WASHINGTON, D.C-- Today the Senate Appropriations Committee approved $1 million for Wisconsin=s Ice Age National Scenic Trail to accelerate the pace of land acquisition for the glacial footpath, U.S. Senator Herb Kohl announced. The funding is part of the FY2007 Interior Appropriations bill. Kohl serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee and had identified the Ice Age Trail as a priority for funding. Kohl has helped secure funding for the Ice Age Trail in the previous five budgets.

"The Ice Age Trail has been a real success story -- the public enjoys it, private organizations support it, and both the state and federal governments have pitched in to see it grow. I'm glad to be part of the many people working to see the trail through to its completion," Kohl said.

The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is one of eight National Scenic Trails located throughout the United States. The trail winds through 31 Wisconsin counties, generally following the terminal moraine. When complete, this 1,200 mile footpath will explore some of the world=s finest examples of glacial features. The protection, development and management of the trail is dependent on its primary partners: the National Park Service, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation, Inc. Many local governments and private organizations have also contributed to the development of the trail.

The funding will stimulate more in state and local matching funds and will provide landowners the option to preserve trail lands rather than selling for development.

The Interior Appropriations bill must now be approved by the full Senate.

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