North Metro Trail Meeting 7/12 @ 7 PM

[TML]

Location: Rainforest Room, Caribou Coffee, Little Canada. (just south of 694 on Rice St.)

Time: Wed. July 12th 7 - 9 PM


Do you have an interest in gaining riding opportunities in the north metro?

Are you looking for a way to be more involved in advancing this great sport?

Have you seen a piece of land while you've been riding and thought, "That'd be a sweet spot for a trail" ?

Maybe you just wanna get your jitters on with a few other mt. Bikers. . .


JOIN US! Come be a part of the North-Metro Brainstorming Meeting.

This will be an open discussion style meeting. Bring your thoughts and ideas for MTB trails on the north side.

Topics to discuss:
-Potential trail sites
-Facts about existing trails
-Approaching land managers
-Facts about MORC
-Great ideas, now what. . .
-Volunteers to take the next step

Thanks for your interest, hope to see you there!!

--Troy

[Panman]

I'll try to be there!

[Smurf]

The wife has already given me a kitchen pass...I'll be there.

[waydeki]

i'll be there.

[ZippyZoe]

Count me in Troy. It will be great if we can come up with ideas for more trails on this side of town. BC is great but having a little more variety in Ramsey county is just what we need. I'll brainstorm for trail locations over the next week.

Alan

[Tim Wegner]

Troy
I will be there. I have an IMBA conference call at the same time but I can always mute that and participate with the discussion at Caribou.
Tim

[TrailPatrol]

Troy,
I'm trying! I have a client that really wants their drivers trained in one week, which would include Wednesday, but I am planning it out so that I can be at the meeting, if maybe a bit late.

This is the old Hardees, right?

Ride safe,
:banana:
Hans

[TML]

Looks like we will have a great meeting. Glad people are able to make it!




This is the old Hardees, right?



Correct!

[Buck]

dang it...I'll be in Brainerd...Can some one take some notes and post some kind of wrap up or something? That'd be awesme!

Buck

[ZippyZoe]

Troy,
Been brainstorming here...

I'm not sure of the possibilities, but what about Grass Lake in Shoreview (or maybe it's Vadnais Heights)? Has MORC ever approached the land manager there? There is already double track access going through the eastern side. I know you live in Shoreview and perhaps you have already covered all the possibilities in your neck of the woods.

Here's a Google map link...

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&sll=45.084733,-93.108444&sspn=0.026604,0.085659&q=gramsie+rd,+mn&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=45.059093,-93.119774&spn=0.053232,0.115356

I bike through here everyday on my commute to work. The access for others would be excellent since it's just off 694. Erik's bike shop is conveiniently located nearby, too. I'm sure they'd love the extra business.

Alan

[stoneage]

Looks like a lot of water to me. The URL takes you to the same page, but click it up 2-3 times and click Hybrid. It looks like a lot of ponds and backwaters.
http://tinyurl.com/oo5co

[ZippyZoe]

You're right. I haven't explored it completely and jumped the gun. It's still a nice route for my commute.

Bummer about all the water. :cryin: Back to searching...

[TML]

You're right. I haven't explored it completely and jumped the gun. It's still a nice route for my commute.

Bummer about all the water. :cryin: Back to searching...

There is a lot of water but there is plenty of high/dry ground for a trail throughout the park. Unfotunately it's not an option at the moment. Grass/Snail lake is a Ramsey County Reg. Park under the jurisdiction of the same entity as Battle Creek. John M., the land manager at Ramsey Co. Reg. parks is pretty adamant that the only park of theirs that is open to mtb'ing is BC. I'll go into more detail at the meeting.

Keep up the brainstorming though. Another option in the area may be the Vadnais area under jurisdicton of the St. Paul water utility.

[Damian]

I'll be there. Anything special to bring with us?

[TrailPatrol]

Will there be coffee? What beer is to you guys, coffee is to me.

Currently enjoying Mayan Black Onyx, straight up. :jumpy:

That about says it.
:banana:
Hans

[Panman]

I just had a Mint Condition today!

[TML]

I'll be there. Anything special to bring with us?

Bring a little money to spend on Coffee or snacks. Caribou is nice enough to provide some awesome facilities free of charge so we'll give 'em a little business in return.

Other than that, no, nothing special needed. Just maybe some ideas and thoughts on possible trail locations. Pen an paper if you're into taking notes. :)

[TML]

Will there be coffee? What beer is to you guys, coffee is to me.

Currently enjoying Mayan Black Onyx, straight up. :jumpy:

That about says it.
:banana:
Hans

Just cuz we rabble on about our bread in a bottle, doesn't mean we don't have a little love for the bean based go juice. :D It was Ethiopian for me this morning. Bring money for your fix at Caribou.

