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Great Northern Trail Master Plan | August 202228 <br />Chapter 02 | Vision + Trends <br />OVERVIEW <br />The demands of a growing and changing <br />population in Sherburne and Mille Lacs <br />Counties will require staff and decision- <br />makers to consider how the dynamic nature <br />of demographics, technologies, trends and <br />activities will affect trail user preferences <br />and programming needs. The following <br />section explores current trends and potential <br />implications for trail development. Planning <br />for change and building flexibility into the final <br />design will position the Great Northern Trail to <br />better adapt to future demands. The trends <br />listed are in no particular order. <br />Sources <br />Minnesota Recreation and Park Association <br />National Recreation and Park Association <br />Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board <br />TrendsTrends <br />TREND 1 | INCREASING DEMAND <br />FOR INFORMAL RECREATION <br />The demand for informal recreation such as <br />running, hiking, bicycling and fitness programs <br />are increasing in popularity. At the same time, <br />participation in organized league activities <br />have been decreasing since the mid-1990’s in <br />Minnesota. <br />TREND 2 | RESILIENCY TO CLIMATE CHANGE <br />The transportation sector is one of the largest <br />contributors to U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) <br />emissions, with passenger cars accounting for <br />18% of emissions in the United States. Alternative <br />modes of transportation such as walking and <br />biking reduce dependence on automobile use <br />and greenhouse gas emissions. <br />As climate change begins to impact wildlife and <br />landscapes more directly, parks and protected <br />natural areas are becoming increasingly <br />important in mitigating the negative impacts of <br />climate change.