The law of prescriptive easements is state law and varies from state to state.
In IN one MAY acquire a prescriptive easement after an adverse usage period of ten years. Other states require different usage periods. It appears that WI has codified the law and follows the more common twenty year usage period. Note: the use must be adverse, i.e., without permission.
More importantly, the burden of proving all elements necessary to acquire a prescriptive easement is on the party seeking to acquire the easement. This can be a heavy burden unless you have kept good records for the statutory time period.
In any event, an enforceable easement can be acquired only after a court of law has heard the evidence and ruled upon the issue.
If access to your property via the "short route" is important you should consult a WI lawyer because it is likely that the property owner will do so if such has not been done already. It is likely that the lawyer will advise you to seek a license (permission) from the current owner. Do not make an enemy if usage of the "short route" is important. After all, the current owner is the owner.
I have attached a link to in interesting article from the Wisconsin Lawyer that should answer most of your questions. Note that a prescriptive easement acquired through adverse usage and an easement by necessity are different legal issues.
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