9.2.A. PRSR 02-14-2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Attachment D-10/12/06 throughout the City and this project would facilitate the connection of residential, commercial, and public facilities. The Elk River trail project is also part of a much larger project called The Great Northern Trail which stretches from the City of Elk River to the City of Princeton essentially connecting one end of Sherburne County to the other. Sherburne County's plans for the acquisition and development of properties along the abandoned railroad are consistent with the other local communities in the county including the City of Zimmerman, Princeton, Livonia Township, and Baldwin Township. The acquisition and conversion of the abandoned railroad bed to a recreational trail is also consistent with Sherburne County's Parks, Trails, and Open Space Plan. This project was identified as a top priority in that plan and would serve as the "backbone" of the County's trail system. Sherburne County and the Rail Road Task Force sub-committee have drafted a Comprehensive Plan for the long-term management and maintenance of a trail along the corridor. 3. Explain the degree to which a project addresses issues/needs in one, two, or three of the three groupings (Section 2 -Eligibility) established for Minnesota's process. Historic Grouping 0-5 POINTS The preservation of the abandoned Burlington Northern railroad corridor would serve as a significant historical resource that would be kept intact. The areas' rich history with James J. Hill; the original St. Paul, Minneapolis, & Manitoba Railway Service; the St. Paul & Pacific R.R.; and the Great Northern Railway would provide many historic and interpretive opportunities along the railroad corridor. Information from the MN Historical Society and other sources indicate that there were six different stations that existed between Cities of Princeton and Elk River. These facets of history and how they relate to Sherburne County and the City of Elk River are also significant to the history of transportation overall. Since this railroad corridor from Elk River to Princeton is the only abandoned railroad line in Sherburne County, this is the only opportunity for a trail of this type. Scenic Environmental Grouping 0-5 POINTS In acquiring the abandoned railroad corridor and preserving and/or restoring the resources that exist within the railroad right-of-way, the scenic attributes located along the future trail will be shared and interpreted for environmental education. The railroad corridor travels through some diverse land cover types including uplands, lowlands, wetlands, and woodlands. The Minnesota DNR County Biological Survey Map has identified some areas along this railroad corridor and others as having some rare plant communities including various prairie remnants with rare grasses and fortis. Restoring the prairie remnants along specific areas of the 100-foot right-of-way would enhance the trails' environmental value and the experience shared by the users. Creating non-motorized trails along corridors such as this establishes a valuable resource for multiple recreational uses offering opportunities to view wildlife, ecology, and other scenic resources first-hand. Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities Grouping 0-5 POINTS The project would result in and provide an immediate transportation route having long-term local benefits with potential for future regional and inter-county benefits. Some of the resources that are adjacent to and near the trail system would likely be connected via linking trails resulting in better access between residential, commercial, and public areas. 9