January 31, 1960
To the Members of the Citizens Committee:
A great deal has been accomplished since your appointment.
This letter covers the present status of the movement to establish an Ice Age National Park
In the summer of 1958 we reconnoitered the entire 500 mile strip. In September, we took the U. S. Park Service experts over this area in what was necessarily a superficial survey. In October, the Park Service reported that Wisconsin Wisconsin
The program seems to be developing in the following directions: The state for the present will continue to develop the Devils Lake and Kettle Moraine areas and the federal government, the Chequamegon Forest United States may develop several areas, such as the areas (1) north of Janesville , (2) north of Chippewa Falls
National Parks have usually been carved out of land already owned by the Federal Government. Today, however, we must buy the land to establish national parks, especially if they are to be located in the eastern half of the United States. The Park Service expects assistance in the form of gifts of land to supplement money raised by federal appropriations.
To help in this, we have organized the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation of Wisconsin, Inc. Gifts to it are deductible in determining income taxes. We enclose a memo describing the Foundation and the type of memberships available. We hope that you will read it carefully and consider becoming a member.
A big membership will be of inestimable value, not only because of the money provided but to demonstrate to the government that the people really want this park even to the extent of helping financially. The Foundation to date has been responsible for the gift to the State of two shelters for hikers, costing several thousand dollars.
Will you consider this matter as early as possible. Those of you who already are members of the Foundation could help us by getting additional members.
Sincerely,
Raymond T. Zillmer, Chairman,
Citizens Committee