[TrailPatrol]

It was Ethiopian for me this morning. Bring money for your fix at Caribou.

Love Caribou Sumatra, but it is usually not available OTC. It's prescription fare only; buy and brew your own...gee, just like beer.:eyeroll:

Bet you never thunk.
:banana:
Hans

[DmacBmac]

I plan on coming in a getting some tasty cold press.........and of course joining in on the discussion. :banana:

[Nickel]

I don't mind taking notes because I won't have much to add to the discussion, heh.

[swainer715]

I know this is more on the outside of the metro but there is Montissippi park in Monticello that could be a good spot for a few tech loops. I was out riding the paved trail and there seemed to be some trails from poachers but has anyone ever checked into this? I attached a link to the park

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Monticello,+MN&ie=UTF8&t=k&om=1&ll=45.324724,-93.829508&spn=0.00691,0.021458 (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Monticello,+MN&ie=UTF8&t=k&om=1&ll=45.324724,-93.829508&spn=0.00691,0.021458)

http://www.co.wright.mn.us/department/parks/parkinfo.asp?montissippi

[TML]

Looks interesting.
There may be some advancements in that area in the near future. The BLAST group, who is active in that area, is trying to get people together to help clean up trim the trails at the Monticello Camp Manitou YMCA area.

Perhaps this could be a new venue in that area if more people get involved to help support it.

I know this is more on the outside of the metro but there is Montissippi park in Monticello that could be a good spot for a few tech loops. I was out riding the paved trail and there seemed to be some trails from poachers but has anyone ever checked into this? I attached a link to the park

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Monticello,+MN&ie=UTF8&t=k&om=1&ll=45.324724,-93.829508&spn=0.00691,0.021458 (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Monticello,+MN&ie=UTF8&t=k&om=1&ll=45.324724,-93.829508&spn=0.00691,0.021458)

http://www.co.wright.mn.us/department/parks/parkinfo.asp?montissippi

[Panman]

Just a reminder that this is today!!

[TML]

Thanks for the bump Ryan!

Here's where its at . . .

http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/500/CaribouLittleCanada.gif
(http://enterprise.mapquest.com/mqmapgend?MQMapGenRequest=FDT7w%7cq4751f%24.ha22g0 %24%3a%26%40%24%3a%26w72u6%24xuf%24l14%24HJQD%11T% 26FDBBD%7cq475l6%24.ha22g0%24%3a%26%40%24%3a%26%40 a2907%3aNomvnd%20Y21ve2%26FDBBD%7cq475l6%24.ha22g0 %24%3a%26%40%24%3a%26%40a2907%3aNomvnd%20Y21ve2%26 FDIogqn7kV8hs%7c9r80g%40229%26FDR2dmwjDE%3buysgy)

[r32657]

I should be there too.

[toolmaker]

Is there going to be someone there taking some points at this meeting? I just found out that I can't go.:cryin: Really want to be involved. Thank you.

[TML]

Is there going to be someone there taking some points at this meeting? I just found out that I can't go.:cryin: Really want to be involved. Thank you.

Brian,

Sorry you can't make it but yes, we'll try and take some notes and summarize for those that cannot make it. Considering your willingness to help, in your absence we will assign you to all sorts of future tasks. ;) j/k

[Smurf]

Yep, plan on getting volunteered if you're not there to defend yourself....:D :banana:

[Brick]

Brian,

Sorry you can't make it but yes, we'll try and take some notes and summarize for those that cannot make it. Considering your willingness to help, in your absence we will assign you to all sorts of future tasks. ;) j/k

Yes, please post notes--I'd like to hear what goes on with this one!

e.

[Smurf]

Twas a good meeting....should be some interesting things happening in the future. Big thanks to Troy for setting up this meeting and getting the ball rolling....2 dancing bannanas for you! :banana: :banana:

[nigel]

To those (that i did not get contact info from) intersted in helping out with Resvior Woods in Roseville please PM me or email me nigel7780@hotmail.com a way to include you.

Also......Dan from County Cycles, get ahold of me about Crosby sometime.

Douglas Holtz

[Panman]

We'll get the minutes posted soon.

[TML]

. . . to all those ( 23 people! ) that were able to make it last night! Looks like we have some real interest in helping things get rolling in the northern part of the metro area!

A big thanks to Ryan Panning for taking notes and writing up some minutes from the meeting.

Thanks Tim Wegner for the synopsis of bringing a trail to be, from an inquiry with a land manager through actually putting rubber to the dirt.

Also thanks to everyone else that added ideas, wisdom and volunteered to seek out contacts for possible trail locations in the future.

Minutes will be posted up for those that were not able to attend.

