HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-21-23 Full PCMP1
NOTICE OF MEETING
City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission
3880 Laverne Avenue North
August 21st 2023
6:30 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approve Agenda
4. Approve Minutes
a) June 21st 2023
5. Public Comment
6. Invasive Species Management
7. Neighborhood Trail Connections
8. Communication
9. Adjourn
***Note: Every effort will be made to accommodate person or persons that need special considerations to attend this meeting
due to a health condition or disability. Please contact the Lake Elmo City Clerk if you are in need of special accommodations.
Our Mission is to Provide Quality Public
Services in a Fiscally Responsible Manner in
Partnership with our Community.
City of Lake Elmo Parks Commission Minutes
June 21, 2023 Members Present: Commissioners Kastler, Rivera-Reyes, Hoelscher, Elam, and Esch Absent: Commissioners Barrett and Bloyer Staff Present: Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel The meeting was called to order by Kastler at 6:30 PM. Approval of Agenda Esch motioned to approve the agenda as presented, Hoelscher provided a second; no discussion. Unanimously approved 5-0.
Approval of Minutes Rivera-Reyes motioned to approve the May 15, 2023 Parks Commission Minutes, Kastler provided a second; no comments. Motion passed unanimously 5-0. Public Comments Susan Dunn at 11018 Upper 33rd St N, a previous parks commission member, commented about positive activity at Lions Park and addressed some safety concerns. Sunfish Buckthorn update Assistant Public Works Director Swanepoel introduced George Johnson, 3070 Lake Elmo Ave., who presented a portion of the buckthorn update. Mr. Johnson commented on all of the work involved with
buckthorn removal, granting, and the vision for the park. Larissa Mottl M.S., ecologist with Stantec, presented next in relation to the goal for natural resources in the park. The commission had follow up questions. Public comments were provided by Tony Manzara, 5050 Kirkwood Ave. N, in regards to the restoration project.
Kastler motioned to recommend that Council direct the continuance of removal of buckthorn and native species and nonnative species using the high intensity method, work with Stantec to identify appropriate native species identified in the Forest Management Plan as climate change resilient and spare those trees in areas of the park where feasible and appropriate, use medium intensity methods, adjust trail signs and/or layout in areas at trail intersections where there identified safety concerns, but do not keep invasive species as trail barriers, Hoelscher provided a second; discussion held. Motion passed unanimously 5-0. Communications a) 4th of July Parade
b) Council tabled baseball to the workshop meeting.
Kastler adjourned the meeting at 7:51 PM Respectfully Submitted Rebecca McGuire, Deputy Clerk
STAFF REPORT
DATE: 08/21/2023
Discussion
TO: Parks Commission
AGENDA ITEM: Invasive Species Management
FROM: Adam Swanepoel, Assistant Public Works Director
REVIEWED BY: Marty Powers, Public Works Director Kristina Handt City Administrator
BACKGROUND: Part of the Parks Commission work plan is to manage invasive species and protect biodiversity within our city parks. Invasive species are an organism that causes ecological or economic harm to the environment where it is not native. The best way to control invasive plants is to eliminate their populations before the spread and multiply. One of the most common types of invasive species within the city is buckthorn; however, Canada thistle, wild parsnip, poison ivy, musk thistle and emerald ash bore are also several other invasive species seen throughout the city. One could find these within the community in city parks, ditches, agriculture fields and storm water retention areas.
Currently the city has no policy in controlling or removing any invasive species. The city is working the Friends of Sunfish Lake Park to help manage invasive species in Sunfish Lake Park. The Friends group
along with Stantec have received a grant to remove buckthorn and other invasive species from the park. Other parks within the city are managed by city staff and the public works department. Each year the public works department mows undeveloped parks and ditches to reduce the spread of invasive species.
Storm water retention ponds are mowed approximately every four years. ISSUE BEFORE THE COMMISSION: How would the parks commission like to see invasive species managed within our parks system? PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: Currently the city does not have a policy for managing invasive species throughout its park system. Due to the current work load and staff numbers, the city would struggle to manage the spread of certain types of invasive species within our community. For example: Emerald Ash Borer was discovered in Minnesota in 2009, it has now been identified in over 40 different counties throughout the state. Once infected, trees quickly die and are often cut down and disposed of. Ash trees can be treated with an insecticide to prevent emerald ash borer infestation. To be effective, treatment needs to occur prior to infestation and must be repeated every two to three years for the entire life of the
tree. It is less effective on trees over 50 inches in diameter. Buckthorn can be identified in many of the cities dense forest areas including, Pebble Park, Reid Park,
Ridge Park, Demontreville Park and Sunfish Lake. Removal of buckthorn is done by cutting or pulling of the tree or plant and treating the remaining stump. Since seeds from these plants can remain viable up to five years, these areas should be monitored for new emerging plants during this time. These sites would
benefit from replanting of new species of trees to aide in preventing the return of any species of buckthorn.
FISCAL IMPACT: The cost of managing certain invasive species within our community would be unattainable with the current parks budget. The overall cost to manage either of these is unknown at this time.
ATTACHMENTS:
• MN DNR Noxious Weed List
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Minnesota and Federal Prohibited and Noxious Plants by Scientific Name
(Compiled by the Minnesota DNR’s Invasive Species Program 02-06-2023) Key:
• FN – Federal noxious weed (USDA–Animal Plant Health Inspection Service) – all aquatic plants
listed as federal noxious weeds (except Ipomoea aquatica) are also listed as prohibited invasive species by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
• SN – State noxious weed (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
• RN – Restricted noxious weed (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
• PI – Prohibited invasive species (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
• PS – State prohibited weed seed (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
• RS – State restricted weed seed (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
• (See explanations of these classifications below the lists of species)
Table 1. Aquatic plants in alphabetical order by scientific name.
Scientific Name Common Name Regulatory
Classification
Azolla pinnata R. Brown mosquito fern, water velvet FN
Butomus umbellatus L. flowering rush PI
Caulerpa taxifolia (Vahl) C. Agardh Mediterranean strain (killer algae) FN
Crassula helmsii (Kirk) Cockayne Australian stonecrop PI
Eichomia azurea (Swartz) Kunth anchored water hyacinth, rooted water hyacinth FN
Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle hydrilla FN, PI
Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L. European frog-bit PI
Hygrophila polysperma (Roxburgh) T. Anders Indian swampweed, Miramar weed FN, PI
Ipomoea aquatica Forsskal water-spinach, swamp morning-glory FN
Lagarosiphon major (Ridley) Moss ex Wagner African oxygen weed FN, PI
Limnophila sessiliflora (Vahl) Blume ambulia FN
Lythrum salicaria L., Lythrum virgatum L., (or any variety, hybrid or cultivar thereof) purple loosestrife PI, SN
Melaleuca quenquinervia (Cav.) Blake broadleaf paper bank tree FN
Monochoria hastata (L.) Solms-Laubach arrowleaf false pickerelweed FN
Monochoria vaginalis (Burman f.) C. Presl heart-shaped false pickerelweed FN
Myriophyllum spicatum L. Eurasian watermifoil PI
Najas minor All. brittle naiad PI
Nitellopsis obtusa L. starry stonewort PI
Ottelia alismoides (L.) Pers. Ducklettuce FN
Potamogeton crispus L. curly-leaf pondweed PI
Sagittaria sagittifolia L. arrowhead FN
Salvinia auriculata Aublet giant salvinia FN
Salvinia biloba Raddi giant salvinia FN
Salvinia herzogii de la Sota giant salvinia FN
Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitchell aquarium watermoss, giant salvinia FN, PI
Solanum tampicense Dunal wetland nightshade FN
Sparganium erectum L. exotic bur-reed FN
Stratiotes aloides L. water aloe or water soldiers PI
Trapa natans L. water chestnut PI
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Table 2. Parasitic weeds in alphabetical order by scientific name.
Scientific Name Common Name Regulatory Classification
Aeginetia spp. FN
Alectra spp. FN
Cuscuta spp. (dodders), other than following species: Dodder FN
Cuscuta americana L.
Cuscuta applanata Engelmann
Cuscuta approximata Babington
Cuscuta attenuata Waterfall
Cuscuta boldinghii Urban
Cuscuta brachycalyx (Yuncker) Yuncker
Cuscuta californica Hooker & Arnott
Cuscuta campestris Yuncker
Cuscuta cassytoides Nees ex Engelmann
Cuscuta ceanothii Behr
Cuscuta cephalanthii Engelmann
Cuscuta compacta Jussieu
Cuscuta corylii Engelmann
Cuscuta cuspidata Engelmann
Cuscuta decipiens Yuncker
Cuscuta dentatasquamata Yuncker
Cuscuta denticulata Engelmann
Cuscuta epilinum Weihe
Cuscuta epithymum (L.) L.
Cuscuta erosa Yuncker
Cuscuta europaea L.
Cuscuta exaltata Engelmann
Cuscuta fasciculata Yuncker
Cuscuta glabrior (Engelmann) Yuncker
Cuscuta globulosa Bentham
Cuscuta glomerata Choisy
Cuscuta gronovil Willdenow
Cuscuta harperi Small
Cuscuta howelliana Rubtzoff
Cuscuta indecora Choisy
Cuscuta leptantha Engelmann
Cuscuta mitriiformis Engelmann
Cuscuta obtusiflora Humboldt, Bonpland, & Kunth
Cuscuta odontolepis Engelmann
Cuscuta pentagona Engelmann
Cuscuta planiflora Tenore
Cuscuta plattensis A. Nelson
Cuscuta polygonorum Engelmann
Cuscuta rostrata Shuttleworth ex Engelmann
Cuscuta runyonii Yuncker
Cuscuta salina Engelmann
Cuscuta sandwichiana Choisy
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Scientific Name Common Name Regulatory Classification
Cuscuta squamata Engelmann
Cuscuta suaveolens Seringe
Cuscuta suksdorfii Yuncker
Cuscuta tuberculata Brandegee
Cuscuta umbellata Humboldt, Bonpland, & Kunth
Cuscuta umbrosa Beyrich ex Hooker
Cuscuta veatchii Brandegee
Cuscuta warneri Yuncker
Orobanche spp. (broomrapes), other than the following species:
Broomrapes FN
Orobanche californica Schlechtendal & Chamisso
Orobanche cooperi (Gray) Heller
Orobanche corymbosa (Rydberg) Ferris
Orobanche dugesii (S. Watson) Munz
Orobanche fasciculata Nuttail
Orobanche ludoviciana Nuttail
Orobanche multicaulis Brandegee
Orobanche parishii (Jepson) Heckard
Orobanche pinorum Geyer ex Hooker
Orobanche uniflora L.
Orobanche valida Jepson
Orobanche vallicola (Jepson) Heckard
Striga spp. witchweeds FN
Table 3. Terrestrial weeds in alphabetical order by scientific name.
Scientific Name Common Name Regulatory Classification
Acacia nilotica (L.) Wildenow ex Delile gum Arabic tree, thorny acacia FN
Acer platanoides L. Norway maple SN – specially regulated
Acer tataricum L. Tatarian maple SN – specially regulated
Ageratina adenophora (Sprengel) King &Robinson crofton weed FN
Ageratina riparia (Regel) R.M. King and H. Robinson creeping croftonweed FN
Agropyron repens L. quackgrass RS
Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle tree of heaven SN
Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara & Grande garlic mustard RN
Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. European alder RN
Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Brown ex de Candolle sessile joyweed FN
Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson Palmer amaranth SN, PS
Ampelopsis brevipedunculata (Maxim.) Trautv. porcelain berry RN
Arctotheca calendula (L.) Levyns cape weed FN
Asphodelus fistulosus L. onionweed FN
Avena sterilis L., (including Avena ludoviciana Durieu) animated oat, wild oat FN
Berberis thunbergii DC, specific cultivars listed on MDA noxious weed list Japanese barberry, specific cultivars RN
Berberis vulgaris L. common barberry SN
Berteroa incana D.C. hoary alyssum RS
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Scientific Name Common Name Regulatory Classification
Brassica arvensis L. wild mustard RS
Cannabis sativa L. hemp PS
Caragana arborescens Lam. (exemption for Green
Spires® Caragana - Caragana 'Jefarb')
Siberian peashrub RN
Cardamine impatiens L. narrowleaf bittercress SN
Carduus acanthoides plumeless thistle SN, PS
Carduus nutans musk thistle PS
Carthamus oxyacantha M. Bieberstein wild safflower FN
Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. round leaf bittersweet SN
Centaurea diffusa Lam. diffuse knapweed SN
Centaurea jacea L. brown knapweed SN
Centaurea stoebe L. ssp. micranthos (Gugler) Hayek spotted knapweed SN
Centaurea repens L. Russian knapweed PS
Centaurea solstitialis L. yellow starthistle SN
Centaurea x moncktonii C.E. Britton meadow knapweed SN
Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop Canada thistle SN, PS
Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. bull thistle PS
Chrysopogon aciculatus (Retzius) Trinius pillpiliula FN
Commelina benghalensis L. Benghal dayflower FN
Conium maculatum L. poison hemlock SN
Convolvulus arvensis L. field bindweed PS
Crupina vulgaris Cassini common crupina FN
Cuscuta spp. dodder RS
Cynanchum louiseae Kartesz & Gandhi black swallow-wort SN
Cynanchum rossicum Kleopow pale swallow-wort SN
Daucus carota L. Queen Anne’s Lace RN
Digitalis lanata Ehrh. Grecian foxglove SN
Digitaria velutina (Forsskal) Palisot de Beauvois velvet fingergrass, annual conchgrass FN
Dipsacus fullonum (L.) common teasel SN
Dipsacus laciniatus L. cut-leaved teasel SN
Drymaria arenarioides Humboldt & Bonpland ex Roemer & Schultes
lightning weed FN
Emex australis Steinhell three-cornered jack FN
Emex spinosa (L.) Campdera devil’s thorn FN
Euonymus alatus Thunb. winged burning bush SN – specially
regulated
Euphorbia esula L. leafy spurge SN, PS
Euphorbia terracina L. false caper FN
Ficaria verna L. lesser celandine RN
Fragula alnus Mill. (columnaris, tallcole, asplenifolia and all other cultivars) glossy buckthorn, including all cultivars RN
Galega officinalis L. goatsrue FN
Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier giant hogweed FN, SN
Humulus japonicus Siebold & Zucc. Japanese hops SN
Imperata brasiliensis Trinius Brazilian satintail FN
Inperata cylindrica (L.) Raeuschel cogongrass FN
Inula britannica L. British elecampane, British yellowhead FN
Ischaemum rugosum Salisbury murainograss FN
Lepidium draba L. perennial peppergrass PS
Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees Asian sprangletop FN
Lonicera japonica Thunb. Japanese honeysuckle SN
Linaria dalmatica (L.) Mill. Dalmatian toadflax SN
Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Herder Amur honeysuckle RN
Lonicera morrowii (A. Gray) Morrow’s honeysuckle RN
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Scientific Name Common Name Regulatory Classification
Lonicera tartarica L. Tatarian honeysuckle RN
Lonicera x. bella Zabel Bell’s honeysuckle RN
Lycium ferocissimum Miers African boxthorn FN
Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw. maidenhair creeper FN
Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br. old world climbing fern FN
Lythrum salicaria, virgatum, or any combination purple loosestrife SN
Melastoma malabathricum L. Malabar melostome FN
Mikania cordata (Burman f.) B. L. Robinson mile-a-minute FN
Mikania micrantha Humboldt, Bonpland, & Kunth bittervine FN
Mimosa diplotricha C. Wright giant sensitive plant FN
Mimosa pigra L. var. pigra catclaw mimosa FN
Miscanthus sacchariflorus (Maxim.) Franch. Amur silvergrass RN
Moraea collina Thunberg apricot Cape-tulip FN
Moraea faccida (Sweet) Steudel one-leaf Cape-tulip FN
Moraea miniata Andrews two-leaf Cape-tulip FN
Moraea ochroleuca (Salisbury) Drapiez red Cape-tulip FN
Moraea pallida (Baker) Goldblatt yellow Cape-tulip FN
Nassella trichotoma (Nees) Hackel ex Arechavaleta serrated tussock FN
Onopordum acaulon L. stemless thistle FN
Onopordum illyricum L. Illyrian thistle FN
Opuntia aurantiaca Lindley jointed prickly pear FN
Oryza longistaminata A. Chevalier & Roehrich red rice FN
Oryza punctata Kotschy ex Steudel red rice FN
Oryza rufipogon Griffith red rice FN
Paspalum scrobiculatum L. Kodo-millet FN
Pastinaca sativa L. wild parsnip SN
Pennisetum clandestinum Hochstetter ex
Chiovenda
kikuyugrass
FN
Pennisetum macrourum Trinius African feathergrass FN
Pennisetum pedicellatum Trinius kyasumagrass FN
Pennisetum polystachion (L.) Schultes missiongrass, thin napiergrass FN
Phellodendron amurense Rupr. Amur corktree SN – specially regulated
Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud subsp.
australis
common reed – non-native subspecies RN
Plantago lanceolata L. buckhorn plantain RS
Polygonum x bohemicum (J. Chrtek & Chrtkova) Zika & Jacobson Bohemian knotweed SN
Polygonum cuspidatum Seib. & Zucc. Japanese knotweed SN
Polygonum sachalinense F. Schmidt ex Maxim giant knotweed SN
Prosopis alpataco R. A. Phillippi FN
Prosopis argentina Burkart FN
Prosopis articulata S. Watson FN
Prosopis burkartii Munoz FN
Prosopis caldenia Burkart FN
Prosopis calingastana Burkart FN
Prosopis campestris Griseback FN
Prosopis castellanosii Burkart FN
Prosopis denudans Bentham FN
Prosopis elata (Burkart) Burkart FN
Prosopis farcta (Solander ex Russell) Macbride Syrian mesquite FN
Prosopis ferox Griesebach FN
Prosopis fiebrigii Harms FN
Prosopis hassleri Harms FN
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Scientific Name Common Name Regulatory Classification
Prosopis humillis Gilles ex Hooker & Arnott FN
Prosopis kuntzei Harms FN
Prosopis pallida (Humb. & Bonpl. Ex Willd.) Kunth FN
Prosopis palmeri S. Watson FN
Prosopis reptans Bentham var. reptans FN
Prosopis rojasiana Burkart FN
Prosopis ruizlealii Burkart FN
Prosopis ruscifolia Grisebach FN
Prosopis sericantha Gillies ex Hooker & Arnott FN
Prosopis strombulifera (Lamarck) Bentham FN
Prosopis torquata (Cavanilles ex Lagasca y
Segura) de Candolle
FN
Pyrus calleryana Decne. Callery pear SN – specially regulated
Raphanus raphanistrum L. wild radish RS
Rhamnus cathartica L. common or European buckthorn RN
Robinia pseudoacacia L. black locust RN
Rosa multiflora Thunb. multiflora rose RN
Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) W. Clayton itchgrass FN
Rubus fruticosus L. (complex) wild blackberry FN
Rubus moluccanus L. wild raspberry FN
Saccharum spontaneum L. wild sugarcane FN
Salsola vermiculata L. wormleaf salsola FN
Securigera varia (L.) Lassen crown vetch RN
Senecio inaequidens DC South African ragwort FN
Senecio madagascariensis Poir Madagascar ragwort FN
Setaria faberii Herrm. giant foxtail RS
Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult. subsp.
pallidefusca (Schumach.) B.K. Simon
cattail grass FN
Solanum carolinense L. horse nettle RS
Solanum ptycanthum Dun Eastern black nightshade RS
Solanum torvum Swartz turkeyberry FN
Solanum viarum Dunal tropical soda apple FN
Sonchus arvensis L. perennial sowthistle PS
Sorghum halepense L. Johnsongrass SN
Spermacoce alata Aublet winged false buttonweed FN
Tamarix ramoissima Ledeb. saltcedar RN
Tanacetum vulgare L. tansy SN
Thladiantha dubia Bunge red hailstone SN
Thlaspi arvense L. Frenchweed RS
Toxicodendron radicans* (L.) Kuntze poison ivy (formerly Rhus radicans) SN – specially regulated
Tridex procumbens L. coat buttons FN
Urochloa panicoides Beauvois liverseed grass FN
*Native species to Minnesota
Definitions
FEDERAL NOXIOUS WEED LIST (FN)
Federal Noxious Weeds are listed in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 360.200. According to the Federal Noxious Weed Act, Title 7, Chapter 61, section 2803, federal noxious weeds may not be imported
into or through the United States, unless in accordance with conditions allowed by the
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sale, purchase, exchange, or receipt of federal noxious weeds is illegal. For more information contact: Erin Stiers, USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), at 952-814-1071 or
Erin.N.Stiers@aphis.usda.gov.
