Countywide Comprehensive Trail Network Plan Project

New ATV Intensive Use Area in the Town of Sterling

This project consists of building a 60-acre intensive use area for ATV/UTV riders in the Town of Sterling, south of Evergreen Avenue. On October 10^th, consultant (SEH) and staff mapped and flagged new trails.  60% design completed November 11^th.  Staff has provided input on stie layout, entry points and specs for each trail.  Quantities of material will be included in bidding documents.  Fencing will be part of plan but is considering optional.  90% design plan submitted 12/23/22.  On January 5, 2023, met with SEH to finalize design the facility. Lower cost fencing will be added to southern and eastern boarder as well as SW corner.  Reducing the width of most of the trail to 10’ wide.  Additional gates added.  Clearing and grubbing may take place as early as Fall, 2023.  SEH will present final plan to County Board as early as March 21, 2023. The facility will incorporate opportunities for a wide range of rider abilities. The design will be used to construct this new facility in Spring 2024. WDNR storm water permit will be applied for in January 2023.

In a collaborative project with the City of St Croix Falls (SCF), the parking lot at the Information Center/City Hall will be redone, the trail will be relocated to align with the State Highway 35 crossing on the south side of the property, a new 24/7/365 bathroom facility will be constructed adjacent to the new southern trail route, new bike repair equipment and watering station will be installed by the bathrooms, along with signage and likely a pavilion. SCF awarded bid to Albrightson Construction at Common Council meeting on 10/31.  Project to be completed by Summer, 2023.

COMPLETED: To improve access to the Gandy Dancer and provide needed additional parking facilities, Polk County installed a new gravel parking area along the Gandy Dancer in the Village of Milltown. The parking area is located along Stokely Avenue and 3^rd Ave NE.

COMPLETED: To improve access to the Stower Seven Lakes Trail and provide needed additional parking facilities, Polk County installed a new gravel parking area along the trail in Wanderoos. The parking area is located along Wanderoos Road and adjacent to the existing bathroom and other trail amenities. Motion sensor and south facing solar lighting is planned for installation in Fall, 2022.

COMPLETED: The County-owned property along US Highway 8 at the site of the former Woodley Dam is an improved parking area with direct access to the snowmobile trail system. New access point for the parking lot off County Rd H on the east side of the property. The gravel lot will be constructed to suit vehicles and trailers with easy access off US Highway 8 for visitors and residents alike. Access to the Apple River for canoes and kayaks, including a path to the river from the parking lot will be completed in Spring, 2023.

The Somers Lake property of County Forest is being developed for day use for equestrian riders. Trails have been brushed and will be maintained for horseback riding. In addition, other amenities are being installed, including tie-ups, an improved parking area, drive-thru circle with pull-off spots, and trail kiosk. Culverts removed week of October 31^st.

A 3-sided warming shelter with fire ring has been built and placed on the east side of Kennedy Mill Road for use by xc skiers. Grooming of trails to begin 12/12/22. In addition, the new bathrooms will be constructed near the main parking area and educational building of DD Kennedy. Due to lack of bids, the new bathrooms will be postponed to Spring/Summer, 2023.

The three property owners for the Balsam Branch XC skiing area (Town of Garfield, Lake Wapogasset Bible Camp, and Polk County) met to develop a cooperative management plan and to address topics such as grooming and maintenance schedules, improvements, needed amenities, and signage.

The intent of this project is to develop new facilities for Mountain Bikers and XC Skiers. The County signed an MOU with the City of SCF to build 1.5 miles of professional single-track trails on City owned property west of SCF high school.  The City of SCF is finalizing a blanket easement agreement with adjacent owner for access. The addition of this new trail will create accessibility to more levels of mountain bikers.  Total cost of the project is $67,320 (1.5 miles @ $8.50/lineral foot of trail).  Contractor is Trail Source, Rosemount, MN.   Site assessment and mapping of trails is nearly complete.  Trail work is anticipated to begin in Spring, 2023.

project milestones

• Tour of Gandy Dancer State Trail
• ATV/UTV & Equestrian Trail Feasibility Study user group interviews high level summary

Polk County awarded contract to SRF to conduct a feasibility study to identify four (4) alternative routes for ATV/UTV’s and equestrians which will connect Burnett County at the north end and the City of St Croix Falls on the south end. This is an in-depth study to examine the opportunities and constraints of 4 different trail options.  The plan is to include six key elements: 1) Identification of routes; 2) Identification and estimation of impact on other trail users; 3) Mitigation options; 4) Potential for shared use options; 5) Mitigation strategies for shared uses; and 6) Estimation of cost, and maintenance for each route.  Inventory and site analysis visit conducted on October 10, 2022. Community engagement has begun with phone survey. SRF is examining the issues/ opportunities and design framework for the 4 options for each of the groups starting with the ATV users.  SRF presented (phase 1) 4 alternative trail options to Environmental Services Committee (ESC) on January 18, 2023.  Thereafter, SRF collected input from ATV/UTV, Snowmobile, Walkers/Bikers, and Equestrians through a series of input meetings.  On January 26th, Staff and SRF met with WDNR to discuss project background and status.  A formal meeting with the Ice Age Trail Alliance and National Park Service will be facilitated by WDNR.  Thereafter, outreach to all trail intersecting Polk County municipalities will be conducted.  Phase 2 presentation to ESC scheduled for March or April.  County Board presentation in May or June, 2023.

For this project, the County will pursue providing a connection between DD Kennedy and Ahlgren. In addition, the County will develop expanded trails at Ahlgren Wildlife Preserve in the northwest area of the property. Trails development at Ahlgren will occur later this summer. For establishing the connection between these neighboring properties, the County is coordinating with the Town of Garfield on expansion of the culvert on 120^th Ave across Balsam Branch, to widen it and provide a pedestrian path across it. This part of the project will occur when the Town installs a new culvert.