And just so everyone knows, the MORC Board meeting happens on the second tuesday of every month. This meeting is open to the public and you are more than welcome to attend! Watch the forum for location announcements closer to the second tuesday.

--Troy

[Panman]

North Metro Trail Meeting - Minutes
Location: Caribou Coffee, Little Canada
Date: 7/12/06 7-9pm

Agenda:
1. Introductions
2. MORC What/Who
3. Trails Start to Finish
4. Possibilities Explored
5. New Possibilities
6. Great Ideas - Now What?
7. Volunteers to Take Next Step

In Attendance:
Troy Lawrence, Pete Koski, Alden Patton, Douglas Holtz, Mike Loerzel, Hans Erdman, Don Youngdahl, Dan Jacobsen, Alan C. Ebbert, Don MacNaughton, Ryan Panning, Karl Johnson, Brian Overturf, David Biren, Tony Marx, Larry Marx, Damian Schafgans, John Ojanen, Sean McDermot, James Morrow, Paul Waxon, Nue Sananikone, Scott Backes

Introductions
Done...

MORC What/Who
Troy explained how MORC started through saving Terrace Oaks and grew from there.
Tim explained what IMBA is and what he does.
Hans explained what Trail Patrol is and what he does.

Trails Start to Finish – Tim Wagner
Trails in the area have taken years to get going on trail building. This includes building a master plan about how the trail will be built and what it will accommodate. Other organizations/land managers will have the final say on trail projects. Some trails go along faster than others, so it's hard to say when trail building will start. ((explained how a few trail projects went))

A group of people get together to think about trail possibilities. That group contacts an organization such as MORC for help. Then land managers are contacted for permission to build trial. MORC has a good reputation with land managers which helps, Dakota county in particular. Identify a good park to build on. Then present to several boards; park, city, county, etc. Tim can help with such presentations, knowing answers to many questions they may have. Leadership by residence in the area is needed. Finding funding is the next step. Things will be learned from doing things right and wrong. Finally, possibly years later, the dirt moving begins and maintenance follows.

Call Tim if any help is needed or with any questions. There is a trail building guide book put out by IMBA which helps with trial building and maintenance.

Don - Short trails are needed to help bring in support. Long trails should not be the only focus.
Tim - Trails need to be spread out within a park to keep rouge trails out.
Troy - Miles of trails can be built on small acreage depending on terrain. A larger user group is also needed to maintain a trail for trail work.
Pete K. - MORC will not build a trial for you. MORC only helps get things going. A user group is needed to actually complete a trail.

Possibilities Explored
Camp Manitou - Monticello will not allow the land to be sold to be developed. They, along with the county, might purchase the land for a park. Mountain biking needs to get into the master plan for the park.

Twin Cities Armory (TCAAP) - Don Y. - Not worthy of high priority. The land purchase is falling through and it will still be used for training making access hard. It may have limited use because of several factors. Basically not a real factor at this point. It could be a possibility for special events.

Reservoir Woods, Roseville - City doesn't have a use for it yet and they are up for suggestions. Residents are needed for support. Sean McDermot, Scott Backes, and John Ojanen will help with this.

Long Lake, Ramsey Regional Parks - Currently Battle Creek is the only park which is allowed bike access. A railroad is also through the middle limiting trail construction. A mile or two section of trail may be possible. Residents in the close area may visit the trail often. One section of railroad may be closed but a section of it was rebuilt so the status is unknown.

Elm Creek, Maple Grove - In the works! Scott and Tim on this one.

New Possibilities
Coon Rapids Dam - County regional park. Park is under a 20/20 vision, only 20% can be developed. Jeff Perry is interested in talking to someone about bikes. Hans will look into this.

Rice Creek Chain O Lakes, Anoka Parks - Flat terrain but could still be fun. Don Y will find contact.

Vadnais, St. Paul Water Utility - Pines. Past news had it that the utility had signed an agreement with Ramsey Parks for them to manage the land. Need someone to contact the water utility and talk about the possibility. Karl Johnson will find contact.

Bunker - Hans will take this one.

Crow-Hassan, Hanover - Good terrain but big time horse park.

Tamarack - Ramsey County Parks. Troy will take this one. Alan E. to look at this too.

Locke Park, Fridley - City Owned, County Run. Hans will take this one.

Riverside Park, Fridley - City Owned, County Run. Hans will take this one.

Grass Lake/East Shoreview Towers - Don Y to look into this.

Rum River Central, Ramsey - Anoka County/Regional park. Sandy.. Hans will take this one.

Lake George - Hans will look into this.

Innsbruck, Fridley - Pete K will find and get in contact with someone.

HB Fuller - John Ojanen will find a contact.

Lilydale/Brickyards - Scott Backes will find a contact.

Mary Hills/Robbinsdale - Pete will look into this.

