Friends of Gays Mills, WI pdf document explaining organization's development and goals as of August 2010. This document distributed at the 2010 Crawford County Fair.

1. The Friends of Gays Mills (FGM)
The Friends of Gays Mills is a committee operating under the Gays Mills Economic Development
Association, Inc. founded by community leaders within the Gays Mills community.
The Friends of Gays Mills (FGM) brings together representatives of various existing community
groups, as well as interested individuals committed to projects that will enrich the Gays Mills
quality of life, architectural, and land assets for the area. The FGM committee will not be funded
by tax dollars, but instead by charitable contributions by both citizens, business, and other
organizations.
These project initiatives will:
increase the attraction of the community to both visitors and residents with ongoing
beautification, improvement, and accessibility projects
improve the results of recovery initiatives by integrating all areas of the village visually
enhance connections within the Village to better accommodate both residents and visitors
tell the ‘story’ of Gays Mills in the form of an interactive landscape, signage, and educational
museums indoors and out throughout the Village
contribute to attracting both residents and business to the area
support the overall economic structure of the Kickapoo Valley
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Julie Henley
Gays Mills Recovery Coordinator
PO Box 325
312 Main Street
Gays Mills, WI 54631
P: 608.735.4321
E: jhenley@mwt.net
www.gaysmills.org
www.facebook.com/gaysmills.wi
The Friends of Gays Mills
PRESERVATION OF HISTORICAL ASSETS
The Old Schoolhouse—an iconic structure for the Village, located
near the dam
The Congregational Church—currently located in the flood plain,
one of the first churches built within the Driftless Region and
Crawford County
The Log Cabins—located within the village in the late 70s, these
examples of early settlement living form a charming enclave located
near a small creek adjacent to the village park land, and will be part
of a connecting trail system Log Cabin Project
The old building currently housing the museum.

2. PROJECTS UNDER CONSIDERATION
Log Cabin Heritage Park
Fencing, landscaping, and repairs to the Log Cabin Park—will enhance its
usability and attraction to residents and visitors. Improvements in night security
will contribute to their protection. Increased use and enjoyment by families’ year
around, as well as adult event opportunities for demonstration and celebration will
support the recovery and revitalization of the Village.
Getting Connected
in Gays Mills :
projects that make
the difference
The Stump Dodger Trail—stretching from the south of town
along newly preserved land, to the north of town, the trail
provides connectivity from the flood plain to the newer
sections of Gays Mills. This historic railroad bed was an
important part of our logging and milling history, and an
important economic engine of the time. Going forward, the
trail connects a nature preserve to the village located within
the flood plain, along the Kickapoo River, marsh, and sloughs,
and to the new Library, Education and Business Kitchen,
Central Business District and Business park. Eventually,
connections to the north towards the North Crawford School,
and eventually onward up the Kickapoo Valley.
River Access—A handicap accessible platform for young and
old near the dam’s mill district
Canoe & Kayaking put in a take outs—north end, mill district,
and nature preserve locations
Zip line—the birds eye view—and exciting trip from bluff over
Kickapoo Bottoms
.

3. Projects Under Consideration
The Gays Mills Discovery : Museum, Interpretive
signage &trail system.
Features the various stories of local culture, economy,
and present day initiatives within the Valley and Gays
Mills
Valley Stewardship Network (VSN)—Kickapoo
Geology and River History
Community Conservation—The Kickapoo Valley
Sanctuary
The Response to the Kickapoo—The Gays Mills
Recovery Project
The Apple Capital—orchards and organics
Back to the Land and Organics: Agricultural
sustainability in the Driftless Region & beyond
Cultural & Economic History of the Region
Sustainability—vision and groundwork for the
future in energy & industry
New Ruralism—The Perfect Economy

4. Projects Under Consideration
The Gardens of Gays Mills: Village wide annual
planting & beautification initiatives
Spring show of bulbs—community wide planting of
bulbs, blooming trees, & edible landscaping
Summer Shrub and Tree Planting –Along the
streets, in the yards
Summer Division Sharing
Spring Baskets
Flood Plain Gardens—connecting the natural
landscape to the Village
Trail Head Main Street—sculpture & information
Have some fun: Kids Grass Maze, Frisbee golf, kids
pool
Pathway connections (Nature Preserve,
waterfront, Log Cabins, Slough, Marsh)
The Kickapoo River: Working with the River
River Accessibility
River Habitat and Protection
Kickapoo Bottoms
Accessibility and Educational platform
.