Legislators recognize Pattison Park volunteer

Dec. 3—SUPERIOR — Kevin Feind dedicated his career to preserving Wisconsin’s outdoor spaces.

The former Department of Natural Resources employee who spent 17 years managing the Brule River State Forest and eight years managing Amnicon Falls and Pattison state parks is being recognized for how he now spends his free time.

State Rep. Angie Sapik, R-Lake Nebagamon, honored Feind on Tuesday, Nov. 26 in front of the Big Manitou Falls for the volunteering he has done since retiring from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Sapik said the citation from the Wisconsin Legislature was a joint effort with state Sen. Romaine Quinn, R-Cameron.

“On behalf of the Wisconsin Legislature, Joint Rule 7, hereby recognizes and commends Kevin Feind for his remarkable achievements, dedication to public service, and significant contribution to the conservation and enhancement of Wisconsin natural resources,” Sapik said.

Sapik and Quinn spearheaded a $3 million funding allocation for Amnicon Falls and Pattison state parks in the state’s 2023-25 budget. Gov. Tony Evers vetoed the appropriation specifically for the two area parks but left the $3 million in the budget for the DNR to decide how to use.

“That’s not necessarily a loss because that money that you pitched for did go to all of the state parks in the state of Wisconsin,” Sapik said. She said it’s money that never would have been allocated without the conversations she had with Feind.

During his career, Sapik said Feind received multiple awards for his work in the DNR’s forestry division, including recognition as the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the Wild Turkey Federation Wisconsin State Chapter.

Sapik noted his response to the

2018 flood that caused significant damage at Pattison State Park.

“Kevin Feind took the opportunity to enhance the trails at Pattison State Park, overseeing FEMA improvements and leading the design and construction of new trails and bridges, thus ensuring safe and enjoyable access for visitors,” Sapik said.

Feind also re-established the Friends of Pattison and Amnicon state parks, growing the membership and establishing new bylaws.

“I tried my best to be a bridge — a bridge between the department and the many friends’ groups and partnerships that we have for the Brule, for Pattison and for Amnicon,” Feind said.

“And even going as far as the national Wild Turkey Federation,” he said, “it was that bridging between the department with the Bureau of Wildlife and the friends group of the Wild Turkey Federation that we were able to get the turkey release of 2004 and open a season in this part of Wisconsin in 2006 so thousands of people can enjoy wild turkeys as I have loved wild turkeys since 1989. That was one of my big wins.”

Feind said he’s also built many physical bridges at the three properties that have allowed people to enjoy the trails.

His work didn’t end when he retired.

“I have a passion for my parks and forests,” Feind said. “Pattison, there’s such a deep history here with the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps.) … that I want to keep it nice. With the budgeting we’ve had over the years with the Bureau of Parks Management, it’s been very poor. Through blood, sweat and tears, I like to get stuff done so people who visit parks can enjoy more.”

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