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Park & Recreation Commission Nlinutes <br />July 14, 2010 <br />Page 5 <br />the Anoka County Parks and Recreation Department, Washington County Parks and <br />Recreation Department, Three Rivers Park District, and the Minnesota Department <br />of Naruxal Resources. <br />Mr. Benoit stated that staff is looking fox feedback from the Commission whether to <br />continue to monitor use patterns or pursue guidelines that would modify trail usage. <br />One possible option to adjust trail usage is to designate specific days and times for <br />horseback riding and other activities. A second option is to restrict horseback riding <br />on the trial. <br />Elk River resident, Rose Allison shared that in the past when this Great Northern <br />Trail was discussed about being paved that it would remain a dual use trail. <br />Commissioner Nystrom stated his concern about how a better job of cleaning up <br />after horse droppings needs to happen. <br />Commissioner Niziolek stated that there may be more ideal times to ride horses on <br />the trail and riders should be aware of etiquette of cleaning up after horse droppings. <br />Commissioner Peterson asked if horse owners axe concerned that their horses will be <br />spooked by other users on the trail coming up from behind. <br />Elk River resident, Dale Wagner shared that his horse has been spooked on the trail <br />and as a rider you are aware that this may happen. <br />Commissioner Ahlness stated that he did not agree with the option of horseback <br />riding on certain days. <br />Commissioner Anderson shared that horses scare him and also did not agree with <br />designating certain days for horseback riding. Safety has to be the number one <br />priority; we have options, restrict the time of day, leave it as is or restrict the trail to <br />horseback riding. <br />Mr. Wagner stated that he is willing to work with the city and other trail users to be <br />able to continue to horseback ride on the trail north of County Road 33. <br />Commissioner Jaker stated that staff should continue to monitor the use patterns for <br />the Great Northern Trail north of County Road 33. <br />Commissioner Nystrom agreed that staff should continue to monitor the trail. <br />Commissioner Niziolek asked that the horseback riders think about the timing of <br />their riding, whether there are many other users on the trail and the etiquette of <br />horseback riding on a trail with other users and cleaning up properly. <br />Commissioner Ahlness agreed with continuing to monitor trail. <br />