10.5 SR 03-18-2024City of
Elk -
River
To
City Council
Meeting Date
March 18, 2024
Item Description
Ordinance: Park Trail Closure
Action Requested
Receive information and provide staff direction.
Request for Action
Item Number
10.5
Prepared By
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Reviewed by:
Cal Portner
Justin Femrite
Tina Allard
Background/Discussion
Each spring, as the weather warms and the frost begins to leave the ground, our stewards at Woodland Trails
Regional Park post "Trail Closed" signs at entrance points to the sod trails to protect the grass from damage
while in a fragile state. Allowing a disrupted start to the growth of the grass is important as the mature tree
canopies in the summer shade the grass and slow its growth.
We have had park users disobey the stewards' signs, which has resulted in potential conflicts between users
and stewards trying to protect the park.
The Council should consider an ordinance prohibiting use of the trails that can be enforced by the police
department.
Financial Impact
N/A
Mission/Policy/Goal
Attachments
I. 10.5 attl D Anderson Email
2. 10.5 att2 PIC Trail damge
The Elk River Vision
A avelcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community p p W E H E U A Y
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity [NjU%IWM 229
Portner, Cal
Subject: RE: Green trail closure at Woodlands
Ca I,
I am writing this note to let you know that you will likely be hearing about me and how bad I am.
Background; This spring, as we have for the past 25 years or so, we barricade and post the green trails on the east side
of the GNT as closed. The trails are generally closed until spring green up. We do this because the trail surface can be
very soft as the trail surface transitions from frozen to green. We have seen many of the freeze -thaw cycles this season
due to our weird winter. Foot traffic on the soft surface, especially in shady areas where there is little or no turf,
damages the trail surface. Because of the steep slopes and highly erodible soils, it is important to maintain the trail
surface. Spring damage poses one of our most significant challenges for our maintenance efforts.
When we were out cutting dead trees along the trails on the morning of February 271", we noticed significant damage to
the trail surface, even though the trail was already closed. The trails were frozen at the time. Photo attached.
Since then, we have worked to identify and educate trail users on the issue.
Yesterday, Mike N encountered two women entering the closed trail and they completely ignored his efforts to educate
on why they should not be on the trails and kept on walking. Wayne was working near the biathlon range and again
encountered them and had a similar exchange. I was in the parking lot this morning when they were returning from
their walk. I approached them to have chat about the trail closure and reasons why. They got wigged out and said they
plenty of taxes and that they can walk anywhere they want. It is amazing how those in the wrong work hard to create a
narrative that they are the victims. I sent Joe a photo of them on the trail and photo's of their license plates for
identification.
During the summer and fall, we work hard to keep the trail surface in as good of condition as possible for both summer
and winter uses. The vast majority of trail users appreciate and respect those efforts and abide by the closures.
Let me know if you have any suggestions both on how to better protect the trails and how to handle those who choose
not to abide by trail closures. It used to be so easy, but not any more.
Thanks
Dave
,, In the intPrPOg of+hp Pnvironrnr�^+ olease print only if nPoessary and recycle
CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION: This e-mail and any attachments accompanying this transmission may contain
confidential information that is subject to the terms of the confidentiality agreement between you and Cretex Companies,
Inc. or may contain privileged information, and are intended for the sole use of the intended recipient. If you are not the
intended recipient, please notify the sender of the error in transmission and immediately delete or destroy the e-mail, all
attachments, and any copies thereof. Thank you.
Page 218 of 229
:'� • ate. Ir , � � 4 _ � ''Y 1• f �,��', _
� �[MT;r� 1 T- may_ - .. _ � ' . � • ',- %-r � l- `'r r� � (-� ,.
MI
•JW.,
Api� e _I. -yPirC.+�. 'a��tr'. �� %� 4•�. , F� Y`,!�ir J�'. �
IV
40
4L
r � _
'� ♦' irk 7�// \ \ r ef. fCR. �, '. / .. � .!.. � .
�.1