7.1 PRSR 09-14-2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Great Northern Trail Master Plan | August 2022 6 INTRODUCTION + CONTEXT01 INTRODUCTION Railways helped build America during the westward settlement of United States and connected people, commerce, and culture from coast to coast. Minnesota was once at the center of freight activity in the country, largely due the Mesabi Range, which was the largest deposit of iron ore in the world. Since the development of Interstate Highway System in the early 20th century many of the railway routes have fallen out of use. The Great Northern Railroad was in service from 1886 until the mid-1970’s. Since then, sections of this rail system have been condensed as a result of this national trend . In the 1990’s and early 2000’s a coalition of interested stakeholders began advocating for a rail to trail conversion of the corridor that would relink communities and provide residents with a place to walk, bike, and connect with nature. Those early advocates helped pave the way for the current 8.5-mile trail that connects Elk River to Zimmerman. The early volunteer coalition has since evolved into a partnership of public agency leaders that are now poised to complete another segment of the trail. Trails that offer a rich and continuous experience require thoughtful consideration of cultural and natural resources, physical constraints, and user preferences. The Great Northern Trail can become another asset for residents and visitors in the region and beyond, connecting communities with parks and open spaces. Along with bolstering city and township open space networks, the trail will provide safe routes to schools, improve access to nature, and become an economic driver for local businesses.