Crosby Hibden Falls - Dan will look into this.

Katherine Abbott, Mahtomedi - Alan will look into this.

Great Ideas - Now What?
Off Topic - There is a federal law that allows private land to be opened up to public use free of charge and the owner will be less liable, injuries and stuff, than with trespassers.

Call owner of land and identify yourself and what you would like to talk about. Tell them that you’re affiliated with MORC and IMBA and you're interested in building mountain bike trials. Ask who would be the contact to get things rolling. Maybe explain that mountain biking is not motorized, some people may not know this. Get in touch with MORC with the contact you have found.

Another meeting will be scheduled in a month or two to continue talks.

Volunteers to Take Next Step
There is a strong emphasis about volunteers needed in the area of a project for it to be successful.

Trail stewards are required to attend a trail care class.
Trail Care Class - August 25-26 at Battle Creek in St. Paul, to be posted on the MORC Web site soon.

[fisherbikefreak]

This is for all of us in the City of Roseville that would like to see some local trail development. There's a new issues forum for the city which would be a valuable tool in encouraging trail development. The Roseville Issues Forum is an online email space where residents, elected officials, and city staff can meet to discuss issues of importance to the city of Roseville. The cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul and Winona also have e-democracy issues forums. The link below is for the Roseville forum, which is open to the web as of this week. Anyone interested follow the link and sign up.

http://forums.e-democracy.org/Roseville/groups/roseville-issues (http://forums.e-democracy.org/Roseville/groups/roseville-issues)

McD out.

[Nickel]

We live really close to Roseville....does that count? :D

This is for all of us in the City of Roseville that would like to see some local trail development. (http://forums.e-democracy.org/Roseville/groups/roseville-issues)

McD out.

[fisherbikefreak]

We live really close to Roseville....does that count? :D

Anyone who has an interest in all things Roseville is welcome to join the forum. I'm sure that you frequent the businesses in Roseville since you live near by. If you'd like to see mtb trails in the area that would certainly qualify also. Check it out.

[Nickel]

Res Woods question...I was just wondering if you guys wanted to start a thread regarding it, if it is going anywhere? I have some observations from checking it out today compared to three months ago. I would volunteer myself just to go and snip at things for the sake of the birdwatchers that go in there.

I checked it out today and parts of it are getting very badly overgrown. There is a section that I guess would be considered having face and body slappers and they are all covered in thorns. I did not see them, swatted at them, and I ripped up my entire left arm. If someone is running with their dog in there, they are going to scratch a retina or something. I tried to push back some of the very bad ones. Additionally there are several downed trees and branches hanging over parts of the trail.

I'm not sure who to contact about maintenance but I would do it if I knew I wouldn't get arrested :D

[nigel]

I am looking into Resevior Woods. As of now it is not an official mtn biking trail. I would not advise doing any sort of trail work without specific instruction and waiver from the proper land manager. You can contact the City of Roseville and let them know it is in need of work though, perhaps they will dispatch a crew to fix it up. Or mention the possiblity of a group that would volunteer to do it for mtn trails :)

D

Res Woods question...I was just wondering if you guys wanted to start a thread regarding it, if it is going anywhere? I have some observations from checking it out today compared to three months ago. I would volunteer myself just to go and snip at things for the sake of the birdwatchers that go in there.

I checked it out today and parts of it are getting very badly overgrown. There is a section that I guess would be considered having face and body slappers and they are all covered in thorns. I did not see them, swatted at them, and I ripped up my entire left arm. If someone is running with their dog in there, they are going to scratch a retina or something. I tried to push back some of the very bad ones. Additionally there are several downed trees and branches hanging over parts of the trail.

I'm not sure who to contact about maintenance but I would do it if I knew I wouldn't get arrested :D

[fisherbikefreak]

MORC is representin' on the Roseville Issues forum. Great introductions people. Keep it coming.

Nigel, I'll stop in to the shop to talk to you about Res Woods. I've been meaning to do it, but my evenings have been full. Any chance you'd be willing to meet for coffee or beer some night? Maybe we can devise a plan of attack and get a team together to encourage the city to let us into the Woods to improve and sustain the trails there.

[nigel]

I am actually going to try and set up a meeting with all interested in the Roseville trail. But feel free to stop on by anytime, im usually there too much :crazy: or a beer one of these nights would be grand as well.

D

MORC is representin' on the Roseville Issues forum. Great introductions people. Keep it coming.

Nigel, I'll stop in to the shop to talk to you about Res Woods. I've been meaning to do it, but my evenings have been full. Any chance you'd be willing to meet for coffee or beer some night? Maybe we can devise a plan of attack and get a team together to encourage the city to let us into the Woods to improve and sustain the trails there.

