pilers. We hope to burn piles as we work.
The 40-acre sand barrens is a unique ecosystem of the lower terraces of the Wisconsin River valley. The 80-foot depth of sand creates habitat for dry prairie plants, including Pennsylvania sedge, June grass, lupine, sand puccoon, butterfly weed, goat’s rue, and prickly pear; and red-headed woodpeckers (and all the others!), whippoorwills, and grassland sparrows.
WHAT TO BRING/WEAR:
Loppers and chemical provided, but your favorite tools are welcome. Experienced chainsaw operators with their own equipment are needed. Safety chaps and head, ear, and eye protection are required. Bring gloves/clothes appropriate for piling brush and burning. Safety glasses suggested.
Snacks in the field will be provided.
WORK PARTY LEADER:
Sue Steinmann, EMAIL; 608-753-2332 (landline, no texts)
DIRECTIONS:
7046 Reimann Rd., Arena. Take Hwy 14 to Arena; south on Reimann at Arena Cheese Store (big mouse); right onto gravel lane at end of road; left at fork in the lane; continue 1/3 mile through woods to parking area at end of drive