STATE PROHIBITED NOXIOUS WEEDS (SN)
The Minnesota Noxious Weed Law (MN Statutes 18.75-18.91) defines a noxious weed as an annual, biennial, or perennial plant that the Commissioner of Agriculture designates to be injurious to public health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock or other property. Prohibited noxious weeds must be controlled or
eradicated as required in Minnesota Statutes, section 18.78. See Noxious Weed List website for description of categories including prohibited eradicate noxious weed, prohibited control noxious weed, and specially regulated plant. For more information contact: Anthony Cortilet, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, at 651-
201-6538 or Anthony.Cortilet@state.mn.us. **Note that Minnesota counties may also list species as noxious weeds within their county. See MDA county noxious weed website for most current lists.
RESTRICTED NOXIOUS WEEDS (RN)
Species are designated restricted noxious weeds to prevent their spread by prohibiting the importation, sale, and transportation of their propagating parts in the state except as allowed by Minnesota Statutes, Section 18.82. For more information contact: Anthony Cortilet, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, at 651-201-6538 or Anthony.Cortilet@state.mn.us.
PROHIBITED INVASIVE SPECIES (PI)
These species and any hybrids, cultivars, or varieties of the species are designated by the Department of
Natural Resources in M.R. 6216.0250 as prohibited invasive species. It is illegal to possess, import, purchase, sell, propagate, transport, or introduce prohibited invasive species, except as allowed by statute. The statutes and rules that apply to these species are M.S. 84D05, 84D.08, 84D.10, 84D.11, 84D.13, M.R. 6216.0265, and M.R. 6216.0280. For more information contact: Kelly Pennington, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at 651-259-5131 or Kelly.Pennington@state.mn.us, or visit the DNR invasive species laws website.
PROHIBITED WEED SEEDS (PS)
Prohibited weed seeds are prohibited from being present in agricultural, vegetable, flower, tree, and shrub seeds sold in Minnesota in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 21.86, subdivision 1, paragraph (d). The plants listed in M.R. 1510.0271 are prohibited weed seeds. For more information contact: Denise Thiede, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, at 651-201-6531or Denise.Thiede@state.mn.us.
RESTRICTED WEED SEEDS (RS)
Minnesota’s restricted weed seeds are those weed seeds which, if present in agricultural, vegetable, flower,
tree, and shrub seed, must be named on the label together with the number per ounce or pound of seed specified and which may not exceed the legal limit. They are seeds of weeds which are objectionable in fields, lawns, and gardens of this state and which can be controlled by good cultural practice and use of herbicides. Restricted weed seeds are listed in M.R. 1510.0320. For more information contact: Denise Thiede, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, at 651-201-6531 or Denise.Thiede@state.mn.us.
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Minnesota and Federal Prohibited and Noxious Plants by Common Name
(Compiled by the Minnesota DNR’s Invasive Species Program 10-12-2020) Key:
• FN – Federal noxious weed (USDA–Animal Plant Health Inspection Service) – all aquatic plants
listed as federal noxious weeds (except Ipomoea aquatica) are also listed as prohibited invasive species by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
• SN – State noxious weed (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
• RN – Restricted noxious weed (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
• PI – Prohibited invasive species (Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)
• PS – State prohibited weed seed (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
• RS – State restricted weed seed (Minnesota Department of Agriculture)
• (See explanations of these classifications below the lists of species)
Table 4. Aquatic plants in alphabetical order by common name.
Common Name Scientific Name Regulatory Classification
African oxygen weed Lagarosiphon major (Ridley) Moss ex Wagner FN, PI
ambulia Limnophila sessiliflora (Vahl) Blume) FN
anchored or rooted water hyacinth Eichornia azurea (Swartz) Kunth FN
aquarium watermoss, giant salvinia Salvinia molesta D.S. Mitchell FN, PI
arrowhead Sagittaria sagittifolia L. FN
arrowleaf false pickerelweed Monochoria hastata (L.) Solms-Laubach FN
Australian stonecrop Crassula helmsii (Kirk) Cockayne PI
brittle naiad Najas minor All. PI
broadleaf paper bark tree Melaleuca quenquinervia (Cav.) Blake FN
curly-leaf pondweed Potamogeton crispus L. PI
ducklettuce Ottelia alismoides (L.) Pers. FN
European frog-bit Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L. PI
Eurasian watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum L. PI
exotic bur-reed Sparganium erectum L. FN
flowering rush Butomus umbellatus L. PI
giant salvinia Salvinia auriculata Aublet FN
giant salvinia Salvinia biloba Raddi FN
giant salvinia Salvinia herzogii de la Sota FN
heart-shaped false pickerelweed Monochoria vaginalis (Burman f.) C. Presl FN
hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata (L. f.) Royle FN, PI
Indian swampweed, Miramar weed Hygrophila polysperma (Roxburgh) T. Anders FN, PI
Mediterranean strain (killer algae) Caulerpa taxifolia (Vahl) C. Agardh FN
mosquito fern, water velvet Azolla pinnata R. Brown FN
purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria, Lythrum virgatum, or any variety, hybrid, or cultivar thereof) L. PI, SN
starry stonewort Nitellopsis obtusa L. PI water aloe or water soldiers Stratioles aloides L. PI water chestnut Trapa natans L. PI water-spinach, swamp morning-glory Ipomoea aquatica Forsskal FN wetland nightshade Solanum tampicense Dunal FN
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Table 5. Parasitic weeds in alphabetical order by common name.
Common Name Scientific Name Regulatory Classification
None Aeginetia spp. FN
None Alectra spp. FN
Broomrapes Orobanche spp. other than the following species: FN
Orobanche bulbosa (Gray) G. Beck
Orobanche californica Schechtendal & Chamisso
Orobanche cooperi (Gray) Heller
Orobanche corymbosa (Rydberg) Ferris
Orobanche dugesii (S. Watson) Munz
Orobanche fasciculata Nuttall
Orobanche ludoviciana Nuttall
Orobanche multicaulis Brandegee
Orobanche parishii (Jepson) Heckard
Orobanche pinorum Geyer ex Heckard
Orobanche uniflora L.
Orobanche valida Jepson
Orobanche vallicola (Jepson) Heckard
Dodders Cuscuta spp. (dodders), other than following species: FN
Cuscuta americana L.
Cuscuta applanata Engelmann
Cuscuta approximata Babington
Cuscuta attenuata Waterfall
Cuscuta boldinghii Urban
Cuscuta brachycalyx (Yuncker) Yuncker
Cuscuta californica Hooker & Arnott
Cuscuta campestris Yuncker
Cuscuta cassytoides Nees ex Engelmann
Cuscuta ceanothii Behr
Cuscuta cephalanthii Engelmann
Cuscuta compacta Jussieu
Cuscuta corylii Engelmann
Cuscuta cuspidata Engelmann
Cuscuta decipiens Yuncker
Cuscuta dentatasquamata Yuncker
Cuscuta denticulata Engelmann
Cuscuta epilinum Weihe
Cuscuta epithymum (L.) L.
Cuscuta erosa Yuncker
Cuscuta europaea L.
Cuscuta exaltata Engelmann
Cuscuta fasciculata Yuncker
Cuscuta glabrior (Engelmann) Yuncker
Cuscuta globulosa Bentham
Cuscuta glomerata Choisy
Cuscuta gronovil Willdenow
Cuscuta harperi Small
Cuscuta howelliana Rubtzoff
Cuscuta indecora Choisy
Cuscuta leptantha Engelmann
Cuscuta mitriiformis Engelmann
Cuscuta obtusiflora Humboldt, Bonpland, & Kunth
10
Common Name Scientific Name Regulatory Classification
Cuscuta odontolepis Engelmann Cuscuta pentagona Engelmann Cuscuta planiflora Tenore Cuscuta plattensis A. Nelson Cuscuta polygonorum Engelmann Cuscuta rostrata Shuttleworth ex Engelmann Cuscuta runyonii Yuncker Cuscuta salina Engelmann Cuscuta sandwichiana Choisy Cuscuta squamata Engelmann Cuscuta suaveolens Seringe Cuscuta suksdorfii Yuncker Cuscuta tuberculata Brandegee Cuscuta umbellata Humboldt, Bonpland, & Kunth Cuscuta umbrosa Beyrich ex Hooker Cuscuta veatchii Brandegee Cuscuta warneri Yuncker Witchweeds Striga spp. FN
Table 6. Terrestrial weeds in alphabetical order by common name.
Common Name Scientific Name Regulatory
Classification
Prosopis alpataco R. A. Phillippi FN Prosopis articulata S. Watson FN Prosopis burkartii Munoz FN Prosopis caldenia Burkart FN Prosopis calingastana Burkart FN Prosopis campestris Griseback FN Prosopis castellanosii Burkart FN Prosopis denudans Bentham FN Prosopis elata (Burkart) Burkart FN Prosopis ferox Grisebach FN Prosopis fiebrigii Harms FN Prosopis hassleri Harms FN Prosopis humillis Gillies ex Hooker & Arnott FN Prosopis kuntzei Harms FN Prosopis pallida (Humboldt & Bonpland ex Willdenow) Humboldt, Bonpland & Kunth FN
Prosopis palmeri S. Watson FN
Prosopis reptans Bentham var. reptans FN
Prosopis rojasiana Burkart FN
Prosopis ruizlealii Burkart FN
Prosopis ruscifolia Grisebach FN
Prosopis sericantha Gillies ex Hooker & Arnott FN
Prosopis strombulifera (Lamarck) Bentham FN
Prosopis torquata (Cavanilles ex Lagasca y Segura) de Candolle FN
African feathergrass Pennisetum macrourum Trinius FN African boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum Miers FN Amur corktree Phellodendron amurense Rupr. SN – specially regulated
Amur honeysuckle Lonicera maackii (Rupr.) Herder RN
Amur silvergrass Miscanthus sacchariflorus (Maxim.) Franch. RN
11
Common Name Scientific Name Regulatory Classification
animated oat, wild oat Avena sterilis L. (including Avena ludoviciana Durieu) FN
Asian sprangletop Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees FN
Bell’s honeysuckle Lonicera x bella Zabel RN
Benghal dayflower Commelina benghalensis L. FN
bittervine Mikania micrantha Humboldt, Bonpland, & Kunth FN
black locust Robinia pseudoacacia (L.) RN
black swallow-wort Cynanchum louiseae Kartesz & Gandhi SN
Bohemian knotweed Polygonum x bohemicum (J. Chrtek & Chrtkova) Zika &
Jacobson
SN
Brazilian satintail Imperata brasiliensis Trinius FN
British elecampane, British yellowhead Inula britannica L. FN
brown knapweed Centaurea jacea L. SN
buckhorn plantain Plantago lanceolata L. RS
bull thistle Cirsium vulgare L. PS
Callery pear Pyrus calleryana Decne. SN – specially regulated
Canada thistle Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. SN, PS
Cape-tulip, apricot Moraea collina Thunberg FN
Cape-tulip, one-leaf Moraea faccida (Sweet) Steudel FN
Cape-tulip red Moraea ochroleuca (Salisbury) Drapiez FN
Cape-tulip, two-leaf Moraea miniata Andrews FN
Cape-tulip, yellow Moraea pallida (Baker) Goldblatt FN
Cape weed Arctotheca calendula (L.) Levyns FN
catclaw mimosa Mimosa pigra L. var. pigra FN
cattail grass Setaria pumila (Poir.) Roem. & Schult. subsp.
pallidefusca (Schumach.) B.K. Simon
FN
coat buttons Tridax procumbens L. FN
cogongrass Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeuschel FN
common barberry Berberis vulgaris (L.) SN
common crupina Crupina vulgarisi Cassini FN
common or European buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica L. RN
common reed – non-native subspecies Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. Ex Steud subsp. australis RN
common teasel Dipsacus fullonum L. SN
creeping crofton weed Ageratina riparia (Regel) R.M. King and H. Robinson FN
crofton weed Ageratina adenophroa (Sprengel) King & Robinson FN
crown vetch Securigera varia (L.) Lassen RN
Cut-leaved teasel Dipsacus laciniatus L. SN
Dalmatian toadflax Linaria dalmatica (L.) Mill. SN
devil’s thorn Emex spinosa (L.) Campdera FN
diffuse knapweed Centaurea diffusa (Lam.) SN
dodder Cuscuta spp. RS
Eastern black nightshade Solanum plycanthum Dun RS
European alder Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. RN
false caper Euphorbia terracina L. FN
field bindweed Convolvulus arvensis L. PS
Frenchweed Thlaspi arvense L. RS
garlic mustard Alliaria petiolata (M. Bieb.) Cavara & Grande RN
giant foxtail Setaria faberii Herrm. RS
giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier FN, SN
giant knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum Seib. & Zucc. SN – specially
regulated
giant sensitive plant Mimosa diplotricha C. Wright FN
glossy buckthorn, including all cultivars Frangula alnus Mill. columnaris, tallcole, asplenifolia RN
12
Common Name Scientific Name Regulatory Classification
and all cultivars
goatsrue Galega officinialis L. FN
Grecian foxglove Digitalis lanata Ehrh. SP
gum Arabic tree, thorny acacia Acacia nilotica (L.) Wildenow ex Delile FN
hemp Cannabis sativa L. PS
hoary alyssum Berteroa incana D.C. RS
horse nettle Solanum carolinense L. RS
Illyrian thistle Onopordum illyricum L. FN
itchgrass Rottboellia cochinchinensis (Lour.) W. Clayton FN
Japanese barberry Berberis thunbergi DC RN
Japanese honeysuckle Lonicera japonica Thunb. SN
Japanese hops Humulus japnicus Siebold & Zucc. SN
Japanese knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum Seib. & Zucc. SN – specially
regulated
Johnsongrass Sorghum halepense L. SN
jointed prickly pear Opuntia aurantiaca Lindley FN
kikuyugrass Pennisetum clandestinum Hochsletter ex Chiovenda FN
kodo-millet Paspalum scrobiculatum L. FN
kyasumagrass Pennisetum pedicellatum Trinius FN
leafy spurge Euphorbia esula L. SN, PS
lesser celandine Ficaria verna L. RN
lightning weed Drymaria arenariodes Humboldt & Bonpland Ex Roerner & Schultes FN
liverseed grass Urochloa panicoides L. FN
Madagascar ragwort Senecio madagascariensis Poir FN
Malabar melostome Melastoma malabathricum L. FN
maidenhair creeper Lygodium flexuosum (L.) Sw. FN
meadow knapweed Centaurea x moncktonii C.E. Britton SN
mile-a-minute Mikania cordata (Burman f.) B. L. Robinson FN
missiongrass, thin napiergrass Pennisetum polystachion (L.) Schultes FN
Morrow’s honeysuckle Lonicera morrowii A. Gray RN
multiflora rose Rosa multiflora Thunb. RN
murainograss Ischaemum rugosum Salisbury FN
musk thistle Carduus nutans L. PS
narrowleaf bittercress Cardamine impatiens L. SN
Norway maple Acer platanoides L. SN – specially
regulated
old world climbing fern Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br. FN
onionweed Asphodelus fistulosus L. FN
pale swallow-wort Cynanchum rossicum Kleopow SN
Palmer amaranth Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson SN, PS
perennial sowthistle Sonchus arvensis L. PS
perennial peppergrass Lepidium draba L. PS
pilipiliula Chrysopogon aciculatus (Retzius) Trinius FN
plumeless thistle Carduus acanthoides L. SN, PS
poison hemlock Conium maculatum L. SN
poison ivy* Toxicodendron radicans* (L.) Kuntze (formerly Rhus radicans) SN – specially regulated
porcelain berry Ampelopsis brevipendunculata (Maxim.) Trautv. RN
purple loosestrife Lythrum salicaria, virgatum, or any combination SN
quackgrass Agropyron repens L. RS
Queen Anne’s lace Daucus carota L. RN
red hailstone Thladiantha dubia Bunge SN
red rice Oryza punctata Kotschy ex Steudel FN
13
Common Name Scientific Name Regulatory Classification
red rice Oryza longistaminata A. Chevalier & Roehrich FN
red rice Oryza rufipogon Griffith FN
round leaf bittersweet Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. SN
Russian knapweed Centaurea repens L. PS
saltcedar Tamarix ramoissima Ledeb. RN
serrated tussock Nassella trichotoma (Nees) Hackel ex Arechavaleta FN
sessile joyweed Alternanthera sessilis (L.) R. Brown ex de Candolle FN
Siberian peashrub Caragana arborescens Lam. (exemption for Green
Spires® Caragana - Caragana 'Jefarb')
RN
South African ragwort Senecio inaequidens DC FN
spotted knapweed Centaurea stoebe L. ssp. micranthos (Gugler) Hayek SN
stemless thistle Onopordum acaulon L. FN
Syrian mesquite Prosopis farcta (Solander ex Russell) Macbride FN
tansy Tanacetum vulgare L. SN
Tatarian honeysuckle Lonicera tartarica L. RN
Tatarian maple Acer tataricum L. SN – specially regulated
three-cornered jack Emex australis Steinhell FN
tree of heaven Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle SN
tropical soda apple Solarum viarum Dunal FN
turkeyberry Solanum torvum Swartz FN
velvet fingergrass, annual conchgrass Digitaria velutina (Forsskal) Palisot de Beauvois FN
wild blackberry Rubus fruticosus L. (complex) FN
wild mustard Brassica kaber L. RS
wild parsnip Pastinaca sativa L. SN
wild radish Raphanus raphanistrum L. RS
wild raspberry Rubus moluccanus L. FN
wild safflower Carthamus oxyacantha M. Bieberstein FN
wild sugarcane Saccharum spontaneum L. FN
winged burning bush Euonymus alatus Thunb. SN – specially
regulated
winged false buttonweed Spermacoce alata Aublet FN
wormleaf salsola Salsola vermiculata L. FN
yellow starthistle Centaurea solstitialis L. SN
*Native species to Minnesota
Definitions
FEDERAL NOXIOUS WEED LIST (FN)
Federal Noxious Weeds are listed in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 7, section 360.200. According to the Federal Noxious Weed Act, Title 7, Chapter 61, section 2803, federal noxious weeds may not be imported into or through the United States, unless in accordance with conditions allowed by the USDA-APHIS. The sale, purchase, exchange, or receipt of federal noxious weeds is illegal. For more information contact: Erin Stiers, USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), at 952-814-1071 or Erin.N.Stiers@aphis.usda.gov.
STATE PROHIBITED NOXIOUS WEEDS (SN)
The Minnesota Noxious Weed Law (MN Statutes 18.75-18.91) defines a noxious weed as an annual, biennial, or perennial plant that the Commissioner of Agriculture designates to be injurious to public health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock or other property. Prohibited noxious weeds must be controlled or
eradicated as required in Minnesota Statutes, section 18.78. See Noxious Weed List website for description of categories including prohibited eradicate noxious weed, prohibited control noxious weed, and specially
14
regulated plant. For more information contact: Anthony Cortilet, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, at 651-201-6538 or Anthony.Cortilet@state.mn.us, **Note that Minnesota counties may also list species as
noxious weeds within their county. See MDA county noxious weed website for most current lists.
