 The Wisconsin DNR held a vote for final approvals of the trail in February 2006.Fitchburg had requested $1 million in funding to pave the trail within the city in 2006 and again in 2008, and was denied funding for a connection to the Cannonball Trail (an extension of the Military Ridge State Trail); the city was also denied funding for a service hub at the junction of the Badger State, Capitol City and Cannonball trails.The trail was officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Belleville on July 8, 2007.