Polk Co. recreational trails discussed

Ryan Johnson

Representatives from state, local and private organizations met Wednesday night to discuss how to best develop recreational trails in northwestern Minnesota.

Troy Schroeder, transportation planner for the Northwest Regional Development Commission, said Wednesday’s meeting in East Grand Forks was part of the agency’s attempt to meet each county’s trail users to come up with future plans.

The goal of these meetings, which began in the spring, is to ensure that existing and new snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, cross-country skiing and pedestrian trails are best developed to enhance getting around the region and provide recreational opportunities for local residents.

Schroeder said that clubs and organizations often think it will be easy to build a new trail, but don’t realize the complicated steps and years of work that go into securing approval. Besides acquiring property rights, trail developers need to conduct environmental and feasibility studies, then go through a design and bidding process before construction even begins.

“Lots of people that come in with a trail plan, they think it’s going to be built in a year or two,” he said.

There wasn’t any action taken from the meeting or any changes to existing policy. Instead, it allowed the representatives to talk about what they would like to see happen in the coming years.

Future ideas

Kim Greendahl, Greenway specialist for Grand Forks, suggested the commission develop detailed maps that would highlight the different types of trails in the region. That would give residents an easy way to know where to go for a cross-country ski or to find a paved bike trail.

She also said she would like to develop an unpaved trail system in the Greenway that could be used for mountain biking or a more natural outdoor experience. But that requires approval from the City Council, and “it’s been very clear that’s not happening,” she said.

That system also could take advantage of trails that would have different uses throughout the year. “Our trail system can be four seasons,” she said.

Ron Bubendorf, vice president of the Red River Snowmobile Club, also had some ideas. He said he would like to see the club’s snowmobile trails extended south, which would allow easier access to other trails that lead to Crookston.

Snowmobiles are only allowed in certain areas of the Greenway, and riders are not allowed to drive over the dikes. That limits the number of access points to get to the river, where they are allowed to drive.

But Bubendorf said that isn’t a good solution either.

“Our biggest concern is people driving on the river and drowning,” he said. “If you don’t want us there, you’re asking for trouble.”

He also said there are problems with ATV users driving on the snowmobile trails during the summer. The vehicles often tear up the dirt and leave ruts that need to be smoothed out for a safe snowmobile ride in the winter, he said.

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Source: http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/129815/

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