Future opportunities of Dakota Rail Trail
By Lynda Jensen
Editor
Lester Prairie is on the edge of endless future possibilities when it comes to the Dakota Rail Trail, which will connect western McLeod County with the Twin Cities, once it is developed.
Work has begun for the first phase of work in Carver County, which is a seven mile stretch from the east county line to the City of Mayer. Groundbreaking took place March 30.
Last summer, federal funding was approved, which opened the door for work in Carver, according to Carver County Parks Director Martin Walsh.
Construction of the second six-mile section, which runs from Mayer, through New Germany, to the west county line, is expected to begin in 2012.
Walsh said the trail surface will be asphalt, which will attract the greatest number of trail users.
When complete, the trail could link New Germany and Mayer to the western suburbs and to cities in McLeod County such as Lester Prairie, and will provide a variety of recreational opportunities.
When complete, the trail will be suitable for bicycling, walking, running, in-line skating, dog walking, and other non-motorized uses. During the winter months, the trail may be open to snowmobile use if cities, townships, and county allow this, according to the plan.
No other motor vehicles will be allowed on the trail. Equestrian use will also be prohibited, because demand is low, and because the trail is near the Luce Line horse trail.
The rails and ties were removed from the corridor in 2004 and 2005, and the current state of the trail is “undeveloped, uneven, and overgrown, with trestle structures that lack railings or solid decking,” according to the plan. Carver County has posted the trail as closed to public use until it can be developed. There is an exemption for snowmobile users, who help maintain the trail.
Recent trail activity for Dakota Rail
There has been a fair amount of trail activity east of Lester Prairie:
In March, groundbreaking for the first phase of the Dakota Rail Trail in Carver County took place March 30 for work scheduled near Mayer. The county hopes to have the first phase of the project completed by fall 2010.
Earlier that month, the Carver County Board discussed its long-range plans for the trail inside the county. The county’s 30-year comprehensive plan had envisioned building a paved trail.
Last fall, Carver County Parks Administrator Marty Walsh told the Mayer City Council that plans were complete for the seven-mile portion of the Dakota Rail Trail from the east county line to the City of Mayer.
This spring, construction of bridges to be built over Highway 7 and County Road 92 will begin near St. Bonifacius. It should be completed by fall of 2010. The bridges will be designed for both bikes and rollerblades, according to the Three Rivers Park District.
Earlier this year, the City of Wayzata made plans to install a bike hut, which would sell refreshments for bike enthusiasts.
