Just an update from ATVAM and the MN-DNR. Progress continues on the 70 mile trail from Grand Rapids to Aitkin, good sign when they start looking for Construction Companys to complete the work!!! Stay tuned for more updates on this trail and others on the Iron Range!!!!! (Soon I should have an update on our trail from Chisholm to HWY 5 Bar & Grill)
70-Mile ATV/OHM Trail Progress Report
The latest Progress Report for the 70-Mile ATV/OHM Trail Project is now available at the project website.
70-Mile Trail
Quarterly Progress Report
December 2008
Phase I Moves into Design & Construction
EAW Process Completed
Following the completion of the extensive environmental review and Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) process, Phase I of the 70-Mile ATV/OHM Trail project is now moving into the design and construction stages. The EAW for the project was completed this summer with the comment period ending in early September.
At the Aitkin County Board of Commissioners meeting on October 28th the Board issued its Record of Decision on the need for an Environmental Impact Statement for the project. The Board also reviewed the response to comments. The Aitkin County Board of Commissioners decision was to not require an Environmental Impact Statement for the project.
The complete EAW and the Record of Decision with the Response to Comments are available at the project website.
Trail Layout Begins
To prepare for trail construction, the county land departments have begun the process of laying out the trail routes. Staff has been flagging routes in the field and evaluating any final adjustments that may be needed to minimize environmental impacts.
Contractor Alert
Contractors interested in bidding on the trail construction project are asked to contact Aitkin or Itasca County to be placed on a contractor contact list.
Aitkin and Itasca County are planning to host meetings this winter to discuss the trail design guidelines and construction requirements for the project.
To notify the county of your interest in being a potential contractor for the project, contact:
Itasca County Land Department
218-327-7393
andrew.brown@co.itasca.mn.us
Aitkin County Land Department
218-927-7364
acld@co.aitkin.mn.us
EAW Response to Comments Available
The EAW for Phase I of the 70-Mile Trail project was completed this summer with the 30-day comment period ending September 10th. During the public review and comment period the Aitkin County Planning and Zoning Department received written comments from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and private citizens. The Response to Comments and Record of Decision for the Phase I EAW are available at the project website.
Polaris Foundation Provides Grant to Support 70-Mile Trail Project
Funding to Support Trail Maps and Signage
The Polaris Foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to support the development of the 70-Mile ATV/OHM trail project. The funding will be used to support the development of trail maps and signs to support quality user experiences.
FAQs Spotlight: How will people know where to go and where the “must-see” destinations are?
One of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the 70-Mile Trail Project is “How will people know where to go and where the “must-see” destinations are? Will there be a map of eating, lodging and entertainment establishments so people can find them?
One of the stated goals of the project is to revitalize local communities along and near the trail system. These communities benefit economically from seasonal snowmobile use. Expanding a similar clientele (ATV users) to a larger segment of the year could have significant benefits to these small communities. The mapping work associated with the project design includes gathering information about recreational destinations and other sites along the potential trail corridor. Final trail maps and information available to trail users will include this information.
A list of more FAQs is available at the project website: www.70miletrail.net
Phase I Maps Available
Maps of the Phase I trail segments are available. The overall map can be downloaded from the project website or requested from the project coordinator (612-333-0430, info@dovetailinc.org). More detailed maps of each Phase I segment are available at the project website. Phase II of the project includes additional proposed trail segments to create a comprehensive trail system.
Next Steps….
There are several important steps that the project will complete in the coming months:
Trail Layout & Construction Planning
The Counties are actively identifying final trail alignments in the field and preparing for the contracting process. It is anticipated that trail construction will begin in Spring 2009. Some brush clearing could begin earlier depending on winter conditions.
Monitoring and Enforcement Plan
The monitoring and enforcement plan for the project has been prepared and is being implemented by the counties. Existing and new trails will be monitored. Trails will be closed if conditions warrant. Trail users are encouraged to contact the county or law enforcement agents if they see trail use or trail conditions that require attention.
Additional future steps for the project will include identifying alternative alignments for the proposed Phase II trail segments and completing the construction process.
Stay tuned! Comments or questions are welcome!
Good news about the 70 mile ATV trail extension. Has Dovetail Inc. considered checking with the local ATV clubs about organizing construction crews to complete and maintain the trail ?
Thank You,
John O’Neill
Great Blog. The trail sounds great. I would like to request a map of the trail be posted on the Blog. TIA