8.0. PRSR 09-10-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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From a user standpoint, off-road trails are better and safer than paved shoulders. • However, off-road trails are more expensive to build and there are potential right- of-way problems on some roadways. Other factors to consider are the volume of vehicle traffic, the potential volume of trail traffic, population density, etc. Because of these many variables, it is not possible to have specific rules which determine if an off-road trail is preferable to paved shoulders for a given section of roadway; all of the _relevant factors must be considered before making a decision. 3. Overland Trails An overland trail is not usually located close to an adjacent roadway. Overland trails go "cross-country" through various types of terrain. Abandoned railroad rights-of-way are often used for overland trails. Overland trails usually have a bituminous surface and a minimum width of ten feet for two-way traffic. There are relatively few opportunities for overland trails in Sherburne County in the near future. The abandoned railroad right-of-way north of Elk River, and a trail linking the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge with the Sand Dunes State Forest are the best possibilities. There may be opportunities for overland trails following the Mississippi River at some future time. It is beyond the scope of this plan to decide what uses are appropriate for trails in Sherburne County. The future Park Commission will make recommendations to the • Board of Commissioners o n that issue. This plan does not include provisions for motorized recreational vehicles. C. TYPES OF OPEN SPACES "Open space" is a term which is not as easily defined as "park" or "trail". Most p p Y people would say that open space is an area that is relatively unoccupied by buildings or structures. Examples would be large fields, meadows, swamps, lakes, etc. A farm with large cultivated fields and typical farm buildings would be open space. A large wooded area would be considered open space. It is not necessary to have a precise definition of open space in this plan; a general understanding in of the term is sufficient. Sherburne County presently has several types of protected areas which would be considered open space: 1. The Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge (approx. 30,660 acres) 2. The Sand Dunes State Forest (approx. 5,700 acres) 3. Scientific Natural Areas (approx. 290 acres) 4. Wildlife Management Areas (approx. 540 acres) 5. Land protected by conservation easements, land retirement programs, deed restrictions, etc. (acreage unknown) SHERBURNE COUNTY PARKS, TRAILS & OPEN SPACE PLAN 8