Laserfiche WebLink
August 15, 2011 <br />Dave Anderson <br />Elk River Park Board <br />14845 County Rd. 30 <br />Elk River, MN 55330 <br />Dear Dave, <br />Livonia Township recently completed a feasibility study on a trail connection between Livonia's <br />Sugarbush Preserve and the Great Northern Trail (see enclosed report). The study was fully funded <br />through the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) grant program and distributed by <br />Sherburne County. The study was performed by Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. (HKGI) of <br />Minneapolis. As you will see, the study is quite comprehensive and very well done. <br />The trail options shown assume that Sherburne County will be able to acquire the section of railroad <br />bed currently owned by Waste Management, who has shown interest in the project. <br />The trail route options shown would have to traverse private property. Those property owners <br />were consulted and were not opposed to the idea of the trail and seemed to be willing to allow <br />access. <br />Because the trail would have to cross the Tibbets Brook wetland area a good portion of the trail <br />would consist of a boardwalk, making the project more expensive, but providing a unique <br />experience for users (reference page 4 of the report). Segments 3 and 4 as shown on the map on <br />page 5 cross a sugar maple forest with some fairly significant elevation changes, adding to the <br />interest of the connection. Section 5 crosses a tamarack bog for another distinctly different <br />segment. <br />Due to the regional accessibility of this trail connection, Livonia Township is hoping to partner with <br />Sherburne County, the City of Elk River and Waste Management on this project. There are also <br />some opportunities for grants to share in the cost of the trail construction. Between grant funding <br />and cost sharing, the construction costs to each partner would be minimal, with significant <br />recreational benefit to the residents. <br />I would like to hold a workshop meeting to discuss the plan, answer any questions and determine <br />the level of interest in the project. At this time we do not have a timeline for the trail construction. <br />Livonia Tovmship • 1 ~ 162 265'" Avenue Nw • P O Box 388 • Zimmerman, MN 55398 <br />Phone 763-858-5640 • Fax 763-856-5842 • Email IlvtownclrkCdsherbtel.nef • Web www.livonialownshio.oro <br />