Clam Lake Interactive Information Station
Clam Lake, WI -September 29, 2009 The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) announced today the installation of an interactive electronic kiosk designed to provide visitors information about the resident elk herd. The kiosk was retrofitted into an existing sign board located at the junction of Highways 77 and GG in Clam Lake. The program includes expansive information about elk and their habitat, the history of elk in Wisconsin and their reintroduction after one hundred years of absence. In addition, wildlife spotting guides, maps, and directions to nearby viewing areas are incorporated to help visitors experience elk.
The kiosk, made possible in part by a state grant from RMEF, was designed and installed by Imperial Multimedia, a Wisconsin-based company that specializes in interpreting nature and the outdoors. Imperial first put this technology to test in Wisconsin State Parks in 2003 and subsequently has rolled it out across the nation in various venues including state parks, zoos and aquariums, and museums. While Imperial Multimedia addressed a majority of the project, invaluable contributions were made by DNR Elk Biologists Laine Stowell and Matt McKay, Clam Lake local and RMEF volunteer Bud Rubeck, and other local volunteers who donated time and materials to reconstruct the site.
Just after the installation, Lou George, Regional Director-Wisconsin, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation gave his personal thank you and congratulated Imperial Multimedia for developing a great product. Lou stated in an email to Imperial Multimedia, “With the completion of the landscaping we are poised for a nice dedication. Thanks again for your generous commitment to the conservation mission!”
Fred Lochner, founder of Imperial Multimedia and long time supporter of RMEF and elk in Wisconsin states, “The kiosk is designed to create a destination for people coming to Clam Lake to experience the elk who may be intimidated by the wildness of Wisconsin’s vast Chequamegon and Nicolet National Forest. Our focus was to educate and guide visitors to a safe and meaningful experience and perhaps even spawn some wildlife advocates along the way.”
If you’d like more information about this topic or would like to contact Fred Lochner, please call him at 608-356-7555 or send email to flochner@imperialmultimedia.com.