RESTRICTED NOXIOUS WEEDS (RN)
Species are designated restricted noxious weeds to prevent their spread by prohibiting the importation, sale, and transportation of their propagating parts in the state except as allowed by Minnesota Statutes, Section 18.82. For more information contact: Anthony Cortilet, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, at 651-201-6538 or Anthony.Cortilet@state.mn.us.
PROHIBITED INVASIVE SPECIES (PI) These species and any hybrids, cultivars, or varieties of the species are designated by the Department of Natural Resources in M.R. 6216.0250 as prohibited invasive species. It is illegal to possess, import, purchase,
sell, propagate, transport, or introduce prohibited invasive species, except as allowed by statute. The statutes and rules that apply to these species are M.S. 84D05, 84D.08, 84D.10, 84D.11, 84D.13, M.R. 6216.0265, and M.R. 6216.0280. For more information contact: Kelly Pennington, Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources at 651-259-5131 or Kelly.Pennington@state.mn.us, or visit the DNR invasive species laws website.
PROHIBITED WEED SEEDS (PS)
Prohibited weed seeds are prohibited from being present in agricultural, vegetable, flower, tree, and shrub seeds sold in Minnesota in accordance with Minnesota Statutes, section 21.86, subdivision 1, paragraph (d). The plants listed in M.R. 1510.0271 are prohibited weed seeds. For more information contact: Denise Thiede, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, at 651-201-6531or Denise.Thiede@state.mn.us.
RESTRICTED WEED SEEDS (RS) Minnesota’s restricted weed seeds are those weed seeds which, if present in agricultural, vegetable, flower, tree, and shrub seed, must be named on the label together with the number per ounce or pound of seed
specified and which may not exceed the legal limit. They are seeds of weeds which are objectionable in fields, lawns, and gardens of this state and which can be controlled by good cultural practice and use of herbicides. Restricted weed seeds are listed in M.R. 1510.0320. For more information contact: Denise Thiede, Minnesota
Department of Agriculture, at 651-201-6531 or Denise.Thiede@state.mn.us.
STAFF REPORT
DATE: 08/21/2023
DISCUSSION
TO: Parks Commission
AGENDA ITEM: Neighborhood Trail Connections
FROM: Adam Swanepoel, Assistant Public Works Director SUBMITTED BY: Marty Powers, Public Works Director Kristina Handt, City Administrator
BACKGROUND: Staff has continued to search for potential trail connections between residential communities in the city. The purpose is to improve the cities trail system as well as getting trail users to get from one part of the city to the next. This year two new trail segment are being built; the first between Tapestry and Hamlet on Sunfish Lake communities and the second between Stonegate and Inwood communities. Washington County is still considering a Central Greenway Regional Trail that will connect the Lake Elmo Park Reserve to downtown Lake Elmo and extend to HWY 36 along HWY 15. Although this trail was not included in Washington County’s most recent CIP there is still potential this would be considered in 2028-29 if road improvements in those areas occur.
ISSUE BEFORE THE COMMISSION: Are there any additional trail connections the city should consider in the next ten years?
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS: Staff has reviewed several areas for potential trail improvements within the city. 1. 43rd St. N to Lake Elmo Ave.
An additional trail connection between Sunfish Ponds and Lake Elmo Ave. would allow for users from the Tapestry and Hamlet communities to gain access to the Lake Elmo Ave. trail as well as connections with the Wildflower and Village Preserve areas. 2. Keats Ave. N Adding a trail connection from Tapestry to 59th St. N. This 1.5 mile trail would allow users from the areas of Hidden Meadows, Prairie Hamlet, Rolling Hills Est., Lake Elmo Hills, Arabian Hills, and Meyers Pineridge all a trial access along Keats Ave. FISCAL IMPACT: The current cost of these projects are TBD. At this point these areas are only being considered.
ATTACHMENT:
• Central Greenway Master Plan
• Keats Ave. Map
• 43rd St. Map
CENTRAL GREENWAY
REGIONAL TRAIL MASTER PLAN
AMENDMENT
LAKE ELMO SEGMENT: I-94 TO MN 36
June 2019
Page Intentionally Blank
II Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
PREPARED BY:
PREPARED FOR:
ADOPTED BY THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL ON JUNE 12, 2019
CENTRAL GREENWAY REGIONAL TRAIL
LAKE ELMO SEGMENT: INTERSTATE 94 TO MINNESOTA HIGHWAY 36
MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT
IIICentral Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
IV Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Page Intentionally Blank
VCentral Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IX
Trail Location IX
Natural Resource Description IX
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Metro Regional Park System 1
Washington County Parks Overview 2
Relationship to Other Plans 2
Involved Public Agencies 2
Section I: Boundaries & Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Location and Contextual Relationship 5
Natural Resources 6
Acquisition Status 8
Boundaries & Acquisition Costs 8
Section II: Demand Forecast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Demographic Overview 13
Statewide and Regional Trends 13
Methodology 13
Aging Population 15
Minority Populations 15
Other Trends Affecting Recreation 15
Active Living By Design – A Complementary Vision 16
Physical Activity/Preventing Obesity 16
Connectivity and Accessibility 17
Mental Health 17
Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) 17
Existing Washington County Use Data 17
Section III: Development Concept . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Development Plan 18
Primary Trail Design Elements 20
Supporting Trail Elements 20
Route Assessment 23
VI Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Implementation 35
Estimated Costs 35
Section IV: Conflicts and Coordination with Adjacent Public Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Section V: Operations and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Proposed Maintenance Activities 39
Public Safety 40
Sources of Revenue 40
Ordinances 40
Section VI: Public Engagement and Participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Overview 41
Regional Trail Planning 41
Central Greenway Regional Trail Technical Advisory Committee 41
Washington County Park Commission 42
One-on-one Listening Sessions 42
Public Open Houses 43
Pop-up Meetings 44
Summary of Public Engagement Comments 45
Section VII: Public Awareness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Section VIII: Accessibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Affordability 53
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Appendix A: Resolutions of Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Appendix B: Trail Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Appendix C: Detailed Cost Estimate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Estimate Notes 73
Appendix D: Rare Species List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Species: 75
Appendix E: WikiMap Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Appendix F: Park and Trail Visitation data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
VIICentral Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
FIGURES
Figure 1: Regional Trail Search Corridors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Figure 2: RBTN Corridors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Figure 3: Central Greenway Regional Trail Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Figure 4: MLCCS Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Figure 5: Habitat Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Figure 6: Land Acquisition Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Figure 7: Land Acquisition and Acreage Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Figure 8: Segment Parcels for Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Figure 9: Typical Section for the Proposed Trail along CR 14 West of Lake Elmo Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Figure 10: Typical Section for the Proposed Trail along CR 14 East of Lake Elmo Avenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Figure 11: Typical Section for the Proposed Trail along CR 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Figure 12: Primary Service Area Population Forecast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Figure 13: Regional Population Forecast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Figure 14: Trail Primary Service Area Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Figure 17: Primary Service Area Age Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Figure 16: Primary Service Area Household Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Figure 15: Primary Service Area Race . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Figure 19: Existing Eight-Foot Wide Trail Segments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Figure 18: Typical Trail Cross-Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Figure 20: Wayfinding Signage Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Figure 21: Trailhead and Rest Stop Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Figure 22: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment Proposed Alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Figure 23: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Figure 24: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Figure 25: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Figure 26: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Figure 27: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R3 and R3A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Figure 28: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Figure 29: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R4 and B1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Figure 30: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R5 and B2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Figure 31: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Figure 32: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Figure 33: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Figure 34: Summary of public comments and responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
VIII Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment has been a team effort led by a dedicated group consisting of
Washington County staff, along with local city and agency staff.
PROJECT TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
»Connor Schaefer, Washington County
»Abbi Wittman, City of Stillwater
»Eric Johnson, City of Oak Park Heights
»John Hanson, Valley Branch Watershed Organization
»Mark Prchal, Washington County
»Ben Prchal, City of Lake Elmo
»Kevin Peterson, Washington County
»Michael Peterka, Metropolitan Council
»Dan MacSwain, Washington County
»Jan Lucke, Washington County Public Works
»Tracey Kinney, Metropolitan Council
»Karen Kill, Brown’s Creek Watershed District
PROJECT COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
»Connor Schaefer, Washington County
»John Mayek, Lake Elmo Parks & resident
»Ben Prchal, Lake Elmo City Planner
»Nathan Pulscher, Lakeview Hospital
»Aaron Drevlow, SAHS A.P & community member
»Tony Willger, Manager of Operations for ISD #384
»Calvin Jones, SASCA & Stillwater High School Bike Team
»Stephen Ebner, West Lakeland Township
»Sarah Hietpas, Metropolitan Council Park and Open Space
Commission
»Jyneen Thatcher, Washington County Park and Open
Space Commission
CONSULTING TEAM
»SRF Consulting Group, Inc.
»Stewart Crosby
»Jonathan Fillmore
Figure I: Central Greenway Regional Trail Location
Executive Summary
IXCentral Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Central Greenway Regional Trail will enhance the region’s
multi-modal transportation and recreation system by providing
a safe and accessible trail connection between three of the
region’s premier regional park facilities, Big Marine Park Reserve,
Lake Elmo Park Reserve and Cottage Grove Ravine Regional
Park. The Lake Elmo Segment of the Central Greenway Regional
Trail will provide direct connections for people living in the
suburban communities of Lake Elmo, Baytown Township, and
Oak Park Heights to vital employment, retail, and recreational
sites in the east metropolitan area – providing safety, economic
development, mobility, and environmental benefits.
TRAIL LOCATION
This trail master plan amendment will cover segments of existing
and proposed trail between Keats Avenue/County Road 19 and
I-94 and Manning Avenue/County Road 15 and MN 36. The
approximately 2.9 mile long trail segment starting at I-94 and
extending along Keats Avenue/County Road 19 the majority
of the way through Lake Elmo Park Reserve is developed. In
addition, 0.2 miles of existing trail segments are located near the
County Road 15 and County Road 14 intersection. There is also a
0.05 mile long existing trail segment near Stillwater High School
along 58th Street. This plan includes designating these segments
as a regional trail. In addition to the existing trail segments being
designated to regional trail, this plan also proposes developing
5.25 miles of unbuilt trail along Stillwater Boulevard and a short
unbuilt segment along Keats Avenue near the Lake Elmo Park
Reserve pay station. When complete, the Lake Elmo Segment of
the Central Greenway Regional Trail will connect to the existing
South Segment of the Central Greenway Regional Trail, Lake
Elmo Park Reserve, Downtown Lake Elmo, and Stillwater High
School.
NATURAL RESOURCE DESCRIPTION
The Lake Elmo Segment of the Central Greenway Regional Trail
corridor is located in the suburban community of Lake Elmo.
The corridor makes a direct connection to Lake Elmo Park
Reserve and extends adjacent to Sunfish Lake Park. Outside
the park reserve, the topography of the corridor is mostly flat
and is dominated by farmland and residential development.
Cottage Grove Ravine
Regional Park
Lake Elmo Park
Reserve
Big Marine
Park ReserveCentral Greenway Regional Trail
South Segment Existing Trail
Central Greenway Regional Trail
South Segment Proposed Trail
Central Greenway Regional Trail
Lake Elmo Segment Existing Trail
Central Greenway Regional Trail
Lake Elmo Segment Proposed Trail
Central Greenway Regional Trail
North Segment Search Corridor
Parks
Sunfish Lake Park
Figure II: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment Proposed Alignment
Executive Summary
X Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
The Central Greenway Regional Trail provides access to high
quality natural resources in Lake Elmo Park Reserve. The park
includes oak forest, oak savanna, and prairie. The trail corridor
also extends through a Rusty Patch Bumble Bee Habitat and
Outdoor Heritage Fund Work Area.
The Minnesota Land Cover Classification System (MLCCS)
identifies the Lake Elmo Segment of the Central Greenway
Regional Trail as three main land cover types. Between I-94
and County Road 10, the landscape is primarily classified as
agricultural land. An agricultural land classification is also
assigned for the majority of the landscape from downtown Lake
Elmo to the MN 36. Through Lake Elmo Park Reserve, a mixture
of forest and prairie land cover types are assigned. As one would
expect, the majority of the area in downtown Lake Elmo is
classified as impervious.
DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
A fully developed Central Greenway Regional Trail will be a
linking regional trail. The Lake Elmo Segment of the Central
Greenway Regional Trail is an important link in the Washington
County’s trail network. When fully developed, the Central
Greenway Regional Trail will provide residents of Washington
County with direct access to a regional trail that connects three
premier regional park facilities: Big Marine Park Reserve, Lake
Elmo Park Reserve and Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park.
In addition, the regional trail will provide a separated, off-road
facility for recreation and transportation purposes that will
connect with adjacent local trails and other destinations, such
as Lake Elmo Park Reserve, downtown Lake Elmo, and Stillwater
High School.
Trail Segments
The Lake Elmo Segment of the Central Greenway Regional Trail
covered in this master plan amendment has been divided into
six segments that are composed of developed and undeveloped
trail (Figure III). The trail segments generally follow County Road
19/Keats Avenue alignment through Lake Elmo Park Reserve
and Stillwater Boulevard (County Road 14 and County Road 15)
to MN 36.
The preferred trail alignment has one trail alternate. The alternate
alignment identified is located in Lake Elmo Park Reserve where
the trail crosses the Union Pacific Railroad. The preferred trail
alignment shown utilizes the existing at-grade crossing or
implementing a new grade separated crossing. The alternate
trail Segment R3A crosses the railroad using a proposed
underpass to avoid conflicts with the railroad traffic. Washington
County will determine which alignment is best suited for trail
development during trail design and implementation.
In addition to the alternate trail alignment, two interim trail
alignments are proposed. The first interim alignment, Segment
B1, acts as a bypass to the proposed trail segment through
downtown Lake Elmo. The existing right-of-way and current
road width would make fitting a trail through downtown Lake
Elmo using County Road 14 challenging. It is unlikely that the
Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segments
Segment From To Along Length
R1 I-94 County Road 10 County Road 19/Keats Avenue 1.1 Miles
R2 County Road 10 Park Maintenance Area Access Road Lake Elmo Park Reserve Access Road 2.2 Miles
R3 Park Maintenance Area Access Road Stillwater Lane North Lake Elmo Park Reserve Access Road 1.0 Miles
R3A Park Maintenance Area Access Road Stillwater Lane North Lake Elmo Park Reserve Access Road 0.5 Miles
R4 Stillwater Lane North County Road 15/Manning Avenue County Road 14/Stillwater Boulevard 1.7 Miles
R5 County Road 15/Manning Avenue 58th Street North County Road 15/Stillwater Boulevard 1.9 Miles
R6 58th Street North MN 36 58th Street North and future road 0.7 Miles
B1 County Road 14 & County Road 17 39th Street N & County Road 14 County Road 17 and 39th Street N 0.8 Miles
B2 County Road 14 & Stillwater Way Stillwater Way & County Road 15 Stillwater Way 0.7 Miles
Figure III: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment Map.
LAKE ELMO PARK RESERVE
SUNFISH LAKE PARK
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CITY OF GRANT
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
CITY OF PINE SPRINGS
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI
CITY OF STILLWATER
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
CITY OF BAYTOWN
WEST LAKELAND TOWNSHIP
CITY OF AFTON
CITY OF WOODBURY
CITY OF OAKDALE
Horseshoe Lake
Jane Lake
Lake Elmo
Eagle
Point Lake
WhiteBearLake
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Bielenberg DrSettlers Ridge PkwyTower DrTamarack Rd
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50th St N
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Stillwater Rd
4th St N
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NLakeElmoAveNMahtomediAve30th St N
34th St N
GreenwayAve7th St N
15th St N
County Rd 71BoutwellRdN
43rd St N
50th St N
80th St N
OlsonLake
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N20th St NKeatsAveN
Commerce Dr
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IdealAveN39thSt N
ManningAveS47th St NDemontrevilleTrN
40th StNJamacaAveN
ManningTrNNealAveSStillwater Blvd N StillwaterBlvdNHiltonTrB2
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
R6
B1
R3A
Executive Summary
XICentral Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Existing Public Trails (6-10’ wide)
Existing Private Trails (6-10’ wide )
Existing County Soft Surface Trials (6’ wide)
Existing County/Regional Trails (8-10’ wide)
Gateway State Trail (10’ wide)
County Parks
City Parks
Trail Sub Segments
Regional Trail (on new trail)
Regional Trail (on existing trail)
Regional Trail Railroad Crossing Alternate
Interim Regional Trail (on existing local trail)
Interim Regional Trail (on future local trail)
0 0.25 0.5 miNORTH
Executive Summary
XII Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
trail through downtown Lake Elmo will be constructed until the
County widens County Road 14. County Road 14 is currently not
included in the County’s 5-year capital improvement plan (CIP).
Therefore, an interim alignment that utilizes existing trail on
39th Street is proposed. Likewise, the second interim alignment,
Segment B2, was proposed because the unbuilt regional trail
segment extending along County Road 14 between Stillwater
Way and County Road 15 was recently constructed. Therefore,
an opportunity to construct this trail segment with roadway
reconstruction project synergy is unlikely in the near future.
Implementation
It is anticipated that the regional trail will be implemented
in stages, with the construction of various stages driven by
available funding and local factors, such as timing of adjacent
roadway improvements, and public desire to expand the
regional trail system. Until the corridor is fully developed, gaps in
the regional trail will exist. However, the ultimate trail geometry
will consist of a 10-foot-wide (minimum) paved surface where
possible, separate from any adjacent roadway, so that trail users
will not share the roadway with motorized vehicles.
Development Costs
Regional trail development includes the cost to prepare
the site; reconfigure roadways as required; modify drainage
patterns where necessary; pave the trail; and install signage,
striping, and landscaping. In total, the estimated development
cost for the Central Greenway Regional Trail is $6,873,359. The
cost includes rest stops, signage, grade-separated crossings,
pedestrian crossing upgrades, and contingencies. The total cost
for acquisitions within the proposed corridor is $1,417,000.
Introduction
1Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
INTRODUCTION
The Central Greenway Regional Trail will enhance the region’s
multi-modal transportation and recreation system by providing
a safe and accessible trail connection between three of the
region’s premier regional park facilities, Big Marine Park Reserve,
Lake Elmo Park Reserve and Cottage Grove Ravine Regional
Park. The Central Greenway Regional Trail will provide direct
connections for people living in central Washington County
to vital employment, retail, and recreational sites in the east
metropolitan area – providing safety, economic development,
mobility, and environmental benefits.
When completed, the trail route will measure approximately
25 miles from Big Marine Park Reserve at the north end of the
corridor to Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park at the south
end of the corridor. The Lake Elmo Segment covered in this
master plan amendment measures approximately 8.6 miles.
Opportunities for local trail connections will exist along the
proposed trail route, and there will be connections to other
local attractions including community parks.
METRO REGIONAL PARK SYSTEM
A system of Regional Trail Search Corridors was developed by
the Metropolitan Council as part of the 2040 Regional Parks
Policy Plan. The Metropolitan Council identified the Central
Greenway Regional trail as one of several Regional Trail Search
Corridors in Washington County (Figure 1).
