PRSR HANDOUT 09-08-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Misslssippi River Trail is a world-class bicycling route that travels from the headwaters of [he Mississippi Rlrer at Lake Itasca, Minnesota to the Delta at the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. It is a 3,000-mile system of bicycle-friendly roads and multi-use pathways. As such, the Mississippi River Trait is a virtual "string of pearls" connecting Minnesota with 9 other states, cities such as St. Louis, Memphis, and mnS11AP% New Orleans, and hundreds of other smaller towns and river communities. It is a RIDER unique way to experience the Mississippi River's natural wonders, transportation 1RAll system, recreational facilities and cuRural heritage. Mississippi River Trail -MRT What is the Mississippi River Trail now? The Mississippi RNer Troll began in the 1990's as a community and economic development project for the bwer Mississippi RNer delta region between New Orleans and St. Louis, and later adopted by states between St. Louis and the Headwaters In Itasca State Park. Current routing for Minnesota's trail was completed almost 10 years ago on a shoestring budget without comprehensive review or thorough vetting of some basic assumptions about what makes a great trail. In Greater Minnesota a number of bkydists worked with the M(nnesota Departrnent of Transportatbn and [he Department of Natural Resources to identlfy and evaluate the existing route. Within the Twin Cities there has been a heavy reliance on the staff of the Natbnal Park Service working with kxal authorities kxated within the Misslssippi National River and Recreation Area. `1COnesplw~l Allyn em The route should be considered as a starting point for local input. Even x though Certain stretches of the Identified route are located on separated off- "~ road trails, most of the MRT presently relies on road shoulders or bw-use " ~ ~ _ roads. Within Minnesota: Approximately 60% local, Township and County roads Approximately 25% State and US Highways Approximately 15°k State, Regional & local trails The Mississippi River Trail is different from exclusively off-road State trails -- - largely built upon abandoned railroad grades, such as the Paul Bunyan, ~_- =~ "" Gateway and Root River Traits managed by the Department of Natural Resources. And even though additional trails in the future will presumably be incorporated iMO the MRT's alignment, most of the trail will continue [o share the road rlghtof-way with prs, trudcc and motorcycles. The distance between the Headwaters in Itasca State Park and the Minnesota-Wisconsin border south of La Crescent is approximately 500 miles, however, hundreds of additional miles of roads and trolls have been added to Minnesota's grand total as aRernatlves available to its riders. For example riders between Cass take and Brainerd can choose to ride elements of the Heartland and Paul Bunyan State Trails or dxwse a more rustic on-road route. Additionally, within the Minnesota National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) within the Twln Cities, the MRT is routed on both sides of the river. Generally paralleling the Great RNer Road, the entire route has special appeal to adventurous bicyclists that are comfortable w(th and knowledgeable about sharing the road with vehicles. Shorter off-road trail segments have been incorporated within the route which are very popular with less expedenced bicyclists (but none the less adventurous). It has served as a venue for charitable bike rides, an avenue for recreation and as an entry point for people rediscovering the joys of cycling. The hope is that it will contribute to more vibrant and advantage of the bicycle for trevel and fun.