PRSR HANDOUT 09-08-2010The 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.
What Opportunities Can Emerge from a successful Mississippi River Trail?
• Visitors and residents alike will be ghren a great opportunity for adventure as they explore on bicycle
Amerka's cultural and natural heritage abrg its great River.
• iron businesses, the trail represents an opportunity to commercialy profk from a new set of travelers
coming through their community. Although the economic impact h hard to predict, one thing is for
sure, more business will materialize as a result of the Mississippi River Trail.
• The bkycle route has a public health benefit. At its core, the MRT encourages healthy and Ilfe-
extendirg outdoor activity.
• Tile trail represents an opportunity for krcels to remember the Important Mississippi River people,
places and stories that have made their communties what they are and to document [hem for their
own family and friends in InterpreWe displays and markers, and to celebrate them within community
festhrels. The trail can bring a community together and even reconnect lt with neighboring
communities that share a common heritage.
• By encouraging bkycle use on rural and urban comdors that may be perceived as the sole domain of
cers and [nicks long-distance travelers and kcal residents are challenged to expand their view of the
utility of highways.
Where Does MnDOT Fit In?
Altlaugh the Minnesota Departrnent of Transportation h convening this sedes of
meetings, MnDOT does rat "own" the Vail. MnDOT is serving as champbn at this
stage in the trail's devebpment to bring people together and Ignite the fire of self-
interest on the part of local governments, businesses and residents.
Only 25% of the trail is kxated on State and US Highways. Like the links in a
chain, the trail's appeal and success Is tied to the enthusiasm and commitment of
the authodties that administer the remaining 75% of the Mississippi River Trail.
Moving forward MnDOT sees itself as a partner wlth a tit to gain - or bse - if the
vision of vibrant Mississippi River Troll is realized, or knt.
If the Mississippi Trail is to be used and appreciated at its potential it will be necessary
for MnDOT to step track to invite the trail's kxal owners to take on a more significant
rok: in managing and Improving the treil.
What Is This Project About?
Working for the rest of 2010 with our consultant, Bonestroo, based in St. Paul, through
a series of meetings and follow-up bicycle rides, the Intent is to:
• Review the existing Mississippi River Trail route wthin Minnesota,
• Realize a comprehensive set of kcal resolutions in support of the Mississippi River Trail,
• Update the entire route through Minnesota through consultatbn with kxal offkials and others,
• Post new user-friendly maps on a MnDOT GIS-interactive website,
• Develop a signing plan to assure riders that they are still on the trail when bicycling on segments of the
Minnesota Trunk Highway System, and
• Develop a marketing framework for the trail out Into the future.
Contact informatbn
MIS5Wpp1 RNer Trot IMRT) BRYCIe Rase websge: hNa://www.da[sbte.mn.uslbkdmrt.html
CA7rroN Arm araA06k arena
Dan CaWro
Mhebalpgl River Tnil Project Manager
MYVwSda Deparanaa d Transporta[bn
Olike d TrMnR, Bkyck and Pedestran Sectbn, MS 315
3% ldxi tmJartl Boulevard
St Paul, MN 55155.1899
651-3669179
Lis WaMOx
MiMiMipPl River Trap Profit Stan
MInle9de DepxbnerR d Transpamtlon
Ollloe d TraiKt, BkyAe aria Pedestrian Sectbn, MS 3l5
395 ]dm Ireland BwkvaN
SL Paul, MN 55155-1899
651-3664186
Clara Sddkhtlnp, ArW,
Proied Manager/Planner
Bdllab00
2335 Highway 36W
SL Pau4 MN 55113
651-%7-1557
XonpTl Duary GIS Tadarkien
Bones4oo
651-%71596
lodl Winkelman, Marketing
Bonestroo
651fig9-1799