[Nickel]

You can contact the City of Roseville and let them know it is in need of work though, perhaps they will dispatch a crew to fix it up. Or mention the possiblity of a group that would volunteer to do it for mtn trails :)

D
How does this sound?

Dear XXX – (park director?)

Recently upon visiting Reservoir Woods Park, I made several observations regarding trail maintenance:
1) Overgrowth of several sections of dirt trails (e.g. high grass)
2) Face- and body-level growth of thorny plants extending across pathways
3) Downed trees and branches
4) Trail erosion

This is in comparison to my last visit to the park which was several months ago.

I would like to also let you know of a volunteer-based group called the Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists, or MORC. MORC is a non-profit volunteer organization that is dedicated to the promotion of responsible riding, establishment and maintenance of trails, and preservation of Minnesota’s natural resources. While the primary focus is on mountain biking, many trails that have been developed are for multi-use, which includes running, biking, and walking. I point to two very successful examples of community-based multi-purpose trails, one in Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis and Salem Hills in Inver Grove Heights. MORC was also recently selected to be the adopter of 80-acre section of land in Dakota County, which is proof of their strong volunteer force.

MORC also follows IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) standards which include but are not limited to:
• Leaving no trace
• Never spooking animals
• Always yielding the trail
I feel that these values are in line with the neighborhood task forces and planners wish to keep the park’s natural forest state unblemished. Additionally, all of MORC’s Trail Crew coordinators have all attended IMBA Trail Building Schools; therefore, IMBA guidelines and practices are implemented in any trail design, building, and maintenance activities.

[fisherbikefreak]

[quote=Nickel]How does this sound?

Dear XXX – (park director?)...quote]

Nickel, you might want to include a call to action within your letter. Ask that they send a crew out to clean up the trail while also offering MORC's services in future maintenance, etc. Signing it with your name and contact info would also be a good idea. You probably already had that part covered, but didn't want to post that on the forum.

Does MORC have form letters and other template materials available for those of us who are interested in contacting land managers? How about a written process on the forum that explains the process and how the group sustains trails and relationships? These might be available already, I just haven't noticed them.

[elecknight]

Rice Creek Chain O Lakes - Flat terrain but could still be fun. Don Y and Karl Johnson will find contact.

Vadnais, St. Paul Water Utility - Pines. Past news had it that the utility had signed an agreement with Ramsey Parks for them to manage the land. Need someone to contact the water utility and talk about the possibility.

Just a correction on the meeting minutes. I volunteered to looking into the Vadnais, St. Paul Water Utility site instead of the Rice Creek Chain O Lakes. I will post some information on it soon.

Karl Johnson

[TrailPatrol]

Just a correction on the meeting minutes. I volunteered to looking into the Vadnais, St. Paul Water Utility site instead of the Rice Creek Chain O Lakes. I will post some information on it soon.

Karl Johnson

Rice Creek-Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve (aka "Chain") is an Anoka County Park. I will be meeting with Jeff Perry this week and will include it in the mixmaster.

Hans

[Panman]

Just a correction on the meeting minutes. I volunteered to looking into the Vadnais, St. Paul Water Utility site instead of the Rice Creek Chain O Lakes. I will post some information on it soon.

Karl Johnson
Updated! Thanks

[Nickel]

Sean -- Thanks for the edit advice. I definitely do not want to misrepresent MORC in any way. It would be great if there was a letter template. I just tried to come up with something based on the pamphlets and mission-like statements I could find.

[toolmaker]

Just a real quick question regarding Snail Lake: If there is to be NO mountain bikes why is the trail so well groomed and mowed sooo wide? I was walking down there this weekend and it looks great for riding. A little short but well maintained. Thank you in advance.

[Don Youngdahl]

Just a real quick question regarding Snail Lake: If there is to be NO mountain bikes why is the trail so well groomed and mowed sooo wide? I was walking down there this weekend and it looks great for riding. A little short but well maintained. Thank you in advance.

It's likely a cross country ski trail, and they mow ski trails.

Don Youngdahl

[Brick]

It's likely a cross country ski trail, and they mow ski trails.


It is a CC ski trail. There's also some singletrack type stuff that runs the ridgeline above the paved path. Typically it gets mowed once, maybe twice/summer.

[Nickel]

<tt><tt>The Transportation and Transit Subcommittee will meet on August 2 at
7:00 p.m. in the Hawthorne Room at Roseville City Hall.

This is I think more specifically for biking as transportation, not off-road, but I am going to
try and attend. It can't hurt to make more friends on our side.
</tt></tt></pre>

[finnlander]

I looked briefly into the HB Fuller/Willow Lake Nature Preserve and I am fairly convinced this area is not available for a trail. This area is not open to the publc, only to HB Fuller employees and their guests. According to the park planning document there may be a visitor center sometime in the future but until then it would probably be more productive to look elsewhere.