57
2040 REGIONAL PARKS POLICY PLAN THREE: System Plan
Figure 12: Regional Trail Search Corridors
1
2
3
4
567
3
789
9
1011
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
22
23
2425
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
353637
38
38
3940
41
42
43
44
45
45
46
Three RiversPark District
Dakota County
Anoka County
Scott County
Carver County
Ramsey County
Washington CountySt. PaulMinneapolisPark & Rec Board
Bloomington
Figure 3-9: Regional Trail Search Corridors
0 5 10 15 202.5 Miles
City and Township Boundaries
County Boundaries
Lakes and Rivers
Regional Parks, Park Reserves, Special Recreation Features
Existing Regional Trails
Planned Regional Trails
Regional Trail Search Corridors
Numbers correspond to the regional trail search corridors listed in Table 3-9
Figure 1: Regional Trail Search Corridors
Source: Metropolitan Council Regional Trail Search Corridors - 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan
Introduction
2 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
REGIONAL BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION NETWORK
Washington County trails and the local trail network are
further supported and enhanced by the Regional Bicycle
Transportation Network (RBTN), which is identified as part of the
2040 Transportation Policy Plan (TPP). The RBTN helps define
the region’s on-street bikeways and off-street trail connections,
and how they work together to serve regional transportation
trips by bicycle. The RBTN is also used to identify corridors and
alignments for future trail development and infrastructure
investments. These corridors and alignments provide
transportation connectivity to outlying regional destinations
within and beyond the urban/suburban areas and serve to
connect priority regional bicycle transportation corridors/
alignments. County Road 19/Keats Avenue from County Road
14 to the Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park entrance is
recognized as a Tier 2 Corridor and assigned the second tier
priority for regional transportation funding. County Road 15 and
County Road 14 is also recognized as a Tier 2 Corridor. (Figure
2). Thus, the proposed alignment for the Lake Elmo Segment
of the Central Greenway Regional Trail should be considered
for inclusion as a Tier 2 alignment in the TPP update (2018),
making it a priority for federal funds distributed via Metropolitan
Council’s Regional Solicitation.
WASHINGTON COUNTY PARKS OVERVIEW
Washington County Parks Division is responsible for planning,
building, and maintaining over 4,400 acres of regional and
county park land. Furthermore, the County provides over 75
miles of turf and paved trails that offer recreational opportunities
and non-motorized transportation options. The Parks Division
also programs activities and events throughout the year.
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS
The Central Greenway Regional Trail’s proposed route through
Lake Elmo does not conflict with the Lake Elmo Park Reserve
master plan, as the route utilizes an existing trail.
The Central Greenway Regional Trail proposed route is also
compliant with Washington County’s Comprehensive Plan and
the comprehensive plans of the local cities.
INVOLVED PUBLIC AGENCIES
Washington County engaged multiple public agencies as part
of the master planning process. These agencies participated as
part of the Technical Advisory Committee (refer to the Public
Engagement chapter for more information). Furthermore,
the County met with these agencies one-on-one as needed
throughout the process.
Introduction
3Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Figure 2: RBTN Corridors
Existing Public Trails (6-10’ wide)
Existing Private Trails (6-10’ wide )
Existing County Soft Surface Trials (6’ wide)
Existing County/Regional Trails (8-10’ wide)
Gateway State Trail (10’ wide)
County Parks
City Parks
Regional Trails
Regional Trail (on new trail)
Regional Trail (on existing trail)
Regional Trail Railroad Crossing Alternate
Interim Regional Trail (on existing local trail)
Interim Regional Trail (on future local trail)
RBTN Tier 1 Corridors
RBTN Tier 2 Corridors
RBTN Tier 2 Alignments
0 0.25 0.5 miNORTH
Introduction
4 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Page Intentionally Blank
Section I: Boundaries & Acquisitions
5Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
SECTION I: BOUNDARIES & ACQUISITIONS
LOCATION AND CONTEXTUAL RELATIONSHIP
The Central Greenway Regional Trail will extend from Big Marine
Park Reserve in May Township south to Cottage Grove Ravine
Regional Park in the City of Cottage Grove. The trail will be a
Regional Linking Trail, as defined by the Metropolitan Council.
Linking trails are intended to provide connections between
regional parks or park reserves. The Central Greenway Regional
Trail will provide a connection between Big Marine Park Reserve
and Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park, generally along the
County Road 19/Keats Avenue corridor south of Lake Elmo Park
Reserve and generally along County Road 14 and County Road
15 north of Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
This trail master plan amendment will cover the segment of the
Central Greenway Regional Trail that extends from I-94 to MN
36. In this plan, this portion of the corridor will be referred to as
the Lake Elmo Segment of the Central Greenway Regional Trail.
The Lake Elmo Segment of the Central Greenway Regional Trail
consists of 5.25 miles of unbuilt trail primarily along Stillwater
Boulevard with small unbuilt segments inside Lake Elmo Park
Reserve and 3.35 miles of existing trail primarily between Lake
Elmo Park Reserve and I-94.
Cottage Grove Ravine
Regional Park
Lake Elmo Park
Reserve
Big Marine
Park ReserveCentral Greenway Regional Trail
South Segment Existing Trail
Central Greenway Regional Trail
South Segment Proposed Trail
Central Greenway Regional Trail
Lake Elmo Segment Existing Trail
Central Greenway Regional Trail
Lake Elmo Segment Proposed Trail
Central Greenway Regional Trail
North Segment Search Corridor
Parks
Sunfish Lake Park
Figure 3: Central Greenway Regional Trail Location
Section I: Boundaries & Acquisitions
6 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
NATURAL RESOURCES
The Central Greenway Regional Trail corridor is located in a
suburban edge area with connections to local and regional trails
and parks in both the City of Woodbury and the City of Cottage
Grove. The trail corridor is mostly flat.
The Lake Elmo Segment of the Central Greenway Regional
Trail corridor is located primarily in the suburban community
of Lake Elmo. The corridor makes a direct connection to Lake
Elmo Park Reserve and extends near Sunfish Lake Park. Both of
these parks contain native plant communities which harbor
rare and unique wildlife. The topography of the corridor is
mostly flat and winds through residential development, a park
reserve, and agricultural areas. The Central Greenway Regional
Trail provides direct access to high quality natural resources in
Lake Elmo Park Reserve. A few of the land cover classifications
found within Lake Elmo Park Reserve are Oak savanna, prairie,
aspen glade, and mixed deciduous forest (Figure 5). These
native plant communities provide great habitat for species such
as the Rusty Patch Bumblebee which has been found close to
the trail corridor and is illustrated in Figure 5. During design and
construction of the trail, extra measures will be taken to ensure
high quality habitat or grant work areas are not impacted.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has
documented several rare species and high-quality plant
communities near the Lake Elmo Segment of the Central
Greenway Regional Trail corridor. A one-mile buffer surrounding
the project limits was evaluated for the presence of rare plants,
animals, native plant communities, and other rare features
using Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in conjunction
with the MnDNR’s Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS)
(Copyright 2016 State of Minnesota, Department of Natural
Resources). The Natural Heritage data is provided by the Division
of Ecological Resources, Minnesota DNR, and was current as
of February 2016 (license agreement 625). These data are not
based on an exhaustive inventory of the state. The lack of data
for any geographic area shall not be construed to mean that no
significant features are present.
All documented observances are not directly adjacent to the
regional trail and are not anticipated to be impacted by the
regional trail. There were seven species identified within one-
mile of the Central Greenway Regional Trail. A complete list of
species is provided in ”Appendix D: Rare Species List” on page
75.
No specialized maintenance or construction is proposed for
the regional trail corridor to manage any wildlife adapted to
urbanized conditions.
Native Plantings & Pollinator Habitats
Washington County is committed to providing healthy habitat
for wildlife. This includes pollinators, such as bees, birds,
bats, and other insects, who play a crucial role in flowering
plant reproduction and in the production of most fruits and
vegetables. Providing habitat for pollinators has a number of
benefits:
»Native flowers and the wildlife they attract will add visual
interest to the corridor.
»Habitat corridors provide the connectivity of habitats that
are important for species migration, dispersal, and mixing.
»Prairie plants help infiltrate water, one acre of established
prairie can absorb 9” of rainfall per hour before runoff
occurs - capturing stormwater pollutants and increasing
groundwater recharge.
»Cost savings from a reduction in mowing area and
frequency.
»Reduced noise for trail users adjacent to the roadway.
»Reduce heat from adjacent roadway, and reduce exposure
to car emissions.
»Increases food production for neighborhood gardens and
farms.
»Habitat offers opportunities for people to connect to
the land via education, volunteering and community
involvement.
In the development of the Central Greenway Regional Trail, the
County will consider planting pollinator-friendly vegetation
along the trail buffer, outside a 2-foot mowed shoulder. The
Section I: Boundaries & Acquisitions
7Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Figure 4: MLCCS Map
0 0.25 0.5 miNORTH
Parks
Central Greenway Lake Elmo
Segment (on new trail)
Central Greenway Lake Elmo
Segment (on existing trail)
Existing Central Greenway Lake
South Segment
Existing Paved Trails
Existing County Soft Surface Trail
Gateway State Trail
MLCCS
Impervious
Agricultural Land
Dry Tall Grasses
Forest
Maintained Tall Grass
Mud Flat
Tree Plantation
Rock Outcrop
Short Grasses
Shrubland
Tall Grassland
Wetland Emergent Veg.
Wetland Forest
Wetland Shrubs
Wetland Open Water
Open Water
Section I: Boundaries & Acquisitions
8 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
vegetation will be planted where appropriate, as to match
the aesthetic of the adjacent landscape. Specific locations will
be determined during the design and development phase. In
particular, the portion of the trail through Lake Elmo Park Reserve
will be considered because it is surrounded by and inside a high
quality natural resource. A diverse native seed mixes designed
by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources which are
comprised of native grasses and flowers would likely be used.
Where pollinator-friendly vegetation is planted, Washington
County will coordinate the necessary maintenance. This will
include annual mowing during the first one to two years of
establishment to provide sunlight and to decrease competition
for seedlings. Once established, the following maintenance
activities will be used; controlled burns, haying and mowing,
and noxious weed control on an as-needed basis, based on
yearly staff assessments.
Site Suitability
The preferred corridor is well suited for a regional trail. The
topography is gentle and little wetland impacts are anticipated.
Special Assessments
None anticipated.
Contamination
No contamination in the proposed corridor is known at this
time.
Other Conditions that Affect Boundaries
None anticipated.
ACQUISITION STATUS
The Central Greenway Regional Trail consists of developed and
undeveloped segments in the corridor between Interstate 94
and MN 36. Existing local trails used throughout the preferred
regional trail alignment will be identified as segments of
the regional trail. No land acquisitions are needed for these
segments of trail.
The Central Greenway Regional Trail north of Lake Elmo
Park Reserve is mostly undeveloped. As a general guideline,
Washington County Parks will attempt to work within the
established right-of-way along County Roads. Washington
County will coordinate with the local municipalities and other
potentially affected agencies, including MnDOT, as needed
if additional right-of-way is necessary for trail development.
The proposed trail alignments along Stillwater Boulevard have
been identified with the understanding that future roadway
improvements, such as widening the road to four lanes, would
require additional right-of-way. If, in the future, the County
expands the roadway and additional land is acquired, it is
assumed that the proposed roadway plans will include trails
in the design. As such, additional right-of-way acquisitions, if
needed for incorporating the regional trail adjacent to a future
county road widening project, was not studied as part the this
master plan amendment.
In the event Washington County does not expand
Stillwater Boulevard or trail development precedes roadway
improvements, additional right-of-way will be required to
develop the proposed trail. The amount of right-of-way required
depends on the existing conditions. There are nine locations
identified in this master plan amendment where additional
right-of-way may be required to develop or improve the
proposed regional trail. These segments and the right-of-way
needed are identified in more detail below and in Figure 6.
BOUNDARIES & ACQUISITION COSTS
The Central Greenway Regional Trail corridor is planned for
development within the public right-of-way. Several segments
of the proposed regional trail exist and need little or no
improvement. Nine locations may need additional right-of-
way for development (Figure 6). The first eight parcels that
potentially require acquisition are located along County Road
14 between Lake Elmo Park Reserve and Downtown Lake Elmo.
It is anticipated that parcel 1 will require 75 feet of additional
right-of-way for a total width of 225 feet. Parcel 2 will require an
additional 50 feet of additional right-of-way for a total of 116 feet
(Figure 9). Parcels 3 through eight will require an additional 20
feet of right-of-way for a total of 110 feet (Figure 10). The ninth
parcel requiring additional right-of-way acquisition is located
Section I: Boundaries & Acquisitions
9Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Figure 5: Habitat Areas
Existing Public Trails (6-10’ wide)
Existing Private Trails (6-10’ wide )
Existing County Soft Surface Trials (6’ wide)
Existing County/Regional Trails (8-10’ wide)
Gateway State Trail (10’ wide)
County Parks
City Parks
Regional Trails
Regional Trail (on new trail)
Regional Trail (on existing trail)
Regional Trail Railroad Crossing Alternate
Interim Regional Trail (on existing local trail)
Interim Regional Trail (on future local trail)
Rusty Patch Bumble Bee Habitat
Outdoor Heritage Fund Work Area
0 0.25 0.5 miNORTH
Section I: Boundaries & Acquisitions
10 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
along County Road 15. It is anticipated that an additional 20 feet
of right-of-way is required to construct the regional trail at this
location to widen the road right-of-way to 150 feet (Figure 11).
The anticipated cost to acquire the necessary right-of-way for
these segments is approximately $1,417,000, as shown in Figure
7.
Willing Seller Policy
The regional trail acquisition process is typically a “willing-
seller” approach. This means parcel acquisition typically occurs
when a property owner is willing and ready to sell, and several
acquisition alternatives are often evaluated to best meet the
needs of the property owner and the implementing agency.
In addition, it is also common for an implementing agency to
closely coordinate with local and regional agencies to partner
on other opportunities that may assist in securing the required
trail right-of-way. At this time, it is difficult to determine when an
acquisition will occur and when the trail construction will begin.
Acquisition alternatives may include the following:
»Route the regional trail to use portions of the property
with marginal development potential. This could include
land adjacent to wetland or flood fringes.
»Acquire regional trail easements for the trail route
through owner/developer negotiations that may include
redevelopment incentives.
»Work with the city and owner/developer to secure park
dedication lands for the regional trail in advance of the
actual development as applicable.
»Coordinate with city initiatives that may result in the
acquisition of the entire property/parcel, with the intent to
resell the property subject to easements for the regional
trail.
»Acquire the development rights to the property.
Development areas would then be negotiated with the
developer.
»Accept donations for portions of the property for the
regional trail corridor.
»Acquire a portion of the property through purchase.
Figure 6: Land Acquisition Map
Segment Acres Total Cost*
Segment R4 Subtotal 3.40 $1,102,000
Segment R5 Subtotal 0.31 $315,000
Total 3.71 $1,417,000
Segment Parcel ID
R4 14.029.21.42.0003
R4 14.029.21.41.0002
R4 13.029.21.23.0071
R4 13.029.21.23.0067
R4 13.029.21.23.0``042
R4 13.029.21.23.0043
R4 13.029.21.23.0044
R4 13.029.21.23.0077
R5 06.029.20.34.0009
Figure 7: Land Acquisition and Acreage Summary
Figure 8: Segment Parcels for Acquisition
*Estimated costs reflect 2019 tax assessed values only for the portion of parcel
needed.
GATEWAY STATE TRAIL
LAKE ELMO PARK RESERVE
SUNFISH LAKE PARK
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CITY OF GRANT
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
CITY OF PINE SPRINGS
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI
CITY OF STILLWATER
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
CITY OF BAYTOWN
WEST LAKELAND TOWNSHIP
CITY OF AFTON
CITY OF WOODBURY
CITY OF OAKDALE
Horseshoe Lake
Jane Lake
Lake Elmo
Sunfish
Lake
Eagle Point
Lake
WhiteBearLake
Lake
Bielenberg DrSettlers Ridge PkwyTower DrTamarack Rd
RadioDrValley Creek RdWoodburyDrWeirDr75thStN
50th St N
InterlachenPkwyHadleyAveNHudson Ave
Woodlane
D
r
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Saint Johns DrHelmoAveNHudson Blvd
Stillwater Rd
4th St N
CourtlyRd Manni
n
g
Av
eNLakeElmoAveNMahtomediAve30th St N
34th St N
GreenwayAve7th St N
15th St N
County Rd 71BoutwellRd
N43rd St N
50th St N
80th St N
Ol
sonLakeTr
N20th St NKeatsAveN
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WildwoodRd Mckusick RdN
IdealAveN39th St N
ManningAveS47th St NDemontrevilleTrN
40th St NJamacaAveN
ManningTrNNealAveSStillwaterBlvdN StillwaterBlvdNHiltonTrAcquisition Area
Segment R
4 Segment R50 0.25 0.5 miNORTH
Section I: Boundaries & Acquisitions
11Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
SUNFISH LAKE
PROPOSED GROUND LINE
EXISTING GROUND LINE
Figure 9: Typical Section for the Proposed Trail along CR 14 West of Lake Elmo Avenue
Figure 10: Typical Section for the Proposed Trail along CR 14 East of Lake Elmo Avenue
Figure 11: Typical Section for the Proposed Trail along CR 15
Section I: Boundaries & Acquisitions
12 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Page Intentionally Blank
Section II: Demand Forecast
13Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
SECTION II: DEMAND FORECAST
DEMOGRAPHIC OVERVIEW
In general, recreation use trends are affected by demographic
trends. By analyzing statewide and regional data, Washington
County can begin to assess how the Central Greenway Regional
Trail will function within the larger trail network.
STATEWIDE AND REGIONAL TRENDS
The 2014-2018 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
(SCORP), published by the Minnesota DNR, gives outdoor
recreation decision-makers and managers a focused set of
priorities and suggested actions to guide them as they make
decisions about outdoor recreation. The SCORP outlines
outdoor recreation trends, challenges, and issues, including
protecting existing natural resources, sustaining existing
facilities, promoting healthy lifestyles, connecting people
with nature, and an increasing demand for a diverse range of
recreation opportunities based upon population changes.
The Metropolitan Council’s 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan notes
that, according to SCORP, several studies show that involvement
in nature-based outdoor recreation among young adults and
their children had decreased since the 1990s. SCORP also notes
that location plays an important role because many users of the
regional trail system live within three miles of the park or trail
that they utilize. Regional trails play an important role because
they provide healthful forms of exercise for people of all age
groups that can be carried out by families, groups, or individuals.
According to SCORP, Minnesota’s growth rate has increased since
2000, but at a slower rate than in the 1990s. Although population
growth in the state has slowed, the geographic pattern of growth
remained largely the same with the high growth areas centered
on the Twin Cities metropolitan area. This new growth will
fuel demands for near-home recreation opportunities in these
areas. The Metropolitan Council’s Thrive 2040 MSP forecasted
growth rate for the Central Greenway Trail’s primary service
area is anticipated to increase by close to 30,000 people from
2020 to 2040 (Figure 12). Outside factors such as gas prices, trail
infrastructure improvements, and increased local sidewalk and
trail network connectivity, may also promote increased use as
trail users look for more recreation opportunities closer to home
and use of the regional trail system as part of their transportation
network. Within fully developed areas where population levels
are expected to remain relatively stable, trail visitation levels and
type of use will also reflect shifting demographics of those areas.
METHODOLOGY
To analyze demographics specific to the Central Greenway
Regional Trail, Washington County used a quantitative measuring
methodology that identifies a primary service area that is three
miles on all sides of the proposed trail corridor (Figure 14). This
methodology provides detail specific to the primary service
area for the proposed trail corridor, which is defined as users
within three miles of the trail corridor. The demographic data on
the following pages is based on the primary service area.
Figure 12: Primary Service Area Population Forecast
Source: Metropolitan Council Thrive 2040 MSP Forecast As of January 1, 2018
132,746
150,120 164,380 177,880
‐
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
180,000
200,000
2010 2020 2030 2040
Primary Service Area Population Forecast
Figure 13: Regional Population Forecast
Source: Metropolitan Council Thrive 2040 MSP Forecast As of January 1, 2018
0
200,000
400,000
600,000
800,000
1,000,000
1,200,000
1,400,000
1,600,000
Anoka
County
Carver
County
Dakota
County
Hennepin
County
Ramsey
County
Scott
County
Washington
County
Regional Population Forecast
2020 2030 2040
Section II: Demand Forecast
14 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Figure 14: Trail Primary Service Area Map
0 1 20.5
Miles
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
LAKE ELMOPARK RESERVE
White Bear Lake
Lake
Elmo St. Croix RiverCITY OF GRANT CITY OF STILLWATER
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
BAYTOWNTOWNSHIP
WEST LAKELAND TOWNSHIP
3 MILES
CITY OF WOODBURY
CITY OF AFTON
CITY OF OAKDALE
BROWNS CREEK STATE TRA I L
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Central Greenway Regional Trail
Lake Elmo Segment Service Area
Regional Parks
City Parks
Existing Regional Trail
Regional Trail Search Corridor
Central Greenway Regional Trail
Lake Elmo Segment Existing Trail
Lake Elmo Segment Proposed Trail
0 0.5 1 miNORTH
AGING POPULATION
While the trend of young adults and their children shows a
reduction in their involvement in nature-based recreation,
SCORP notes that older adults have maintained a more stable
involvement in outdoor recreation. Older adult recreation habits
are well established and demand for their preferred activities
will continue to be strong. However, as this group ages, physical
limitations will require some park and trail visitors to change their
recreational activities from higher intensity activities such as
running, in-line skating, and biking to lower-impact recreational
activities such as walking, nature observation, and educational
opportunities. Many of these activities are accommodated
by the regional trail system. The Central Greenway Regional
Trail provides a recreational opportunity for older residents. A
continuous, wide, and separated trail with limited elevation
changes will serve this population well. Figure 17 shows that
approximately 24 percent of the residents in the primary service
area are currently between the ages of 40 and 54.
