Rhinelander has closed on its portion of the Heal Creek property on the city's far west side.
The city and Hodag Sports Club are buying the 272 acre property and dividing it. About 60 acres of land next to the city-owned Northwood Golf Course was bought for $60,000. The sports club is purchasing the rest of the land at about a $1,000 an acre and is expected to close the sale next month.
Rhinelander City Administrator Kristina Aschenbrenner says the purchase will allow some use this winter on the new property....
"....the city is going to work with the entire project to provide access for trails. One piece the city is working on for this winter is an agreement with the Northwoods Nordic Ski Club to provide the lower level of the (clubhouse) as a warming house...."
She says when Hodag Sports Club closes on its portion, another portion of the agreement kicks in...
"....one of the first business days in January, the club will purchase their part of the property. Immediately after that there will be a conservation easement filed with the county as well that will be for use of the trail projects and outdoor recreation...."
A key portion of the deal was the conservation easements worked out with the Northwoods Land Trust of Eagle River.