BTW, here is a link to a planning doc for Ramsey parks from 5/6. It gives a good overview of what is out there and plans for the parks.

http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/parks/docs/systemplan.pdf

-John

[nigel]

<tt><tt>The Transportation and Transit Subcommittee will meet on August 2 at
7:00 p.m. in the Hawthorne Room at Roseville City Hall.

This is I think more specifically for biking as transportation, not off-road, but I am going to
try and attend. It can't hurt to make more friends on our side.
</tt></tt></pre>


Take some notes if you can, i have to be at work all night :(

[Nickel]

I attended the Transportation and Transit Subcommittee for Roseville and it was quite interesting to see how things work!

I think this committee is dedicated to developing more pedestrian and cycling paths (i.e. paved) than off-road types of trails...which I still think is great to get involved with. At one point in the meeting someone mentioned that there was deterioration of a trail in a park and I thought it would be a good point to mention MORC :D They seemed quite receptive to the group and that there was actually interest from local residents (gave the web address). I e-mailed one of the members to see if this query would be better directed at a meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee (I think it would).

Most of the meeting concerned what was going to happen to roads in Roseville so I just jotted down some interesting notes:

- A lot of projects have been dropped because of funding issues. I guess there are traffic issues with 36 (want to expand it) and the increased volume on Lexington, Rice and Snelling.
- Ramsey County only has enough money to redo each road only once every 140 years
- New trail has gone up along County Road B2. There is a big chunk missing between Lex and Dale because of drainage issues.
- There is a push from local schools to develop safe routes (walking/biking)
- There was going to be this amazing stretch of railway that would have a light rail + bike trail to go from Minneapolis to White Bear Lake but the funding is out. Focusing more on the St. Paul light rail development
- Interest in making the whole Rosedale/HarMar/Target area better for pedestrians & bikers. I would really like to work on this because I would love to bike there but it's not safe (Snelling!Fairview! Not the best!)

[funky-funky-chicken]

Thanks for attending and reporting back Nicole. I had high hopes of attending myself, but parental duties called. Not sure where you live in Falcon Heights, but try Hamline that might be just a little out of the way. Target is pretty easily accessible from Hamline to come in from behind on Commerce street. You can get to Rosedale fairly easily using the new trail that was just constructed this summer. Keep your eyes open though, with traffic not really looking for cyclists, it can be treacherous.

[TML]

I attended the Transportation and Transit Subcommittee for Roseville and it was quite interesting to see how things work!


Nicole,

Keep up the great work! Thanks for attending the meeting and updating us on things that are going on.

Your letter that you posted earlier is great as well. It's a slow process but it takes patient and determined people such as yourself (and the many others out there) to get things done.

--Troy

[TML]

I looked briefly into the HB Fuller/Willow Lake Nature Preserve and I am fairly convinced this area is not available for a trail. This area is not open to the publc, only to HB Fuller employees and their guests.

BTW, here is a link to a planning doc for Ramsey parks from 5/6. It gives a good overview of what is out there and plans for the parks.

http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/parks/docs/systemplan.pdf

-John

John,

Thanks for the update. And also thanks for the link to the Ramsey parks plan. I had not looked at that yet. Interesing stuff.

[MisterClaw]

- Interest in making the whole Rosedale/HarMar/Target area better for pedestrians & bikers. I would really like to work on this because I would love to bike there but it's not safe (Snelling! Fairview! Not the best!)


That's great the City of Roseville has a positive attitude towards making that area better for pedestrians and bikers. I've commuted (via bike and bus) through roseville for the last 2 years, and I've actually had minimal problems with others on the road.

[Nickel]

Thanks for the thanks. I am hopeful about Roseville because it seems like there is a lot of interest and though unfortunate, they are having a volunteer issue with the parks.

The biggest setback for me biking everywhere right now is the lack of security when I get to a place. (I posted this on the Roseville forums so sorry for the 2nd posting) If I go downtown and stop in for a coffee, most businesses are okay with me putting my bike just inside the doors. I can't do this at the mall. And for the sake of argument I am too lazy to switch my quick release for nuts. I don't really want to carry 2-3 locks with me.

I think an easy solution to this is to get those nice bike lockers that Metro Transit uses and make them pay-per-use. Insert the money and you can pull out the key. You can even charge more for a full locker so a family can fit all of their bikes in (since usually you only get half). Weather-proof and theft-proof...well more so than a chain.

[fisherbikefreak]

Nicole and others, check this thread out. Nicole's suggestion for pay-per-use or membership lockers sparked an idea.

