Eagle Scout project refurbishes nature trail at Otter Lake Park

On Sept. 11, 2010, Nathan Hersil of Merrill completed his Eagle Project as part of his continuing progress towards achieving the Eagle rank in Boy Scouts. Nathan worked closely with the Lincoln County Forestry Department to coordinate and implement his project. Nathan's project involved removing old sections of boardwalk that runs along Otter Lake as part of a nature trail and replacing those worn out areas with new boards. The boardwalk was a project that Lincoln County had been looking at refurbishing for some time. Nathan's project will benefit anyone who uses Otter Lake County Park and strolls down the boardwalk.

Several Boy Scouts, adult leaders and family members from Troop 599 gave up their time on the weekend to volunteer and help complete the work. In order to coordinate the project, Nathan worked closely with Kevin Kleinschmidt and Jerrad Macholl of the Lincoln County Forestry Department.

Completing the project took several months of planning and Nathan was required to have it reviewed at several levels within the Boy Scout organization prior to actually commencing any work. A project such as this is required as a Boy Scout moves forward towards the highest honor that Boy Scouts of America bestows - the rank of Eagle. In order to become an Eagle Scout, a Boy Scout must demonstrate that he lives by the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life; obtain 21 merit badges including 12 Eagle required merit badges such as First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Environmental Science and Communications; and hold ranks of leadership within his Troop. Following completion of the project a Boy Scout must prepare a written report and successfully complete an Eagle Scout Board of Review.

Nathan is the son of Gerald and Shelley Hersil. He is a member of Troop 599 in Merrill which is chartered through St. John Lutheran Church. Nathan is a sophomore at Merrill High School. Nathan has been active in scouting since first grade. He currently holds the position of Assistant Senior Patrol Leader in his Troop.