MINORITY POPULATIONS
Metropolitan Council demographers anticipate that by 2040,
40 percent of the region’s population will be people of color,
compared with 24 percent in 2010. Within the region, there are
three prevalent immigrant groups: Asians, Hispanic/Latino, and
Black or African Americans. Within the primary service area, 11
percent of the population are non-white (Figure 15). Washington
County will look to provide trail amenities to accommodate trail
users of all backgrounds. One strategy that will be explored is
providing multi-lingual signage.
OTHER TRENDS AFFECTING RECREATION
A 2017 study by the Minnesota Department of Health found
that statewide 28.4 percent of adults were obese and 36.5
percent were overweight. Obesity is a key predictor for many
future health problems, including diabetes. Lack of adequate
exercise – partially resulting from inadequate outdoor recreation
facilities or opportunities – is often cited as a contributor to
obesity. Many young people are not getting enough exercise
and face future health risks as a result. The economic health of
the state relies on continued use and enjoyment of our outdoor
recreation resources. Availability of a wide range of outdoor
recreation opportunities is one of the factors most often cited
as contributing to the state’s perceived high quality of life.
Participation in outdoor recreation may correspond to a greater
Section II: Demand Forecast
15Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Figure 17: Primary Service Area Age Distribution
Source: American Community Survey, 2016
0%
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
Age Distribution
Figure 15: Primary Service Area Race
Source: American Community Survey, 2016
White89%
Black or African American 2%
Asian4%
Hispanic or Latino3%Two or more races2%
Figure 16: Primary Service Area Household Description
Source: American Community Survey, 2016
es
Unmarried families with children6%
Families without children 43%
Married families with children26%
Lived alone21%
Non-family households4%
Section II: Demand Forecast
16 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
interest in and support for measures to protect land, facilities,
and resources necessary to ensure those same activities are
available for future generations.
Population growth in the region and the primary service area will
lead to an increase in the demand for recreational opportunities
within Washington County. New trails, such as the Central
Greenway Regional Trail, will be needed to accommodate the
increase in demand.
ACTIVE LIVING BY DESIGN – A COMPLEMENTARY
VISION
The “active living by design” movement gaining momentum
across the country complements the vision for the regional trail.
As stated by one of the initiators of the movement, active living
by design “is a way of life that integrates physical activity into
daily routines.” Key principles of this movement as it pertains to
this plan include:
»Physical activity is a behavior that can favorably improve
health and quality of life.
»Everyone, regardless of age, gender, language, ethnicity,
economic status or ability, should have safe, convenient
and affordable choices for physical activity.
»Parks and trails, should be safe, accessible and part of a
transportation network that connects destinations of
interest, such as other parks, housing, schools, work sites,
transit, community services and businesses.
»Municipalities and other governing bodies should plan
for ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration, promotion
of facilities, behavioral supports, policies that support
the vision of active living, and routine maintenance that
ensures continued safety, quality and attractiveness of the
physical infrastructure and the natural environment.
The following provides an overview of pertinent findings
from research that supports the active living movement and
development of this regional trail.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY/PREVENTING OBESITY
Physical inactivity causes numerous physical and mental health
problems, is responsible for an estimated 200,000 deaths per year
in the United States, and contributes to the obesity epidemic.
The design of communities and the presence or absence of
parks, trails, and other quality public recreational facilities affects
people’s ability to reach the recommended 30 minutes each day
of moderately intense physical activity. A growing number of
studies show that people in activity-friendly environments are
more likely to be physically active in their leisure time.
For example, research findings clearly indicate that better
access to facilities, pleasant surroundings, safe places,
walkable neighborhoods, and activity-friendly environments
all encourage higher levels of active recreation. Proximity,
connectivity, and design quality of trails can be added to this list
to encourage more active lifestyles.
This is especially the case with children, where better access to
healthy choices is vital to reducing the rate of obesity. Since the
1970s the percentage of obese children 6 to 11 years old has
tripled. Obesity has doubled among preschool children and
Section II: Demand Forecast
17Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
adolescents. Turning these statistics around means increasing
children’s physical activity and improving what they eat.
CONNECTIVITY AND ACCESSIBILITY
Being able to reach or access a variety of destinations (e.g.,
parks, retail areas, tourist site, workplaces, health services,
grocery stores) via trails is critical to many dimensions of a
healthy community and healthy personal lifestyle. Ensuring that
trails meet ADA standards is important to accommodate the
broadest cross-section of user groups.
MENTAL HEALTH
A number of studies have demonstrated how being outdoors
and in direct contact with nature leads to improved mental
health and psychological development. Recent data show that
mental health disorders will account for some of the world’s
largest health problems in upcoming decades. People do not
have to actively use nature to benefit from it; rather, visual
exposure is enough. The outdoor experience offered along the
Central Greenway Regional Trail will, at some level, contribute
positively to the collective well-being of the communities along
the trail corridor.
STATEWIDE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (SHIP)
Washington County, through the SHIP program, has developed
the Living Healthy in Washington County initiative in order to
implement policies and practices that create active communities
by increasing opportunities for non-motorized transportation
and access to community resources and recreation facilities.
EXISTING WASHINGTON COUNTY USE DATA
Washington County and the Metropolitan Council collect data
and produce reports on who visits regional parks and trails,
and how they are being used. These reports allow Washington
County to track visitation and usage data overtime, and assess
performance. Determining the types of users and their needs is
an important step when evaluating future park and trail needs.
Ultimately, this information helps Washington County make
informed decisions for planning, building, and maintaining the
parks and trails system. Park and trail visitation data developed in
the Washington County 2040 comprehensive plan can be found
in “Appendix F: Park and Trail Visitation data” on page 79.
Section III: Development Concept
18 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
SECTION III: DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
When fully developed, the Central Greenway Regional Trail will
provide residents of Washington County with direct access
to a regional trail that connects three premier regional park
facilities: Big Marine Park Reserve, Lake Elmo Park Reserve and
Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park. In addition, the regional
trail will provide a separated, off-road facility for recreation and
transportation purposes that will connect with adjacent local
trails and other amenities, such as Stillwater High School and
Downtown Lake Elmo.
DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Permitted Regional Trail Uses
The regional trail will be open to the general public. Its intended
uses include walking, jogging, in-line skating, bicycling, and
other uses mandated by state law including, but not limited to,
non-motor electric personal assisted devices. Motorized vehicle
and equestrian uses will be prohibited, except for motorized
vehicles used by the Washington County and partner cities
for maintenance or law enforcement activities or otherwise
permitted for ADA access.
Adjacent Uses
Along the west side of County Road 15, north of 43rd Street,
the Star Trail Snowmobile Association maintains a snowmobile
trail. During implementation, Washington County will work with
the snowmobile community to accommodate snowmobile
use parallel to the paved trail, where possible, or to identify
alternative routes that would meet their needs. Washington
has demonstrated successful coordination of snowmobile use
adjacent to regional trails with Hardwood Creek Regional Trail.
Regional Trail Design Guidelines
The trail design for the Central Greenway Regional Trail is a
10-foot-wide paved surface separated from vehicular traffic
(Figure 18). There may be instances that require the trail to be
temporarily reduced in width for short segments until funding is
available to improve sections that do not meet typical regional
trail design guidelines (Figure 19). A bituminous trail surface
is preferred because it is cost-effective, less prone to erosion
than aggregate surfaces, provides for a more desirable trail user
experience.
Figure 18: Typical Trail Cross-Section
Shoulder/Clear Zone2’-0”
Min. 3’-0”Clear to Edge of Sign
Paved Trail10’-0”
Vertical Clear Zone10’-0”
CL
Typical 10-foot regional trail.
From To Along Length
Interstate 94 Boat launch
Access Road
Keats Avenue/
CR 19 2.9 Miles
County Road 17*County Road 14*39th Street 0.5 Miles*
39th Street Stillwater Way County Road 14 0.2 Miles
County Road 14*County Road 15*Stillwater Way 0.5 Miles*
County Road 15 Minnesota
Avenue 58th Street 0.05 Miles
*Interim alignment
Figure 19: Existing Eight-Foot Wide Trail Segments
Section III: Development Concept
19Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
A number of factors will be taken into consideration as final
designs for unconstructed segments are implemented, such as:
»Right-of-way width
»Topography and drainage impacts
»Existing vegetation
»Curb cuts and driveway crossings
»Overhead and subsurface utilities
»Intersection crossings
»Proximity to adjacent structures and properties
In circumstances with limited right-of-way, trails will still be
located off-road, but with less boulevard between the trail edge
and back of curb. In these locations, the trail will be separated
from the road by a minimum paved two-foot-wide clear zone.
This paved clear zone between the back of curb and trail edge
provides a buffer between the trail users and motorists and will
be striped to delineate the edge of the trail. Curb ramps will be
used at all roadways. Regional trails should have a maximum of
five percent grade and a cross slope of two percent for drainage.
In addition, where right-of-way allows, final trail design will
attempt to maximize the boulevard width to account for sign
placement and snow storage.
A regional trail may be wider than 10 feet if forecasted user
volumes warrant an increased width and space is available for
the trail. For example, the potential for bike and pedestrian
conflicts was mentioned during the community engagement
process. This master plan addresses this concern in several
ways. The plan proposed widening the trail to 12 feet, where
possible, allowing more space for trail users. The plan also states
that the appropriate type of trail crossing treatments for each
crossing location will be designed in accordance with industry
best practices, in order to minimize conflicts between trail users
and roadway traffic. Also, the regional trail segment extending
through Lake Elmo Park Reserve may include additional
limestone and/or bituminous shoulders to accommodate the
higher pedestrian and cyclist usage. Finally, Washington County
will consider stripping and signage to help minimize trail user
conflicts.
Regional trail segments will be designed in accordance with
all applicable federal, state, and local codes. In addition, the
following sources will be referred and adhered to when
preparing the design and construction plans as appropriate:
»Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, prepared
by the American Association of State Highway and
Transportation Officials (AASHTO), 2012
»MnDOT Bikeway Facility Design Manual, Minnesota
Department of Transportation (MnDOT), March 2007
10-foot regional trail with limestone shoulder.
16-foot regional trail with bicycle and pedestrian zone.
Section III: Development Concept
20 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
»State Aid Rule 8820.9995 Minimum Bicycle Path Standards,
State Aid for Local Transportation
»Trail Planning, Design, and Development Guidelines,
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MnDNR)
»Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD),
MnDOT, 2014
»Public Right-of-Way Access Guidelines (PROWAG)
»Best Practices for Traffic Control at Regional Trail Crossings,
A collaborative effort of Twin Cities road and trail managing
agencies, July 2011
»Selecting Roadway Design Treatments to Accommodate
Bicycles, Federal Highway Administration, January 1994
»Bicycle and Pedestrian Wayfinding, Metropolitan Council,
October 2011
PRIMARY TRAIL DESIGN ELEMENTS
Trail Crossings
The suburban setting for the Lake Elmo Segment of the Central
Greenway Regional Trail requires that it coexist with higher
volume roadways. There are numerous locations where the
regional trail crosses such roadways, including:
»County Road 10
»County Road 14
»50th Street
»58th Street
The types of trail crossing treatments appropriate for each
crossing location will be designed in accordance with industry
best practices, in order to minimize conflicts between trail users
and roadway traffic.
In all cases, existing roadway configuration, infrastructure
elements, vegetation, and other potential visual obstructions
will be evaluated so sight lines can be maintained. Special
provisions, such as mirrors, may be added to improve trail
visibility from driveways if deemed appropriate. As vehicular
traffic fluctuates, there may be a need for additional traffic
signals or modifications to existing signalized intersections.
These type of design considerations and trail enhancements
will be addressed during the trail design development phase.
Trail Underpasses/Overpasses
It may be appropriate to install a grade-separated trail underpass
or overpass in some situations where the regional trail crosses
higher volume roadways or railroads. The benefit of a trail
underpass/overpass is that it provides safe access to the other
side of a high-volume roadway or the Union Pacific Railroad
without interaction with vehicular or train traffic. Several
factors need to be considered when planning the location for
underpasses/overpasses. Groundwater levels, existing grades
and sufficient right-of-way are all important considerations
to assess when locating underpasses. These types of design
considerations and trail enhancements will be addressed during
the trail design development phase.
SUPPORTING TRAIL ELEMENTS
Trail wayfinding signage, traffic signage and devices, rest stops,
and drainage are important elements of regional trails. Their
Figure 20: Wayfinding Signage Locations
Trailheads
Eagle Point Trailhead
Lake Elmo Elementary School/Lake Elmo City Hall
Stillwater High School
Rest Stops
Keats Avenue/County Road 19 and 5th Street
Lake Elmo Park Reserve Access Road and Boat Launch Access Road
50th Street and Stillwater Boulevard
Directional Signs
Keats Avenue/County Road 19 and County Road 10
Lake Elmo Park Reserve Access Road and Swim Pond Access Road
Lake Elmo Park Reserve Access Road and Boat Launch Access Road
Lake Elmo Park Reserve Access Road and County Road 14
County Road 14 and County Road 17
County Road 14 and Laverne Avenue
County Road 14 and Stillwater Way
County Road 14 and County Road 15
County Road 15 and 50th Street
County Road 15 and 58th Street
Section III: Development Concept
21Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Figure 21: Trailhead and Rest Stop Locations
G A T EW AY STATE TR AILLAKE ELMO PARK RESERVE
SUNFISH LAKE PARK
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CITY OF GRANT
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
CITY OF PINE SPRINGS
CITY OF MAHTOMEDI
CITY OF STILLWATER
CITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTS
CITY OF BAYTOWN
WEST LAKELAND TOWNSHIP
CITY OF AFTON
CITY OF WOODBURY
CITY OF OAKDALE
Horseshoe Lake
Jane Lake
Lake Elmo
SunfishLake
Eagle
Point Lake
WhiteBearLake
Lake
Bielenberg DrSettlers Ridge PkwyTower DrTamarack Rd
RadioDrValley Creek RdWoodburyDrWeirDr75thStN
50th St N
InterlachenPkwyHadleyAveNHudson Ave
Woodlane
Dr
HudsonRd
Saint Johns DrHelmoAveNHudsonBlvd
Stillwater Rd
4th St N
Cour tl y Rd Ma
n
n
i
n
g
Ave
NLakeElmoAveNMahtomediAve30th St N
34th St N
GreenwayAve7th St N
15th St N
County Rd 71BoutwellRdN
43rd St N
50th St N
80th St N
OlsonLake
Tr
N20th St NKeatsAveN
Commerce Dr
W ild w oodR dMckusickRdN
IdealAveN39thSt N
ManningAveS47th St NDemontrevilleTrN
40th StNJamacaAveN
ManningTrNNealAveSStillwater Blvd N StillwaterBlvdNHiltonTrR
R
R
TH
TH
TH
D
D
D
D
D
D D
D
D
D
Existing Public Trails (6-10’ wide)
Existing Private Trails (6-10’ wide )
Existing County Soft Surface Trials (6’ wide)
Existing County/Regional Trails (8-10’ wide)
Gateway State Trail (10’ wide)
County Parks
City Parks
Regional Trails
Regional Trail (on new trail)
Regional Trail (on existing trail)
Regional Trail Railroad Crossing Alternate
Interim Regional Trail (on existing local trail)
Interim Regional Trail (on future local trail)
Regional Trail Rest Stop
Regional Trail Trailhead
Regional Trail Directional Sign
0 0.25 0.5 miNORTH
R
TH
D
Trailhead at Stillwater High School
Eagle Point Trailhead
Trailhead at Lake Elmo Elementary
School/Lake Elmo City Hall
Section III: Development Concept
22 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
proper design and placement add both aesthetic and functional
value to the trail.
Wayfinding Signage
Regional trail wayfinding signage provides trail users with
orientation and location information for amenities and services.
Wayfinding signage may provide:
»An overview map of the regional trail network in
Washington County, and the specific regional trail.
»Directions and distances to major destinations and points
of interest along the regional trail.
»Directions for long-term detours or interim routes when
there are gaps within the regional trail.
»Location information for nearby amenities such as local
parks and local trails.
»Location information for nearby services, such as drinking
water, public restrooms, and public parking.
»Visual identification of the regional trail network through
physical kiosk/signage structures.
The suburban nature of the Central Greenway Regional Trail
requires wayfinding signage at strategic delineated points
(Figure 20 & Figure 21). These typically include major roadway
intersections with other trails, trailheads, parks or other adjacent
public facilities. The exact location and content of wayfinding
signage will be determined in conjunction with local community
input and is often dictated by available public right-of-way.
Washington County Parks uses kiosks in their parks as wayfinding
signage to identify trail routes and system amenities. Developing
directional signage for the Central Greenway Regional Trail that
includes visual indication of direction and location of points of
interest along the trail will benefit trail users along the trail route.
The design of the directional sign can include arrow blades and/
or text to identify features. Descriptions of each are as follows:
Kiosks: A free-standing structure that provides trail users with a
map of the park or trail system, the park or trail rules, and general
information about the park or trail.
Directional Signage: A post structure depicting the direction,
the name, and the distance to major destinations and points of
interest on the trail.
Rest Stops
Rest stops are located at key locations and provide places for trail
users to stop and rest along the trail and an area for amenities
such as benches, and bicycle racks. These simple but important
amenities can serve to reinforce the identity of the regional trail
route. Comments received from the public during the open
house at Stillwater High School informed which amenities were
included at rest stops. Locations for rest stops are shown in Figure
20. All rest stops will be further evaluated and incorporated into
Central Greenway Regional Trail as appropriate during design
and implementation. The cost per rest stop is approximately
$7,000 each (2018 dollars).
11/21/2014 2Hardwood Creek Trail Branding
Bridge Inspired
Example of kiosk concept and signage for Washington County trails. (Artwork
provided by Washington County)
Hardwood Creek kiosk and rest stop. (Photo provided by Washington County)
Section III: Development Concept
23Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Trailheads
Trailheads are located at key locations along the trail and
provide a place for trail users to access the trail using their car.
The proposed trailhead locations utilize existing parking lots.
Besides parking, other amenities such as drinking fountains,
portable toilets, bike repair stations, and wayfinding kiosks
are also included at trailheads. These amenities were selected
based off of public comments received during the open house
at Stillwater High School.
Traffic Signage and Devices
In addition to wayfinding signage, the regional trail will
incorporate traffic control signs and devices, such as trail stop
signs and trail crossing signage. These signs and devices will
reflect the physical characteristics and usability of individual trail
segments and the system as a whole. Therefore, as trail segments
are developed (or reconstructed), trail signs and devices may
require modification. The cost to add traffic control signs and
devices, to a regional trail is approximately $1.50 per linear foot.
