There are fourteen interpretive panel kiosk sites along the 54 miles of the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway. One of those sites, the Rice Lake panel kiosk, became the focus of an Eagle Scout project this summer.

Kevin Miller of Scout Troop 102 in Pequot Lakes chose the Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway for his Eagle Scout project because he was interested in learning more about this local amenity and the organization that managed it.

He contacted PBSB Association chairperson, Lynn Scharenbroich, in early summer.  Scharenbroich suggested installing a walking path of about 80 feet as an access to the Rice Lake kiosk for people interested in reading more about this site.

After a series of meetings with officials from City of Pequot Lakes, Kevin obtained permission to install the path. He assessed the costs and materials needed for the project and received materials donations from Northern Lakes Nursery, AAA Rental and Crow Wing Power. Kevin is still seeking donations to cover the remaining $150.00 of the project costs.

Five younger scouts; Levi Palmer, Cody Walton, Sam Clement, Michael Ryan and Del Ryan, were a part of Miller’s work group, along with five adult leaders; Bob Miller, Mary DeVahl, Pete Clement, Sandy Anderson and Scoutmaster, John Ryan. All the young scouts earned service hours needed for rank advancement.

Kevin Miller joined the Boy Scouts program ten years ago at age 6. He expects to have his Court of Honor, officially recognizing him as an Eagle Scout, sometime in December, 2010 or January, 2011.

The Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway Association was honored to be able to work with Kevin on this project. Byway travelers are encouraged to stop at the CSAH 11 and Nickel Road intersection, use the new walking path to the interpretive kiosk and learn more about this interesting Byway site.