Paved State Trail Maintenance and Asset Preservation

Quick Facts

Source: 
Parks & Trails Fund
Status: 
In Progress
Activity Type: 
Capital Development/Rehabilitation
Counties Affected 
Statewide
Provide expanded state trail safety and efforts to protect the integrity of the paved surfaces. This included erecting larger stop and stop ahead signing to be consistent with national standards. Also included additional crack sealing efforts in a more timely manner, increase effort in mowing to increase user safety, reduce woody vegetation close to the trail and reduce the damage to trail surface caused by root suckering. More mowing and timely mowing also reduces the threat of invasives be spread by seeds by mowing prior to that. Provide additional sweeping or surface cleaning to ensure user safety.

About the Issue

The Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Trails Division efforts to expand quality outdoor recreational opportunities has been greatly enhanced by this effort. Minnesota state trail system is better signed, making it safer and much more enjoyable. Trail surface is now being preserved in the best possible condition, cracks in the asphalt are being identified and dealt with quickly, surface is being cleaned on a regular basis so it remains safe and enjoyable, edge of the trails are mowed in a timely fashion to reduce the threat of surface damage due to root suckering, preventing invasives from going to seed and spreading until they can be dealt with appropriately and allowing the native vegetation to flourish. This effort provides the public with quality trail opportunities that are mapped, signed and well maintained close to home.
Status: 
In Progress
Start Date: 
July 2009

Project Details by Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year(s): 
2013
Legal Citation / Subdivision: 
M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 6, Art. 3, Sec. 3(a) (3)
Appropriation Language 
Sec. 3. Department of Natural Resources (a)$14,262,000 the first year and $14,603,000 the second year are for state parks, recreation areas, and trails to: (1)Connect people to the outdoors; (2)Acquire land and create opportunities; (3)Maintain existing holdings; and (4)Improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan
Fiscal Year Funding Amount: 
$160,000
Fiscal Year(s): 
2012
Legal Citation / Subdivision: 
M.L. 2011, First Special Session, Chp. 6, Art. 3, Sec. 3(a) (3)
Appropriation Language 
Sec. 3. Department of Natural Resources (a)$14,262,000 the first year and $14,603,000 the second year are for state parks, recreation areas, and trails to: (1)Connect people to the outdoors; (2)Acquire land and create opportunities; (3)Maintain existing holdings; and (4)Improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan
Fiscal Year Funding Amount: 
$160,000
Fiscal Year(s): 
2011
Legal Citation / Subdivision: 
M.L. 2009, Chp. 172, Art. 3, Sec. 2 (3)
Fiscal Year Funding Amount: 
$295,000
Fiscal Year(s): 
2010
Legal Citation / Subdivision: 
M.L. 2009, Chp. 172, Art. 3, Sec. 2 (3)
Fiscal Year Funding Amount: 
$295,000
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s) 
This program will provide safe paved state trails and make all reasonable efforts to protect the integrity of trail surfaces. This is meant to obtain maximum life from the public's investment in this important public access. This program provides additional opportunities on safe and maintained winter trails close to population centers, making it easier and more enjoyable to get outside and participate in winter recreation.
Measurable Outcome(s) 
601 miles of paved trails and 135 miles of natural surface state trails have been enhanced for summer use. Additional mowing later in the season maintains trail shoulders and reduces potential for invasise by mowing prior to plants going to seed. Increased efforts to seal cracks and remove root suckers will address these issues performed at least one additional time each season. Increased mowing on-paved state trails on upland segments to accommodated summer use. This was completed on the C.J. Ramstad North Shore State Trail and segments of the Taconite State trail.

Project Manager

Ron
Potter
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN
55155
651-259-5362
Email: 
Ron.Potter@state.mn.us
Related Topics: 
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Capital Development/Rehabilitation, Parks & Trails Fund, Statewide