Drainage
In many locations, the drainage of the regional trail is similar
to that of a typical sidewalk. Stormwater sheet flows over the
trail pavement and onto the adjacent roadway, where it is
collected and conveyed by the roadway stormwater drainage
system. In areas where the regional trail is on an independent
route, such as through parks or other green spaces, alternative
stormwater best management practices, such as rain gardens
and infiltration swales, may be explored during the design
phase of the regional trail. Stormwater must shed rapidly from
the surface of the trail to prevent hazardous situations for the
users, such as water pooling on the trail surface.
ROUTE ASSESSMENT
The section of the Central Greenway Regional Trail covered in
this master plan amendment has been divided into six segments
that are composed of developed and undeveloped trail (Figure
22 & Figure 23). To preserve and protect the longevity of the
trail and rights and responsibilities associated with owning,
operating, and maintaining a regional trail, public trail easements
are recommended for the entire corridor, regardless of the
compliance of existing segments with the design standards
of the governing agency. Securing easements to bring non-
compliant trail segments into compliance is important, but it
is less important than securing easements for trail sections that
currently do not exist.
The trail segments are described on the following page.
Figure 22: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment Proposed Alignment
Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segments
Segment From To Along Length
R1 I-94 County Road 10 County Road 19/Keats Avenue 1.1 Miles
R2 County Road 10 Park Maintenance Area Access Road Lake Elmo Park Reserve Access Road 2.2 Miles
R3 Park Maintenance Area Access Road Stillwater Lane North Lake Elmo Park Reserve Access Road 1.0 Miles
R3A Park Maintenance Area Access Road Stillwater Lane North Lake Elmo Park Reserve Access Road 0.5 Miles
R4 Stillwater Lane North County Road 15/Manning Avenue County Road 14/Stillwater Boulevard 1.7 Miles
R5 County Road 15/Manning Avenue 58th Street North County Road 15/Stillwater Boulevard 1.9 Miles
R6 58th Street North MN 36 58th Street North and future road 0.7 Miles
B1 County Road 14 & County Road 17 39th Street N & County Road 14 County Road 17 and 39th Street N 0.8 Miles
B2 County Road 14 & Stillwater Way Stillwater Way & County Road 15 Stillwater Way 0.7 Miles
Typical trail stop sign at road intersection.
Figure 23: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment Map.
Section III: Development Concept
24 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
LAKE ELMO PARK RESERVE
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Existing Public Trails (6-10’ wide)
Existing Private Trails (6-10’ wide )
Existing County Soft Surface Trials (6’ wide)
Existing County/Regional Trails (8-10’ wide)
Gateway State Trail (10’ wide)
County Parks
City Parks
Trail Sub Segments
Regional Trail (on new trail)
Regional Trail (on existing trail)
Regional Trail Railroad Crossing Alternate
Interim Regional Trail (on existing local trail)
Interim Regional Trail (on future local trail)
0 0.25 0.5 miNORTH
Figure 24: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R1
Section III: Development Concept
25Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Segment R1
Segment R1 measures approximately 1.1 miles long and extends
from I-94 to County Road 10. This trail segment of the Central
Greenway Regional Trail will utilize the existing trail along the
east side of County Road 19/Keats Avenue. This existing trail
also connects to the existing south segment of the Central
Greenway Regional Trail located south of I-94. Trail Segment R1
extends through the signalized intersection at the I-94 off ramp
at County Road 19/Keats Avenue. The existing trail then extends
across I-94 on an eight foot wide trail. It is anticipated that the
trail will be upgraded to10-feet wide at the time the I-94 bridge
is reconstructed in the future. After crossing I-94, the existing trail
continues through another signalized intersection at the I-94 off
ramp at County Road 19/Keats Avenue. Both pedestrian walks
extending through the two I-94 off ramps includes Americans
with Disabilities (ADA) compliant pedestrian ramps with raised
truncated domes and trail crossing push buttons. From this
point north, the trail will continue on the east side of County
Road 19/Keats Avenue to County Road 10 on the existing eight
foot trail. The existing eight foot trail will be widened to 10 feet
at a future date in conjunction with roadway improvements.
0 400 800 ftNORTH
Signalized intersection
Existing 8’ trail
over I-94
Regional trail Segment R1
on existing local trail
Regional trail Segment R2
on existing county trail
Existing local trail
Regional Trail Rest Stop
Existing 4-way stop
Lake Elmo Park Reserve
Existing Central
Greenway Regional Trail
Existing road right-of-way
Existing trail across I-94.
Section III: Development Concept
26 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Segment R2
Segment R2 measures approximately 2.2 miles long and extends
from County Road 10 to Lake Elmo Park Reserve Maintenance
Area Access Road. The majority of Segment R2 utilizes an existing
eight foot paved trail that extends through Lake Elmo Park
Reserve. The existing eight foot trail will eventually be widened
to at least 10 feet at a future date. The existing trail extending
through the park may be widened to 12 feet to accommodate
additional paved and/or gravel shoulders for pedestrians.
Trail Segment R2 starts at the existing four-way stop intersection
at County Road 19/Keats Avenue and continues north on the
existing trail on the east side of Keats Avenue. The pedestrian
ramps extending through County Road 10 includes ADA
compliant pedestrian ramps with raised truncated domes. Trail
Segment R2 continues on the east side of Keats Avenue until
it crosses Keats Avenue to an approximately 0.25 mile long
unbuilt trail segment on the west side of Keats Avenue south of
the Lake Elmo Park Reserve entrance pay station. The proposed
regional trail alignment crosses Keats Avenue south of the pay
station rather than following the existing trail to the pay station
in effort to reduce trail user conflicts with vehicles paying to
enter the park. During busy days, vehicles often get backed up
at the pay station and pullover/parking area on the east side of
the road. The backed up vehicles create potential for trail users
running into car doors as they swing open.
The unbuilt trail segment on the west side of Keats Avenue south
of the pay station connects to the existing trail on the west side
of Keats Avenue at the pay station. Keats Avenue becomes a
park access road as it moves north into Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
From the pay station, the trail continues north on the existing
paved trail along the Park Access Road on the west side of the
road until reaching the Boat Launch Access Road. From the
Boat Launch Access Road, Segment R2 will extend north, along
the existing Park Maintenance Area Access Road. This part of
Segment R2 will require a new paved trail. Key destinations this
trail segment passes are the Eagle Point Trailhead and the Lake
Elmo Nordic Center.
Existing trail on east side of Keats Avenue in Lake Elmo Park Reserve.Eagle Point Trailhead parking lot.
Trail crossing of Keats Avenue at Lake Elmo Park Reserve Existing trail on west side of Park Access Road in Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Section III: Development Concept
27Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Figure 25: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R2 Figure 26: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R2
Regional trail Segment R2
on existing county trail
Regional trail Segment R2
on existing county trail
Regional trail Segment R2
on existing soft surface trail
Park Maintenance
Area Access Road
Regional trail Segment
R3A on new paved trail
Regional trail
Segment R3-
unbuilt
Existing soft surface trails
Railroad right-of-way
Existing Emergency
Access Road
Potential trail crossing across railroad Existing road
right-of-way
Existing paved
county trails
Lake Elmo Park
Reserve pay station
Eagle Point Trailhead
Existing soft surface
trails/nordic ski trails
Lake Elmo Nordic Center
Regional trail Segment R1
on existing local trail
Existing 4-way stop
0 0400 400800 ft 800 ftNORTHNORTH
Regional trail Segment
R4 - unbuilt
Existing paved county trails
Regional Trail Rest Stop
Section III: Development Concept
28 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Figure 27: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R3 and R3A
Segment R3
Segment R3 measures approximately 1.0 miles long. The trail
extends along Lake Elmo Park Reserve Emergency Access Road
from the Lake Elmo Park Reserve Maintenance Area Access
Road to County Road 14/Stillwater Boulevard. Trail Segment R3
continues east along the south side of Stillwater Boulevard to
Stillwater Lane.
Trail Segment R3 begins by extending along the west side of the
Emergency Access Road until it crosses the Emergency Access
Road to the east side of the road at the existing farm driveway.
From the farm driveway, the trail will continue on the east side
of the Emergency Access Road across the existing railroad
crossing. A trail overpass could be constructed at a natural
highpoint just west of the existing at-grade railroad crossing.
Washington County will determine how to cross the railroad at
a later date. Once across the railroad, the trail will continues east
on the south side of Stillwater Boulevard in the public right-of-
way.
Segment R3A
Segment R3A measures approximately 0.5 miles long. The trail
extends along the existing soft surface trail that extends north
south from the Lake Elmo Park Reserve Maintenance Area
Access Road to the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way. Near the
Union Pacific Railroad and park boundary, the trail alignment
extends east through the sparsely distributed coniferous trees.
The trail then crosses the railroad using a trail underpass at an
existing low point.
The three options for crossing the railroad (at grade, overpass,
or underpass) will be further evaluated during design
development.
Regional trail Segment R3 - unbuilt Regional trail Segment R4 - unbuilt
Regional trail Segment
R3A on existing soft
surface trail
Railroad right-of-way
Existing Emergency
Access Road
Potential trail crossing across railroad Existing road
right-of-way
Potential trail underpass under railroad
Park Maintenance Area
Access Road
Trail located around park
maintenance facilities and nursery
0 400 800 ftNORTH
Regional Trail Rest StopRegional trail Segment R2
on existing soft surface trail
Existing at-grade railroad crossing in Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Section III: Development Concept
29Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Figure 28: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R4
Segment R4
Segment R4 measures approximately 1.7 miles long and extends
along Stillwater Boulevard/County Road 14 from Stillwater Lane
to County Road 15/Manning Avenue. Segment R4 begins by
extending along the south side of Stillwater Boulevard/County
Road 14 from Stillwater Lane to Lake Elmo Avenue. The trail
extends through the signalized intersection at County Road 17
on the south side of Stillwater Boulevard
Segment R4 will require additional design to develop a trail
given the narrow right-of-way located near the farm building
along County Road 14 through downtown Lake Elmo. Given the
narrow right-of-way, one design option may be to locate the
trail directly adjacent to the roadway with a physical separation
from the travel lane, such as a curb or jersey barrier. The Lake
Elmo Library should be identified with signage from the trail
to alert trail users to its location, two blocks south of Stillwater
Boulevard.
Regional trail Segment R3 - unbuilt
Regional trail Segment R3A - unbuilt
Regional trail Segment R4 - unbuilt
Interim regional trail
Segment B1 - unbuilt
Regional Trailhead at Lake Elmo
Elementary School/Lake Elmo City Hall
Narrow right-of-way
Railroad right-of-way
Signalized intersection Lake Elmo Library
0 400 800 ftNORTH
Signalized intersection at County Road 14 and County Road 17.
Narrow right-of-way along County Road 14 near existing farm building.
Section III: Development Concept
30 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Figure 29: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R4 and B1
Segment R4
Trail Segment R4 continues east along the south side of
Stillwater Boulevard from County Road 17. Trail Segment R4
crosses Stillwater Boulevard to the north side at the signalized
intersection at Lake Elmo Avenue. The existing pedestrian
facilities at Lake Elmo Avenue have push button signals and
truncated domes. From Lake Elmo Avenue, trail Segment
R4 continues along the north side of Stillwater Boulevard/
County Road 14 through downtown Lake Elmo to the recently
constructed trail along the north/east side of Stillwater
Boulevard extending from 39th Street to Stillwater Way. From
Stillwater Way, trail Segment R4 continues east on the unbuilt
trail segment along the recently realigned County Road 14 to
the signalized intersection at County Road 15.
Segment B1
Building a trail through downtown Lake Elmo will require
adjusting the road geometry and potential acquisition
of additional right-of-way. Construction of a trail though
downtown Lake Elmo will likely not occur until Stillwater
Regional trail Segment R4 - unbuilt
Regional trail Segment R4
on existing local trail
Interim regional trail
Segment B1 - unbuilt
Lake Elmo Elementary
Signalized intersection
Lake Elmo City Hall
Existing local trail
Interim regional trail Segment
B1 on existing local trail
Interim regional trail Segment
B2 on existing local trail
Narrow right-of-way
Railroad right-of-way
Lake Elmo Park
Lake Elmo VFW Baseball Field
0 400 800 ftNORTH
Regional Trailhead at
Lake Elmo Elementary
School/Lake Elmo
City Hall
Existing interim trail alignment along 39th Street.
Narrow right-of-way through downtown Lake Elmo.
Section III: Development Concept
31Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Figure 30: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R5 and B2
Boulevard/County Road 14 is widened by the County. Given
the unknown timeframe before a trail through downtown Lake
Elmo can be built, an interim trail alignment is proposed that
wraps around downtown Lake Elmo.
Segment B1, the interim alignment around downtown Lake
Elmo, measures approximately 0.8 miles long. The interim trail
segment extends north south along Lake Elmo Avenue / County
Road 17 from Stillwater Boulevard to the existing trail along
39th Street. The interim trail alignment continues by extending
along the existing 39th Street trail to the recently constructed
trail along Stillwater Boulevard. The unbuilt trail segment along
County Road 17 will likely be constructed when the adjacent
farmland is developed.
Segment B2
Trail Segment B2 extends approximately 0.7 miles along the
existing trail on the north side of Stillwater Way from County
Road 14 to County Road 15. Trail Segment B2 serves as an
interim trail alignment for the unbuilt trail segment of Segment
R4 extending along County Road 14 between Stillwater Way
and County Road 15. This unbuilt trail segment of Segment R4
extends along the recently constructed roadway and thus may
not be reconstructed for some time.
Segment R5
Segment R5 measures approximately 1.9 miles long and extends
along the west side of County Road 15/Stillwater Boulevard from
County Road 14 to 58th Street. Segment R5 extends along the
eight foot wide trail recently constructed in conjunction with
the roadway realignment project of County Road 15 and 14. The
existing trail segment extends along County Road 15 between
the signalized intersection located at County Road 14 and the
signalized intersection at Stillwater Way. The trail will eventually
be widened to preferred regional trail width of 10 feet wide. The
remaining unbuilt portion of trail Segment R5 continues on the
east side County Road 15/Stillwater Boulevard to 58th Street.
Regional trail Segment R4 - unbuilt
Regional trail Segment R5
on existing local trail
Washington County
Fairgrounds
Regional trail Segment R5 - unbuilt
Signalized intersection
Existing local trail
Interim regional trail Segment
B2 on existing local trail
0 400 800 ftNORTH
Section III: Development Concept
32 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Figure 31: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R5
Segment R5 continues along the west side of County Road
15/Stillwater Boulevard. Few obstacles exist to construct the
unbuilt portion of Segment R5. The trail segment along County
Road 15 has adequate right-of-way to construct the trail
without additional acquisition. Furthermore, the majority of the
overhead utilities are located on the east side of County Road
15 reducing the likelihood of costs associated with relocating
utilities.
There are two signalized intersections along Segment R5.
The first signalized intersection is located at 50th Street. This
signalized intersection is furnished with truncated domes and
pedestrian push buttons. The second signalized intersection is
located at 58th Street. This intersection lacks truncated domes
and has outdated pedestrian push buttons. In addition to
updating pedestrian ramps and signals to meet current ADA
design standards, a trail overpass is proposed at 58th Street to
provide a safe crossing from the regional trail to Stillwater High
School.
Segment R5 also features a proposed rest stop near an existing
bus stop located at Linden Trail. This trail rest stop was selected
to provide trail users who chose to use the trail to access the
MetroTransit bus stop a space to park their bicycle. Several other
bus stops are located throughout Segment R5 including near
the proposed trailhead at Stillwater High School.
Signalized intersection
Existing local trail
Regional Trail Rest Stop
Regional trail Segment
R5 - unbuilt
Existing road right-of-way
Interim regional trail Segment
B2 on existing local trail
Washington County
Fairgrounds
0 400 800 ftNORTH
Section III: Development Concept
33Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Figure 32: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R5
Signalized intersection
Potential grade separated
crossing to high school
Regional Trailhead at
Stillwater High School
Existing local trail
Regional trail Segment
R5 - unbuilt
Regional trail Segment R6 - unbuilt
Existing road right-of-way Stillwater High School
0 400 800 ftNORTH
Signalized intersection at County Road 15 and 50th Street.
Typical road section of County Road 15 looking south.Signalized intersection at County Road 15 and 58th Street.
Section III: Development Concept
34 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Figure 33: Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment R5
Segment R6
Segment R6 measures approximately 0.7 miles long and extends
from County Road 15 to County Road 15 and MN 36. Trail
Segment R6 may extend along 58th Street and the proposed
frontage road alignment developed as part of the Manning
and 36 Interchange Study currently being conducted by
Washington County. A small existing trail segment exists along
58th Street along the gas station property near County Road 15
and 58th Street. However, this small existing segment may not
be incorporated into the regional trail system if the Manning and
MN 36 Interchange Study designates the trail on the other side
of the road or along a different alignment. This study will help
determine the road and trail network alternations that will be
needed as part of any interchange project. Washington County
Engineering Division is coordinating with the Parks Division to
ensure the trail connection will be up to the regional standard.
Existing local trail
Regional trail Segment
R5 - unbuilt
Regional trail
Segment R6 - unbuiltManning and MN 36 interchange
frontage road. Location TBD
Existing road right-of-way
Stillwater High School
0 400 800 ftNORTH
Existing Manning and MN 36 intersection.
Existing Trail along 58th Street near gas station.
Section III: Development Concept
35Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
IMPLEMENTATION
It is anticipated that the regional trail will be implemented in
stages, with the construction of various stages driven by available
funding and local factors, such as timing of adjacent roadway
improvements, and public desire to expand the regional trail
system. Until the corridor is fully developed, gaps in the regional
trail will exist. However, the ultimate trail geometry will consist
of a 10-foot-wide (minimum) paved surface, separate from any
adjacent roadway, so that trail users will not share the roadway
with motorized vehicles.
The development and implementation of unconstructed trail
segments and upgrading of certain trail segments to regional
trail standards will require additional activities beyond the
master plan amendment phase. These activities typically include
the preparation of final construction documents, additional
property and natural resource analysis, final cost estimates,
city staff review, trail-way cooperative agreements, and public
approval meetings (such as City Council and Park Commission
and County Board meetings).
ESTIMATED COSTS
Regional trail implementation has both initial costs (acquisition
and development) and on-going costs (operations and
maintenance). Trail development will occur as opportunities to
coordinate with other agencies/projects occur, funding becomes
available, and at the discretion of the Washington County Board
of Commissioners. Individual development projects may move
ahead of schedule to coincide with development adjacent to
the trail corridor that can result in cost savings.
Development Costs
Regional trail development includes the cost to prepare the site;
reconfigure roadways as required; modify drainage patterns
where necessary; pave the trail; and install signage, striping, and
landscaping. In total, the estimated development cost for the
Lake Elmo Segment of the Central Greenway Regional Trail is
$6,873,359. See Appendix A. Detailed Cost Estimate for further
information.
Section IV: Conflicts and Coordination with Adjacent Public Services
36 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
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Section IV: Conflicts and Coordination with Adjacent Public Services
37Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
SECTION IV: CONFLICTS AND COORDINATION WITH
ADJACENT PUBLIC SERVICES
The Lake Elmo Segment of the Central Greenway Regional
Trail is proposed to be developed within public right-of-way.
Additional right-of-way may be needed to develop some
segments of the trail along County Road 14. Final determination
of right-of-way needs will be identified when trails are proposed,
which may coincide with road widening projects or adjacent
property development. The total estimated cost of additional
right-of-way is $1,417,000 in 2018 dollars.
There are buried utilities, including gas and sanitary sewer
in the right-of-way along portions of the regional trail. High-
voltage overhead power are located near the location of the
new frontage road being designed as part of the Manning and
MN 36 interchange project. Coordination with utilities will be
required during design development to ensure that the trail is
constructed without imposing on utility easements or otherwise
impacting the utility corridors.
Existing High-voltage overhead power lines near proposed frontage road of Manning and MN 36.
Section V: Operations and Maintenance
38 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Page Intentionally Blank
Section V: Operations and Maintenance
39Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
SECTION V: OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
Washington County manages and operates its park and trail
system with internal staff including seasonal and full-time
employees. The Parks Division has an annual operations and
maintenance budget of approximately $4,000,000 to operate
and maintain the County’s park and trail system.
