Thinning at Meyers Beach to Improve Views and Increase Safety

Date: October 25, 2016
Contact: Chris Smith, 715-779-3398, x1801

Selective thinning of trees and shrubs on the lakeside of the parking lot at Meyers Beach is being done to increase airflow, create a sightline to the sea/ice caves for safety, and a view of the lake from the picnic area. On the west side of the steps, the apple tree will be preserved, but vegetation will be thinned to increase airflow. On the east side of the steps, a sightline will be created to allow a person standing on top of the stairs to see (especially with binoculars) the beginning of the sea/ice caves and the water in between. This will increase safety by enabling park staff to see if kayakers are in distress, current wave conditions near the caves, and kayakers going to and returning from the caves. Vegetation will also be thinned to increase wind flow and provide a view of the lake from the picnic area. Vegetation in this area is primarily red osier dogwood and tag alder.