In fact I just realized that I made it a membership only thing. I'll add the pay-per-use idea also.

[Nickel]

This thread has been quiet lately...


Jeff Johnson
Open Space and Recreation Subcommittee

What do you want for
Open Space and Recreation in 2025?

Become engaged in your community ... share your ideas ...
help shape Roseville's future!
Attend an information gathering meeting on

Thursday, Sept. 7th or Oct 5th
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Birch Room, Maintenance Building at City Hall

Roseville parks, trails and recreation facilities are well used, busy
places.
Our recreation programs and special events are well attended and greatly
enjoyed.

Format for meeting:
Open, but with a time limit of approximately 3 min. per person based on
the number of people attending.
What can make them better?</pre>

[TrailPatrol]

Between vacations and summer schedules, I finally have an appointment with Jeff Perry at Anoka County Parks in Wednesday, Aug. 30th at 10:30 AM. The meeting is at Jeff's office in the Activity Center at Bunker Hills Park, 500 Bunker Lake Blvd. in Andover.

I would like 1 or 2 (No more than 2) knowledgeable MORC members to go with me for this first meeting.

You can e-mail me at erdman@trailpatrol.org (erdman@trailpatrol.org) if you are interested. I will be up in Cable tomorrow through Sunday, so if I don't get right back to you, I'll get to it when I get back.

Ride safe,
:banana:
Hans

[TrailPatrol]

Still no volunteers to go with me tomorrow to meet with Jeff Perry at Anoka County Parks. This includes Coon Rapids Dam, Bunker, Rice Creek-Chain of Lakes, Locke Park, and a number of others, including a undeveloped piece in Ramsey on the Mississippi River that may have real potential. Is anybody out there interested, or is this not a priority? I really don't like going into this meeting alone; I'm not a trail developer, I'm a patrol developer.

E-mail me at erdman@trailpatrol.org if you can make it.

Thanks,
:banana:
Hans

[Nickel]

Hans -- Thanks for doing this. I would help but I honestly don't know anything about sustainable trail building :sick: Well not enough to represent this fine organization :D

[Panman]

I would also go but it is not possible to get out of my day job. This is the busyest time of year for us.. :(

[stoneage]

I don't ride up there anymore. We tried to develop a MTB trail in the park north of the high school 15 years ago, and were mistreated by the city park department so bad it was sickening. I'm glad they are looking for help now. Good luck, and I hope someone takes it on. There is quite a bit of good cycling land up there.

[Adam Hjelle]

Being during work hours makes it really tough...sorry. I am interested in the potential, but won't be able to attend tomorrow.

[TrailPatrol]

Well, I didn't crash and burn, so that's a good start.:jumpy:

Actually, the meeting went very well, and we have permission to move ahead in some key areas. The county had just completed a new parks management plan, and mountain biking, and the development of MTB trails was, for the first time, addressed as a need in the Anoka County system.

1. Coon Rapids Dam: We have permission to go in, look at the "outlaw" singletrack at CR Dam, come up with a plan on how to clean it up, make the trails meet IMBA standards, and submit the plan to the parks department for approval by the County Park Commission. This is "Project 1" for MORC's involvement in the county.

2. Rice Creek-Chain of Lakes: It was strongly reccomended that we go in and look at the area in the south end of the park for MTB potential. Evidently, there are people riding there already and it would not take a lot of work to expand/improve what is there into a legitimate trail system.

3. Other parks that Jeff suggested we take a serious look at are, in order, Rum River Central, Martin-Island-Linwood Lakes and the currently undeveloped Mississippi West Park. There is also plans underway for a new regional park in the county which may be an ideal location for mountain bike trails. (No, I cannot tell you any more than that, right now, but I will follow progress closely.)

The only area I had any problems with in the meeting was discussing trail construction, and I did have IMBA's "Trail Solutions" with me, so I showed him pictures from the book and explained sustainable trail construction techniques as best I could. (Nobody told me there would be a quiz later, when I took the TCC school.;) )

So the next step is to get some of you Master Trail Builders up to CR Dam and we go over all the trails and see what we can do with them. For now, because I have the rapport with them and they know me from having worked there for 10 years, I am willing continue as point man on this project. Let's set up a time and date where we can start work on the Dam trails.

Ride safe,
:banana:
Hans

[Matthew]

Nice Work!!!

[SprocketHead]

Darn!.. I missed your post, I would have been there… Sounds like you did great flying solo!

Count me in for Coon Rapids Dam. I just took Trail School and I'm eager to get out there and learn more.. I've seen those trails and realize they need repir/closing. Also, there is alot of potential for more. I'll keep my tools ready, just post up when you go out for a survey.

[TML]

Hans, this is great!

Sounds like some great opportunities for folks in the north to get involved close to home.