The Central Greenway Regional Trail Lake Elmo Segment will
be overseen by professional public safety, operations and
maintenance staff operating out of Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
This trail will add new mileage to the Washington County’s
regional trail system and operations and maintenance costs will
increase because of the expansion of the system. Additional
staff time and equipment will be needed to maintain the new
trail segments. No new equipment will be needed as the County
will utilize existing trucks and mowers to maintain the trail. It is
anticipated that the annual cost to maintain the trail upon full
build out will be $5,500, including additional staff and time and
resources. An additional $10,000 annually will be needed for the
five years prairie maintenance plan to establish the prairie and
pollinator plantings along the trail, as proposed in the natural
resources section of the master plan amendment.
PROPOSED MAINTENANCE ACTIVITIES
Washington County, through joint powers agreements with the
City of Lake Elmo and relevant public jurisdictions, will provide
maintenance services for the regional trail. Maintenance
operations will include seasonal condition assessments and
periodic inspections, followed by necessary maintenance
actions. Inspections will address possible safety issues,
vandalism, and non-routine maintenance concerns. Washington
County will also respond to maintenance issues identified by
the public, on a timely basis, as funding permits. Extraordinary
maintenance may be required to respond to storm damage,
vandalism and other unplanned circumstances.
The Central Greenway Regional Trail will receive scheduled seal
coating and reconstruction in accordance with Washington
County standards, and as funding permits.
Mowing turf trail shoulders.Regular trail maintenance including pavement repair will be scheduled by
Washington County to keep the trail functional and operational.
Section V: Operations and Maintenance
40 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Washington County will provide routine maintenance as
identified below.
»Sign inventory and replacement, spring cleanup, trail
sweeping, trash pickup, erosion repair, fence repair,
bituminous patching, and striping replacement, as
needed.
»Mowing adjacent to the trails will be coordinated by
Washington County.
»Washington County will coordinate snow removal
maintenance with the city of Lake Elmo.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Washington County Sheriff’s Office will provide public safety
services on Central Greenway Regional Trail.
SOURCES OF REVENUE
Washington County budgets annually for operating the park
and trail system. The budget includes maintenance of recreation
facilities and management of natural resources within the parks.
Revenue for these expenditures originates from three primary
sources:
»Vehicle passes and campground reservations at County
parks
»County levy
»Operations and maintenance grants consisting of State
general funds and lottery in-lieu sales tax funds that are
disbursed through the Metropolitan Council
»State and Metropolitan Council Bonding
»Parks and Trails Legacy Fund Grants
Washington County does not charge for trail use.
ORDINANCES
Washington County has adopted Ordinance No. 174 which
establishes rules and regulations for park and trail use and
management under its jurisdiction. The ordinance incorporates
Minnesota statutes that address regulations for:
»Public Use
»General Conduct
»General Parkland Operation
»Protection of Property, Structures and Natural Resources
»Recreational Activities
»Motorized Vehicles, Traffic and Parking
A copy of the ordinance is available for review through
Washington County.
Rules and regulations are posted, as needed, throughout
Washington County park properties and facilities. Posted
information includes park hours, permitted and prohibited
activities, fees, map of the parks and trails, and who to contact in
case of an emergency.
Section VI: Public Engagement and Participation
41Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
SECTION VI: PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND
PARTICIPATION
OVERVIEW
Washington County strives to provide an inclusive public
engagement process for its trail planning efforts. To reach a
diverse cross-section of the community and to engage people
of diverse races, ethnicities, classes, ages, abilities and national
origin, Washington County staff developed a plan to provide
information to the public in multiple ways with an emphasis on
trying to make it easy and accessible for all interested citizens
to participate in the planning process. The public engagement
process included the following meeting types.
»Technical Advisory Committee (TAC)
»Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
»Pop-up Events
»Public Open Houses
»One-on-one listening sessions
»Wikimapping website
»Updates to the Washington County Parks Commission on
the plan development progress
»Presentation to County Board, Lake Elmo Parks
Commission, and Lake Elmo City Council
The general public, including park and trail users and Washington
County residents are important stakeholders in the master
planning process and their input is highly valued. Comments
received have been addressed in revisions to the master plan
amendment.
REGIONAL TRAIL PLANNING
Planning for the Central Greenway Regional Trail is in response
to expressed demand for recreational and non-motorized
transportation options in suburban edge communities. The
Central Greenway Regional Trail is identified as a Regional Trail
Search Corridor in the Metropolitan Council 2040 Regional
Parks Policy Plan. As such, the Central Greenway Regional Trail
needs an approved master plan amendment to become eligible
for Metropolitan Council regional parks system funding for
development.
CENTRAL GREENWAY REGIONAL TRAIL TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
A Central Greenway Regional Trail Technical Advisory
Committee (TAC) and Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
were established to guide the trail master plan amendment and
coordinated planning efforts within the local communities and
greater region. Members of the TAC included public agency
staff from the following stakeholders: City of Lake Elmo, Lake
Elmo Park Reserve, City of Stillwater, Valley Branch Watershed
Organization, Metropolitan Council, Brown’s Creek Watershed.
Members of the CAC included community stakeholders from
the City of Lake Elmo, City of West Lakeland Township, Lakeview
Hospital, Stillwater High School Bike Team, ISD #384, Parks and
Open Space Commission, Washington County, and community
advocates.
The responsibilities of the TAC and CAC included:
»Coordinating with respective groups and governing
bodies, such as City Councils, Planning Commissions, Park
Commissions and other staff/departments within the
respective city/agency.
»Assisting in implementing public participation
opportunities.
»Providing information and support necessary to identify
feasible trail routes and review/complete the trail master
plan amendment that meets city and applicable agency
goals.
»Assisting Washington County in local municipality/agency
approval processes.
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42 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
The TAC met three times:
»February 13, 2018
»June 16, 2018
»October 1, 2018
The CAC also met three times:
»March 8, 2018
»June 21, 2018
»October 4, 2018
Throughout the master planning process, Washington County
staff met with TAC and CAC members to identify opportunities
and address and resolve their issues and concerns. These
meetings often involved other individuals, groups, and
organizations as detailed route information was exchanged.
WASHINGTON COUNTY PARK COMMISSION
The Washington County Park Commission reviewed planning
updates and the final draft master plan amendment two times
throughout the planning process, including:
»July 12, 2018
»November 15, 2018
ONE-ON-ONE LISTENING SESSIONS
Washington County staff presented updates on the master
plan amendment process to local city planners and Lake Elmo
Park Reserve staff several times throughout the master plan
amendment process to keep local authorities updated and
to solicit additional input about the master plan amendment.
Meetings were held on the following dates:
»Lake Elmo Park Reserve staff meeting - May 2, 2018
»City of Lake Elmo staff - May 23, 2018
Washington County staff also met with local businesses and
community groups in Lake Elmo. For example, Washington
County reached out to STAR Snowmobile Club, FamilyMeans,
Lake Elmo Inn, and Common Ground Church on several
occasions to share project information and to invite them (and
their partners/members) to the master plan public engagement
events. It was identified early in the planning process that
contacting these groups directly would be an effective way
to engage with them. Comments from these groups were
captured in engagement event comment/question tables.
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS/ SOCIAL MEDIA
Online and social media tools were identified as alternative ways
to get information and updates to the public. The Washington
County website was the primary on-line portal for meeting
information and for posting draft plans for public review. All
open houses and pop-up meetings were listed on the County’s
website. The County utilized its Facebook and Twitter accounts
to promote the pop-up events. In addition, fliers were printed
and posted at County facilities, libraries, coffee shops, post
Open house 2 flier
CENTRAL GREENWAY REGIONAL
TRAIL LAKE ELMO SEGMENT
MASTER PLAN OPEN HOUSE
10.30.18
5 - 7PM AT
STILLWATER AREA
HIGH SCHOOL
CAFETERIA
Come review the preferred
multi-use trail route and
provide feedback on the
design and facilities.
Refreshments will be provided
and attendees can come and
go as they please.
More information can be
found by searching “Central
Greenway” at:
www.co.washington.mn.us
Section VI: Public Engagement and Participation
43Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
offices, parks, city halls, and schools to promote the pop-up
events and open houses.
A WikiMap site was developed for the master plan amendment
to provide the public an opportunity to provide input on the
regional trail alignment without attending a public engagement
meeting in person. A total of 6 comments were received. These
comments are included in “Appendix E: WikiMap Results” on
page 77
PUBLIC OPEN HOUSES
Washington County, with the support and assistance of select
Technical Advisory Committee members presented the Central
Greenway Regional Trail planning efforts and held two public
open house engagement events where the public had an
opportunity to review the status of planning efforts and provide
comments. In an effort to reach out to a variety of Washington
County residents, Washington County held meetings at public
buildings accessible to the public. Washington County also sent
out press releases to advertise each open house, and stories
were posted in local newspapers. Public open house meetings
were held on the following dates:
»August 28, 2018 Open House at Lake Elmo Christ
Lutheran Church
»October 30, 2018 Open House at the Stillwater High
School cafeteria
Open House #1 Approach & Findings
The first public open house was held on August 28, 2018 at
Lake Elmo Christ Lutheran Church. Lake Elmo Lutheran Church
is located near the proposed trail corridor in downtown Lake
Open house 1 at Lake Elmo Christ Lutheran Church.
Central Greenway Regional Trail WikiMap
Section VI: Public Engagement and Participation
44 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Elmo. The church is easily accessible to the public with ample
parking. Attendance at the open house included 32 members of
the public and representatives from Washington County. Several
proposed alternate trail alignments with detailed analysis for
each alternate alignment were presented at the meeting.
Feedback from the first open house was positive with interest
in developing a linking regional trail along through downtown
Lake Elmo with connections to Lake Elmo Park Reserve. Specific
comments from the open house are listed in Figure 34.
Open House #2 Approach & Findings
A second open house was held on October 30, 2018 at the
Stillwater High School cafeteria. Attendance at the open house
included 25 members of the public and representatives from
Washington County. The preferred trail alignment developed
based on comments received from previous public engagement
was presented at the second open house. Those in attendance
provided valuable input on the proposed preferred alignment.
Overall, positive feedback was given about the proposed
regional trail. A complete list of comments from the public
meetings is included in Figure 34.
POP-UP MEETINGS
Washington County also initiated two public pop-up events
to seek more public input about the master plan amendment
update. The 2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan requires that the
public engagement process seek to mitigate existing racial,
ethnic, cultural, or linguistic barriers and include people of
diverse races, ethnicities, classes, ages, abilities and national
origin. In order to reach out to populations that may not feel
comfortable attending open houses or public meetings, the
County set up two pop-up events designed to “meet people
where they are already located.” Staff set up tables at strategic
locations and times that are frequented by Washington County
residents of all backgrounds. Pop-up style tabling allowed for
more in-depth, one-on-one conversations. The County received
positive feedback on conducting this type of engagement,
as several members of the public mentioned they would not
typically attend an open house, but were happy they were
given the opportunity to provide feedback in this setting. The
pop-up meetings were held on the following dates:
»February 26, 2018 Lake Elmo Nordic Center
»August 8, 2018 Washington County Fair
Pop-Up Event #1 Approach & Findings
In an effort to obtain more input from the public about the
Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment,
Washington County held two pop-up meetings. The first pop-
up event was held at the Lake Elmo Nordic Center on February
26, 2018. 28 people provided input during the pop-up event.
This pop-up event was strategically located here because this
is a popular destination for many community members who
actively invest in active living and would be potential trail users.
The Lake Elmo Nordic Center is also located adjacent to the trail
corridor. Positive feedback was received with many desiring the
trail to connect to downtown Lake Elmo while not disrupting
the cross country ski trails located in Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
Open house 2 at Stillwater High School cafeteria.
Pop-up meeting at Lake Elmo Nordic Center.
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A complete list of comments from this pop-up meeting is
included in Figure 34.
Pop-up Event #2 Approach & Findings
The second pop-up event was held at the Washington County
Fair Grounds on August 8, 2018. The event was held in the
Washington County booth during the afternoon to provide
an alternative to evening meeting times. In addition, the
fairgrounds is located adjacent to the preferred trail corridor.
Forty people stopped by the pop-up event to provide comments
and/or ask questions about the trail master plan amendment. A
board with site issues and opportunities as well as a board of the
different trail alternates was presented at the open house. Many
people who stopped by were excited to see more trails in Lake
Elmo and Washington County. A complete list of comments
from the public meetings is included in Figure 34.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT RESULTS
The various meetings and public outreach events that were
conducted as part of the Central Greenway Regional Trail Master
Plan Amendment process provided the project team with
beneficial input about what the public wants for the Lake Elmo
Segment of the Central Greenway Regional Trail. The comments
received in the community engagement process supported
the County’s sentiment to expand the regional trail system and
develop the trail in a safe and thoughtful way. Several themes
and ideas came out during the public process. These included:
»The regional trail should connect to Lake Elmo Park
Reserve, downtown Lake Elmo, and Stillwater High School.
»Avoid impacts to other existing recreation uses. In
particular, the ones found in Lake Elmo Park Reserve.
»Additional local trail connections should be a priority.
»Provide safe route with least amount of driveway crossings,
utility poles, etc.
»Minimize adjacent property impacts.
»Provide preferred trail route that is politically palatable.
SUMMARY OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT COMMENTS
The following table summarizes the comments that were
received at the open houses and pop-up meetings throughout
the master planning process. Several of the comments were
repeated at multiple events but are listed only once for clarity.
Open House Meeting #1
Public Comment/Question Response
The blue segment located on the existing soft surface trail through Lake
Elmo Park Reserve is a popular mountain biking trail.The preferred route did not interfere with mountain bike trails.
I have a concern with a parking lot near the future west side Lake Elmo
Park Reserve entrance. The high speeds at this location along Inwood
Ave is a concern if traffic will be turning into the proposed west park
parking lot. Lower speed or keep park access in its present location (cur-
rent unofficial entrance closer to 26 Street N.)
The Lake Elmo Park Reserve west entrance design is outside the
scope of this master plan amendment.
Like red route through Lake Elmo Park Reserve but I am concerned
because it is a highly-used trail for walkers.
The plan addressed this comment by proposing a wider trail
through the park that will include additional space for walkers.
Add winter maintenance to provide bike/pedestrian access through Lake
Elmo Park Reserve.
Winter maintenance will be covered in the master plan amend-
ment.
I like the red and orange options because they are most direct.The plan addresses this comment.
Klondike Avenue is an unsafe trail route. The road is gravel with tight
curves and steep grades. There is also a 30 foot drop to a pond. The plan addresses this comment.
Trails in the Kindred development are private.The plan addresses this comment.
A safer crossing is needed at County Roads 14 at Lake Elmo Avenue.The plan addresses this comment.
The Lake Elmo Elementary school needs a parking lot and their play-
ground restored to accommodate more students. Roadway speeds on
Lake Elmo Ave should be reduced for safety.
Improvements to Lake Elmo Elementary school are outside the
scope of this master plan amendment.
I like the Lake Elmo Ave/CR17 to 50th street because it has less traffic and
more scenic than following Lake Elmo Ave to MN 36.The plan addresses this comment.
Lake Elmo Avenue/CR 17 and MN 36 is a dangerous intersection.Intersection improvements to CR17 and MN 36 are outside the
scope of this master plan amendment.
Comment received along Stillwater Blvd at Linden Trail: Concerned that
this is turning into a very high traffic noisy route. What will be a safe
crossing?
The plan addresses this comment.
Figure 34: Summary of public comments and responses
Section VI: Public Engagement and Participation
46 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Section VI: Public Engagement and Participation
47Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Open House Meeting #2
Public Comment/Question Response
The trail alignment proposed is the best option.The plan addresses this comment.
I like the idea of a trail underpass of the railroad tracks north of Lake Elmo
Park Reserve.
The method used to cross the railroad will be determined during
design development.
The local trail northwest of the new CR 14 and CR 15 intersection should
be made the regional trail because people will cut through on the
shorter route.
The plan addresses this comment.
The preferred regional trail route will allow direct access to the Washing-
ton County Fair.The plan addresses this comment.
Add trailheads in downtown Lake Elmo and Lake Elmo Park Reserve.The plan addresses this comment.
Can a connection be made to Sunfish Lake Park?
A connection to Sunfish Lake Park would likely require a grade
separated crossing across CR 14 and is outside the scope of this
master plan amendment because the regional trail cannot go on
the north side of CR 14 without lake impacts to Sunfish Lake given
the proximity CR 14.
Liked the idea of an grade separated crossing of CR 15 at Lake Elmo High
School.The plan addresses this comment.
Lake Elmo Park Reserve has intense use. Overuse will degrade the park
experience. The alignment should be on county roads, not through the
middle of the park reserve.
The trail through the park primarily utilizes existing paved trails. Any
development of new trail or upgrades to existing trails will utilize
sustainable design practices.
Trails in the park reserve should follow existing roads and not be devel-
oped on soft-surface trails.The plan addresses this comment.
There was support for the trail extending through downtown Lake Elmo
along CR 14.The plan addresses this comment.
Provide park access in the southeast corner along Lake Elmo Avenue.The preferred trail alignment did no provide access in the southeast
corner along Lake Elmo Avenue.
More local trails will be needed to connect to the proposed regional trail.
Especially along Lake Elmo Avenue.
Development of local trails is outside the scope of this master plan
amendment.
Concern was expressed for the amount of separation between high-
speed traffic on CR 14 and the adjacent proposed trail.The plan addresses this comment.
Plant materials that are planted next to roadways need to be salt toler-
ant. Most grasses will not survive.Specific plant species will be selected during design development.
Create a “greenway” experience.The plan addresses this comment.
User fees and enforcement were suggested.Washington County currently does not charge for regional trail use.
Create a safe crossing to the Lake Elmo Elementary School.The plan addresses this comment.
There will be a future fire department constructed along 39th Street east
of Lake Elmo Avenue.The plan addresses this comment.
Add snowmobile crossing signs where the Star Trail will cross the pro-
posed trail.The plan addresses this comment.
Install a box culvert under Highway 36 at Manning.A interchange study is currently being conducted by the county.
Will snowmobiles be able to use the trail crossing of Highway 36?A interchange study is currently being conducted by the county.
Develop a trailhead similar to Pine Point Regional Park.The plan addresses this comment.
The cost of construction and maintenance are always a concern.The plan addresses this comment.
“Figure 34: Summary of public comments and responses”
Section VI: Public Engagement and Participation
48 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
“Figure 34: Summary of public comments and responses” (From Open House #2)
Section VI: Public Engagement and Participation
49Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Pop-up Meeting #1
Public Comment/Question Response
A comment was made that the user wanted the trail to connect to the
park because they trailer camp in the park and would like the opportuni-
ty to bike to downtown Lake Elmo.
The plan addresses this comment.
The trail should connect or pass through downtown Lake Elmo.The plan addresses this comment.
The trail should connect with the Gateway State Trail.This is out of the scope of this project and will be addressed in a
future phase of trail planning
Cross-country ski trails should not be changed or impacted by adding a
paved trail through the park.The plan addresses this comment.
Add a west entrance to the park for pedestrians and bikes.Lake Elmo Park Reserve has plans to develop a west entrance
Provide a safe crossing of CR-14 and the railroad.The plan addresses this comment.
Establish better access to recreation areas of Lake Elmo Park Reserve.The plan addresses this comment.
Connect with the trails in Sunfish Lake Park, but not to cut through the
park.The regional trail will not connect to Sunfish Lake Park.
Connect to Baytown Township.The plan addresses this comment.
Avoid CR-17 south of CR-14.The plan addresses this comment.
Several comments indicated a preference for a north entrance at Lake
Elmo Park Reserve to provide bike and pedestrian access.The plan addresses this comment.
Connect with single track mountain bike trails within Lake Elmo Park
Reserve.The plan addresses this comment.
