Grant Requested For Stewardship Project In Cities Of Hurley And Montreal
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the city of Hurley has applied for a 50% matching grant from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. The grant will assist with purchasing about 30 acres of former railroad corridor connecting the cities of Hurley and Montreal in Iron County.
The city of Hurley plans to acquire the former railroad corridor to develop a 2.7-mile walking and biking trail between Hurley and Montreal, which will connect to the Iron Belle Trail. If acquired, recreational activities will include hiking, biking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, birdwatching, wildlife viewing and nature appreciation. One-half mile of the corridor is currently a motorized trail and would remain so in the future.
The DNR is proposing to make the determination that the prohibition of hunting is necessary to protect public safety due to the property’s proximity to residences, schools and other structures. Additionally, the property is long and narrow, offering very limited hunting opportunity, which would be further reduced by the proposed trail development.
The DNR’s initial assessment of the allowed nature-based outdoor activities may be downloaded from the Stewardship Public Notice webpage, or request a copy via email by contacting Jeff Pennucci at Jeff.Pennucci@wisconsin.gov.
The public is encouraged to submit written comments on the proposed acquisition by Nov. 12, 2025, to:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
C/O Jeff Pennucci, DNR Grant Project Manager
107 Sutliff Ave.
Rhinelander, WI 54501
Jeff.Pennucci@wisconsin.gov or 715-499-1424
In accordance with s. NR 52.04 (2) (b), Wis. Adm. Code, objections about the activities on this property must show the proposed prohibition to be inconsistent with s. 23.0916 (2) (b), Stats., and s. NR 52.05, Wis. Adm. Code.
To receive Stewardship Grant project news releases and updates, sign up for the DNR stewardship news email list.
