The Ice Age Trail and Park Foundation is getting a boost.

The-non profit organization has been around for 50 years, to help preserve and protect the trail that runs throughout Wisconsin.
Today Governor Jim Doyle announced the state has purchased two miles of land in Marathon County that he says will be a critical addition to the trail.

12,000 years ago large sheets of ice known as glaciers flowed though Wisconsin creating its beautiful terrain it also created trails like the Ice Age Trail which runs into the Mountain Bay Trail.

And for 50 years, The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation have devoted time and energy into making sure the trail is preserved for many Wisconsin residents and visitors to enjoy.

Governor Jim Doyle says, "The accessibility and scenery of the Ice Age Trail are unmatched, in fact nearly 60 percent if Wisconsin residents live within 20 miles of the trail and its 1000 miles provide endless opportunities for casual nature observers."

Governor Doyle says the state is purchasing land to add the trail, because it is such an important part of Wisconsin’s natural resources.

"Our lakes and streams are what they are because of the glaciers and the ice age trail gives people a chance to understand and appreciate it,” says Doyle.

And since the trail runs through many land owners’ properties, the foundation says they'll make sure the public is included in any developments.

Executive Director of the Ice Age Foundation Mike Wollmer says, “With out the cooperation on a shared vision the value of a public project like the ice age trail the trail simply would not exist."

The Ice Age Trail is 1 of only 8 national scenic trails in the United States.