Hope for Another Time

A good number of years ago the city and NSP had started discussions about the possibility of a trail through NSP’s buffer property south of Sherco and north of the Mississippi River. The idea was pursued and floundered and raised again and met a number of setbacks, mostly due to funding. A couple of years ago Senator Wergin championed the cause and got a portion of the funding approved from the State on Minnesota in the bonding bill. That funding was too provide 50% of the costs and the city and county were also to kick in 25% each to fund the project.

With funding in hand we had high hopes to be able to accomplish the project providing for a trail in almost untouched property owned by Xcel to be available to hikers and bikers. The trail consisted of 2 parking areas and with both paved and dirt trails. This all provided an opportunity for all types of users to enjoy nature and the vistas available on the trail that was to be created. We had, along the way, also assembled a number of supportive groups. Habitat restoration was worked on as well as the elimination of invasive plant species. The National Park Service was also helpful in coordinating efforts along the way.

The final step before construction was the need to negotiate an easement that was acceptable the city, county, the State of Minnesota and Xcel. Working through the easement agreement was difficult for the city and county but became very difficult for Xcel and the State of Minnesota. The use of “Bonding” funds from the state requires a higher standard of ownership than perhaps a DNR trail grants program would require. Xcel also wanted a higher standard of ownership with a reverter clause which would allow them to get the easement back if there was a “business” concern that prompted the need for the property.

It is with great sadness I state that the parties could not agree on a solution that was workable and the project has now been declared off the table and essentially dead. The state has withdrawn the funds from this project to be applied to another worthily cause.

Working through these issues was a good deal of talented people who all need recognition but three stand out in my mind. These include Dave Heberling of NSP who started with the idea. Kelli Neu, of my staff, worked diligently on the project with countless meetings and activity. She really took the lion’s share of the project under her wing. Finally, Randy Thoreson, from the National Park Service, who was able to leverage interested parties as well as enthusiasm in making the final push a reality towards funding. In the end we had many, many people who participated, perhaps numbering in the mid 20’s, all interested in the project. All of them deserve credit for the contributions.

Perhaps at another time this could be raised again as I believe those that contributed had a great deal of hope for what was to come. I also feel that this hope continues.