Mike- Perfect timing on you taking the IMBA class!

Any others want to help take the reigns and get in on new stuff at the ground level?

Also sounds like there's plenty of discussion about Elm Creek over on this thread: http://www.morcmtb.org/forums/showthread.php?t=18170
Check in and voice your thoughts if you haven't already.

[Nickel]

I don't know about trail design but it's close enough to move some dirt for me :D

[TrailPatrol]

There is also plans underway for a new regional park in the county which may be an ideal location for mountain bike trails. (No, I cannot tell you any more than that, right now, but I will follow progress closely.)Hans

Actually, having read the plan over, I can tell you more because it is part of the new operational plan: Sugar Hills Regional Park Reserve would be located in the northwest-most corner of Anoka County, west of St. Francis. The report even identifies the planned location as having the greatest potential in Anoka County for MTB trails. It is still in the planning stages with both the county and the Met Council, put it looks like it could have a real opportuunity to be the Lebanon Hills of the North Metro.

Now you know.
:banana:
Hans

[Adam Hjelle]

Hans, this pretty much rocks! Both of the primary Anoka county sites are very close to my home! Some much needed northern suburb trials may be just around the corner. I would be very willing to help move some dirt on these trails and contribute however I can (time permitting). I know nothing about trailbuilding, but have wanted to learn and contribute but distance has always been an issue, so this is really exciting! Thanks for taking the lead on this!

[Nickel]

Sorry if this posts twice? I don't know that I can make this tonight...

For Roseville!


he Transportation and Transit Subcommittee is holding a public listening
session this evening at 7 P.M.Aug. 30th in the Oak Wood Room at City Hall.
Public input on the following topics will be sought:
_Road Transportation

-Pedesterian and bike transportation

-Traffic Control & safety

-Transit

Other</pre>

[Nickel]

I guess that's more for commuters....if anyone is still interested in Roseville trails, this is a meeting that should definitely be attended. Anyone good at coming up with a 3 minute sound bite?

First Open Forum Meeting Sept. 7^th <st1:time minute="0" hour="19" w:st="on">7:00 - 8:30 pm</st1:time>

What do you want for<o></o> Open Space and Recreation in 2025?<o>></o>> Become engaged in your community ... share your ideas ..

help shape Roseville‘s future!<o></o>

Attend an information gathering meeting on<o>

</o>

<o></o> Thursday, Sept. 7th or Oct 5th

<st1:time minute="0" hour="19" w:st="on">7:00 to 8:30 p.m.</st1:time>

Birch Room<st1> <st1>Maintenance</st1> <st1>Building</st1></st1> at City Hall<o></o>

<o></o>
Roseville parks, trails and recreation facilities are well used, busy places.<o></o>

Our recreation programs and special events are well attended and greatly enjoyed.

What can make them better?

<st1:time minute="0" hour="19" w:st="on"></st1:time><o></o>>

[SprocketHead]

Actually, having read the plan over, I can tell you more because it is part of the new operational plan: Sugar Hills Regional Park Reserve would be located in the northwest-most corner of Anoka County, west of St. Francis. The report even identifies the planned location as having the greatest potential in Anoka County for MTB trails. It is still in the planning stages with both the county and the Met Council, put it looks like it could have a real opportuunity to be the Lebanon Hills of the North Metro.

I think this is the plan "Anoka County drafts parks wish list": http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/15377788.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp

This plan mentions "Howard Lake" and the "Lamprey Pass State Wildlife Management Area"... If I have the correct report, it's close to Forest Lake in NorthEast Anoka County.

It also says: "Catch air on a hilly mountain biking trail."... Sounds good to me:)

[TrailPatrol]

Don't get confused. The article mentions several different recreational possibilities. It also says Sugar Hills is in the northwest part of the county.

Sugar Hills is hopefully the future. Coon Rapids Dam is the present, along with Rice Creek Chain of Lakes ("Chain"). Lets do what the department says we can do now, and do the very best job we can with it. Then when the time comes to develop Sugar Hills, we (MORC) will hopefully be in the same position in Anoka County as we are now in Dakota County or with Three Rivers.

Van is in the shop tomorrow, and I work at Sand Dunes Friday through Sunday, so I won't be able to get out to the Chain until next week some time. I'll let you know what I find.

Ride focused,
:banana:
Hans

[the_tessa]

I live in Mounds View (right off of CR I). I am interested in any updates. I could probably help with future building. I have minimal experience in making trails. (Up north on private land)

[krazykatie]

I live in Mounds View (right off of CR I). I am interested in any updates. I could probably help with future building. I have minimal experience in making trails. (Up north on private land)


I didn't read much of this forum but i live near white bear lake....if we could some trails going up north that would be sweet...