Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Volunteers Team up to Repair Pavilion and Bridge at Horicon Marsh
OutdoorHub 06.26.14
The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), is pleased to announce the completion of its newest Work Boots on the Ground all-volunteer conservation initiative at Horicon Marsh, in Mayville, Wisconsin. Union volunteers, all members of the South Central Wisconsin and Northeast Building and Construction Trades councils, donated their time and expert trade skills to put a roof on a picnic pavilion and repair bridge decking on June 13. Throughout the day, workers installed roof tresses and shingles and repaired and replaced portions of a bridge deck, weathered and in need of refurbishing. The USA’s Work Boots on the Ground program brings together union members from around the country to volunteer for conservation.
Dave Branson, Executive Director of the South Central Wisconsin Building and Construction Trades Council, headed up the project. “It’s nice to get out in the community and do something for the marsh out there that people can use and enjoy,” Branson said.
Union volunteers included members of Operative Plasterers and Cement Masons Local 599, Sheet Metal Workers Local 18, Plumbers Local 75, Bricklayers Local 13, Electrical Workers 159 and 494 and the South Central Federation of Labor. Wisconsin resident Tim Bindl, who formerly coordinated the USA’s Work Boots on the Ground program, lent some additional elbow grease to the project.
“Union volunteers bring expert skills and sincere dedication to our Work Boots on the Ground projects all over the country,” said Fred Myers, Executive Director and CEO of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance. “They bring a strong work-ethic to the job in small towns and big cities, making a huge impact in our daily lives. They want to give back in their local communities and being part of our conservation initiatives gives them a way to do that.”
Erin Railsback, Visitor Services Manager at Horicon Marsh, said The Egret Trail, where the work took place, is the most popular site on the refuge.
“It’s fantastic that this group was able to donate the time to help enhance the facilities for our visitors,” Railsback said. “Because of their volunteerism and commitment to conservation and education, thousands of visitors will be able to take advantage of the shelter…and continue to enjoy access to the marsh itself.”