Pop-up Meeting #2
Public Comment/Question Response
More trails in Lake Elmo will be nice. Many people commented on how
they like and support the trail.The plan addresses this comment.
Trail loops are preferred over out and back trails.
The regional trail will be a linear corridor but several existing local
trails that connect to the Central Greenway will provide opportuni-
ties for looped routes.
Find ways to connect the regional trail to restaurant and bars so trail
users have a destination to travel to.The plan addresses this comment.
Extend the trail straight through the Lake Elmo Park Reserve on the
existing paved trail to reduce the conflicts fast moving cyclist might have
with other park uses.
The plan addresses this comment.
Leave unpaved trails in Lake Elmo Park Reserve as is.The plan addresses this comment.
People love biking in Lake Elmo Park Reserve.The plan addresses this comment.
The dark blue (far west) route through Lake Elmo Park Reserve is better
because it offers a longer trail through the scenic park.This route was not selected as the preferred route.
The orange route (far east) route through Lake Elmo Park Reserve is best
because it would be very scenic by the lake and hillier for roller ski train-
ing. More people would use a trail that is near water.
This route was not selected as the preferred route.
No strong opinion on any of the options. They all look good.The plan addresses this comment.
“Figure 34: Summary of public comments and responses”
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Section VII: Public Awareness
51Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
SECTION VII: PUBLIC AWARENESS
Washington County uses public relations, marketing, and
media relations tools, such as a website, event planning, press
releases, and promotional materials to promote their parks and
trails. Washington County also collaborates with a wide array
of community, business, and government organizations to
promote their facilities, programs, and services and to educate
the public about the available resources.
Washington County Parks engages the public through several
on-line and social media tools. The County website has a page
dedicated to parks and trails that provides information on
the parks and trails across the county, lists information about
programs and events, explains how individuals can support
the park system by donating or volunteering, and provides
information and a link for reservations and permits. Washington
County actively posts information on Twitter and Facebook to
share news and information about the park system.
Opportunities for expanding social media and on-line resources
for public awareness will likely expand in the future as new
media tools and new platforms become available. Younger park
users frequently access public service information on-line and
will continue to seek additional ways to engage with the County
about the park system through social media.
Washington County Parks Twitter page.
Washington County Parks Facebook page.
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Section VII: Public Awareness
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SECTION VIII: ACCESSIBILITY
Washington County is committed to providing access and
recreational opportunities to all people, including persons
with disabilities, minorities, and other special-population
groups. Washington County meets this commitment through
appropriate facility design and programming considerations
and by actively addressing potential barriers to participation.
All regional trail facilities described in the master plan
amendment will be developed in accordance with Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and guidelines. More
specifically, the Central Greenway Regional Trail will adhere to
the Minnesota Bikeway Facility Design Manual (MnDOT 2007);
Trail Planning, Design and Development Guidelines (MnDNR
2007); Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access, Part I and II: Best
Practices Design Guide (FHWA); ADA Accessibility Guidelines for
Outdoor Developed Areas (United States Access Board); and
ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (U.S.
Access Board) unless more current guidelines and standards
exist at the time of development.
All unconstructed segments and those associated with regional
trail reconstruction, associated trailheads and trail amenities,
such as rest stops, parking, rest rooms and water access, will
be designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. In
addition, the paved trail will safely accommodate two-way
directional non-motor vehicle traffic and incorporate periodic
rest stops to provide users an opportunity to rest, overlook the
natural environment, and comfortably interact with other trail
users.
Compliance with ADA standards is an important goal of trail
design. Routing the trail within existing street right-of-way
makes it a challenge to fully comply with ADA standards in
certain areas. Washington County and local municipalities have
made every attempt to identify a trail route that minimizes these
occurrences. Parking is available at existing local parks, shopping
centers, and regional parks on and along the trail. Regional and
community parks function as trailheads for the proposed trail
in addition to other identified key orientation points along the
trail.
Crossing major roadways is necessary because the trail passes
through fully developed urban areas. Washington County
will investigate opportunities to coordinate grade-separated
pedestrian crossings with appropriate agencies, modify, or
add traffic signal timing, crosswalks and signage to ensure
the trail meets all relevant design guidelines. The trail has also
been planned to provide access to important local community
destinations such as parks, commercial areas, community
facilities, and transit facilities. The regional trail passes through
a variety of neighborhoods with varying demographics,
providing access to people with a wide range of social and
cultural backgrounds.
On a broader scale, the Central Greenway Regional Trail provides
direct access to the metropolitan regional trail system for an
area currently under served by regional trails. Communities
adjacent to the trail will not only have access to the Central
Greenway Regional Trail, but also gain direct access to three
existing regional parks/park reserves. Local trail connections are
anticipated at regular intervals along the trail to further increase
access to neighboring communities.
AFFORDABILITY
Trails are free to use in Washington County, providing a
recreational opportunity to residents of all income levels. The
Central Greenway Regional Trail will also provide access to the
Lake Elmo Park Reserve without purchase of a parking pass. Park
access fees are not charged for patrons who walk or bicycle into
parks. Trail users who access Washington County parks will have
access to free programming for park users including campfire
talks, fitness hikes, bird walks and other programs coordinated
with free Tuesdays.
The Washington County Parks Division and Community Services
is working to provide free park permits to individuals who
receive financial assistance from the County.
Section VII: Public Awareness
53Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
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Section VII: Public Awareness
54 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
55Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
REFERENCES
»Metropolitan Council, “2017 Regional Parks System Annual
Use Estimate,” Metropolitan Council, July 2018.
»Metropolitan Council, “2040 Regional Parks Policy Plan,”
Metropolitan Council, February 11, 2015.
»Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, “Minnesota’s
State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2014-
2018”. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Street.
Paul, MN 2014.
»Health and obesity data retrieved from Minnesota
Department of Health website: https://apps.health.state.
mn.us/mndata/obesity_basic#byage.
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56 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
APPENDIX A: RESOLUTIONS OF SUPPORT
57Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
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59Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Updated: April 2018
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WASHINGTON COUNTY, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION NO. 2019-016
DATE February 19, 2019 DEPARTMENT Public Works
MOTION BY COMMISSIONER Kriesel SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER Miron
CENTRAL GREENWAY REGIONAL TRAIL - LAKE ELMO SEGMENT MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT
WHEREAS, a regional trail master plan is required to address the criteria set forth in the Metropolitan Council's 2040 Regional Park Policy Plan for regional linking trails and to become eligible for Metropolitan Council regional system designation and funding; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Central Greenway Regional Trail will eventually connect Cottage Grove Ravine
Regional Park, Lake Elmo Park Reserve, and Big Marine Park Reserve; the Lake Elmo Segment of which
goes between Interstate 94 and Trunk Highway (TH) 36; and
WHEREAS, the Washington County Board of Commissioners provided a resolution of support for the Central Greenway Regional Trail – south segment master plan on June 26, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council provided a resolution of support for the Central Greenway Regional
Trail – south segment master plan on September 27, 2017; and
WHEREAS, the master planning process for the Central Greenway Regional Trail – Lake Elmo segment included public engagement events and meetings that provided the opportunity for input from partner agencies and public stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, the draft Central Greenway Regional Trail – Lake Elmo segment master plan amendment was reviewed by the Washington County Park and Open Space Commission (POSC) on December 14, 2018; and
WHEREAS, the draft Central Greenway Regional Trail – Lake Elmo segment master plan amendment was reviewed by the Lake Elmo City Council on January 8, 2019; and
WHEREAS, the Washington County Board of Commissioners heard a staff presentation on the Central Greenway Regional Trail – Lake Elmo segment master plan amendment on February 12, 2019.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Washington County Board of Commissioners supports the Central Greenway Regional Trail – Lake Elmo segment master plan amendment.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Central Greenway Regional Trail – Lake Elmo segment master plan amendment be submitted to the Metropolitan Council for review and approval without further action by the County Board.
ATTEST:
COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
COUNTY BOARD CHAIR
MIRON KARWOSKI
KRIESEL JOHNSON WEIK
YES
X___ X
X
X X
NO
____
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APPENDIX B: TRAIL PLANS
61Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
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62 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
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WeirDr75thStN50th St N62nd St NInterlachenPkwyHadleyAveNHudson AveWoodlan e D rHudsonRdSaint Johns DrHelmoAveNHudsonBlvdStillwater Rd4th St NCourtlyRdM a n n in g A v e N
LakeElmoAveNMahtomediAveHiltonTr30th St N34th St NGreenwayAve7th St N15th St NCounty Rd 71BoutwellRdN
43rd St N80th St NOls o n L a keTrN 20th St NKeatsAveNCommerceDrWildwoodRdMckusickRdNIdealAveN39thStNManningAveS47th St NDemontrevilleTrN40thStNJamacaAveNManningTrNNealAveSStillwaterBlvdNTamarack Rd50th St NSnowmobile TrailsExisting Public Trails (6-10’ wide)Existing Private Trails (6-10’ wide )Existing County Soft Surface Trials (6’ wide)Existing County/Regional Trails (8-10’ wide)Gateway State Trail (10’ wide)Outdoor Heritage Fund Work AreaRusty Patch Bumble Bee HabitatCounty ParksCity ParksPublic DestinationsSchoolFormer Railroad CrossingAt-Grade Railroad Crossing Grade Separated Railroad Crossing Future County Road ProjectsFuture County Road Intersection ProjectsEnd of Central Greenway Regional Trail Phase 1. Start of Phase 2: Lake Elmo SegmentProposed signal at CR 19 & Hudson BlvdNew pedestrian bridge planned for 2019 constructionNarrow sidewalk crossing 94 to remainCSAH 15 & CSAH 14 IntersectionLake Elmo Park Reserve west side accessPark entranceNarrow R.O.W.Potential R.O.W. impactsNarrow R.O.W.CSAH 15 & TH 36 Interchange (2021)2020 road widening project (4 to 6 lanes) NORTH00.250.5 miCentral Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan: Lake Elmo SegmentOctober 30, 2018ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
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64 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
65Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019 DOWNTOWN LAKE ELMOLAKE ELMO PUBLIC LIBRARYLAKE ELMO PARK RESERVESUNFISH LAKE PARKGiWXGlWX?ÇA@!"b$GnWXGsWX?öA@GoWXGqWXGqWXGqWXGoWXGlWX%&h(GoWXGoWXGkWXGnWXG¡WXGeWXSfN00.250.50.125Miles?¸A@CITY OF GRANTCITY OF LAKE ELMOCITY OF PINE SPRINGSCITY OF MAHTOMEDICITY OF STILLWATERCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTSCITY OF BAYTOWNWEST LAKELAND TOWNSHIPCITY OF AFTONCITY OF WOODBURYCITY OF OAKDALEHorseshoe LakeJane LakeLake ElmoWhiteBearLakeLakeBielenberg DrSettlers Ridge PkwyTower DrTamarack RdRadioDrValley Creek RdWoodbury D r
WeirDr75thStN50th St N62nd St NInterlachenPkwyHadleyAveNHudson AveWoodlan e D rHudsonRdSaint Johns DrHelmoAveNHudsonBlvdStillwater Rd4th St NCourtlyRdM a n n in g A v e N
LakeElmoAveNMahtomediAve30th St N34th St NGreenwayAve7th St N15th St NCounty Rd 71BoutwellRdN
43rd St N50th St N80th St NOls o n L a keTrN 20th St NKeatsAveNCommerceDrWildwoodRdMckusickRdNIdealAveN39thStNManningAveS47th St NDemontrevilleTrN40thStNJamacaAveNManningTrNNealAveSStillwaterBlvdNHiltonTrCentral Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan: Lake Elmo SegmentAugust 28, 2018POTENTIAL REGIONAL TRAIL ALIGNMENTSProposed Railroad CrossingsImprovements needed to existing underpassExisting Public Trails (6-10’ wide)Existing Private Trails (6-10’ wide )Existing County Soft Surface Trials (6’ wide)Existing County/Regional Trails (8-10’ wide)Gateway State Trail (10’ wide)County ParksCity ParksPublic DestinationsSchoolProposed Underpass/OverpassPotential Regional Trail SegmentsBlueLight BlueRedDark RedOrangeViolet00.250.5 miNORTH
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66 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
67Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019 DOWNTOWN LAKE ELMOLAKE ELMO PUBLIC LIBRARYLAKE ELMO PARK RESERVESUNFISH LAKE PARKGiWXGlWX?ÇA@!"b$GnWXGsWX?öA@GoWXGqWXGqWXGqWXGoWXGlWX%&h(GoWXGoWXGkWXGnWXG¡WXGeWXSfN00.250.50.125Miles?¸A@CITY OF GRANTCITY OF LAKE ELMOCITY OF PINE SPRINGSCITY OF MAHTOMEDICITY OF STILLWATERCITY OF OAK PARK HEIGHTSBAYTOWN TOWNSHIPWEST LAKELAND TOWNSHIPCITY OF AFTONCITY OF WOODBURYCITY OF OAKDALEHorseshoe LakeJane LakeLake ElmoWhiteBearLakeLakeBielenberg DrSettlers Ridge PkwyTower DrTamarack RdRadioDrValley Creek RdWoodbury D r
WeirDr75thStN50th St N62nd St NInterlachenPkwyHadleyAveNHudson AveWoodlan e D rHudsonRdSaint Johns DrHelmoAveNHudsonBlvdStillwater Rd4th St NCourtlyRdM a n n in g A v e N
LakeElmoAveNMahtomediAve30th St N34th St NGreenwayAve7th St N15th St NCounty Rd 71BoutwellRdN
43rd St N50th St N80th St NOls o n L a keTrN 20th St NKeatsAveNCommerceDrWildwoodRdMckusickRdNIdealAveN39thStNManningAveS47th St NDemontrevilleTrN40thStNJamacaAveNManningTrNNealAveSStillwaterBlvdNHiltonTrStillwater WayPotential Trail Crossing Across RailroadPotential Trail Underpass Under RailroadPotential Trailhead Location at School/Lake Elmo City HallPotential Trailhead Location at High SchoolPotential Trailhead Location in ParkPotential Rest StopPotential Rest StopPotential Rest StopConnect to Proposed Bridge Over MN 36Existing Public Trails (6-10’ wide)Existing Private Trails (6-10’ wide )Existing County Soft Surface Trials (6’ wide)Existing County/Regional Trails (8-10’ wide)Gateway State Trail (10’ wide)County ParksCity ParksPublic DestinationsSchoolRailroad CrossingRegional Trail (on new trail)Regional Trail (on existing trail)Regional Trail Railroad Crossing AlternateInterim Regional Trail (on existing local trail)Interim Regional Trail (on future local trail)Intersection TypeFour-Way StopSignalized00.250.5 miNORTHPotential Grade Separated Crossing to High SchoolCentral Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan: Lake Elmo SegmentOctober 30, 2018PREFERRED REGIONAL TRAIL ALIGNMENT
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68 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
69Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019N0400800200Feet 950920940
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GnWX
GqWX
GqWX
Stillwat
er
Bl
v
d
N Lake Elmo Ave NLake Elmo Ave NLaverne Ave NLayton Ave N39th St N
36th St N
Upper 33rd
S
t
N
33rd St N
32nd St N Lampert Ave NKlondike Ave NKlondike Ave NLake Elmo
Sunsh Lake
LAKE ELMO PARK RESERVE
SUNFISH LAKE PARK
LAKE ELMO PUBLIC LIBRARY
LAKE ELMO PARK
LAKE ELMO VFW BASEBALL FIELD
POTENTIAL TRAILHEAD ATLAKE ELMO ELEMENTRYSCHOOL/LAKE ELMO CITY HALL
EXISTING RIGHT-OF-WAY EXTENTS, TYP
NARROW RIGHT-OF-WAY
NARROW RIGHT-OF-WAY
NARROW RIGHT-OF-WAY
NARROW RIGHT-OF-WAY
EXISTING SOFT SURFACE TRAIL
POTENTIALTRAIL UNDERPASSUNDER RAILROAD
POTENTIAL REST STOP
TRAIL TO BE LOCATED AROUND PARK MAINTENANCE FACILITIES AND NURSERY
POTENTIAL TRAIL CROSSING ACROSSRAILROAD
EXISTINGEMERGENCYACCESS ROAD
LAKE ELMO CITY HALL
FUTURE INTERIM LOCAL TRAIL
EXISTING INTERIM LOCAL TRAIL
Existing Public Trails (6-10’ wide)
Existing County Soft Surface Trials (6’ wide)
Parks
Regional Trail (on new trail)
Regional Trail (on existing trail)
Regional Trail Railroad Crossing Alternate
Interim Regional Trail (on existing local trail)
Interim Regional Trail (on future local trail)
0 200 400 ftNORTH
Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan: Lake Elmo Segment October 30, 2018
PREFERRED REGIONAL TRAIL ALIGNMENT - LAKE ELMO ENLARGEMENT
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70 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
APPENDIX C: DETAILED COST ESTIMATE
71Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Washington County
Central Greenway Regional Trail
Lake Elmo Segment Preliminary Engineering Estimate
Draft 1/8/19
Estimated Project Construction Cost Estimated Quantity Unit of Measurement Estimated Unit Cost Estimated Total Cost Notes
Segment R1 (I-94 to County Road 10)
Existing 8' Trail Removal 5,871 Lin Ft $17 $99,807 5
10' Trail Construction on Existing Trail 5,871 Lin Ft $75 $440,325 6
Pedestrian Ramps 11 Each $2,600 $28,600 7
Wayfinding Directional Signage 1 Each $4,200 $4,200
Rest Stops 1 Each $6,500 $6,500 8
Traffic Control Signs and Devices (includes MUTCD signage)192 Sq Ft $80 $15,360 9
Segment R1 Total $594,792
Segment R2 (County Road 10 to Park Maintenance Access Road, Through Lake Elmo Park Reserve)
Existing 8' Trail Removal 9,236 Lin Ft $17 $157,012 5
12' Trail Construction on Existing Trail 9,236 Lin Ft $85 $785,060 6
12' Trail Construction 2,289 Lin Ft $110 $251,790 6
Pedestrian Ramps 15 Each $2,600 $39,000 7
Wayfinding Directional Signage 2 Each $4,200 $8,400
Rest Stops 1 Each $6,500 $6,500 8
Wayfinding Kiosk at Eagle Lake Trailhead 1 Each $25,000 $25,000
Traffic Control Signs and Devices (includes MUTCD signage)160 Sq Ft $80 $12,800 9
Segment R2 Total $1,285,562
Segment R3 (Park Maintenance Access Road to Stillwater Lane North)
10' Trail Construction 5,380 Lin Ft $95 $511,100 6
Pedestrian Ramps 2 Each $2,600 $5,200 7
At-grade Railroad Crossing Improvements 1 Each $50,000 $50,000 11
Wayfinding Directional Signage 1 Each $4,200 $4,200
Traffic Control Signs and Devices (includes MUTCD signage)32 Sq Ft $80 $2,560 9
Segment R3 Total $573,060
Segment R4 (Stillwater Lane North to County Road 15/Manning Avenue)
Existing 8' Trail Removal 1,116 Lin Ft $17 $18,972 5
10' Trail Construction on Existing Trail 1,116 Lin Ft $75 $83,700 6
10' Trail Construction 7,957 Lin Ft $95 $755,915 6
Pedestrian Ramps 24 Each $2,600 $62,400 7
Wayfinding Directional Signage 4 Each $4,200 $16,800
Wayfinding Kiosk at Downtown Lake Elmo Trailhead 1 Each $25,000 $25,000
Traffic Control Signs and Devices (includes MUTCD signage)256 $80 $20,480 9
Wetland Mitigation 12,000 $2 $24,000 10
Segment R4 Total $1,007,267
Segment R5 (County Road 15/Manning Avenue to 58th Street North)
10' Trail Construction 10,175 Lin Ft $95 $966,625 6
Pedestrian Ramps 18 Each $2,600 $46,800 7
Wayfinding Directional Signage 2 Each $4,200 $8,400
Rest Stops 1 Each $6,500 $6,500 8
Wayfinding Kiosk at Stillwater Highschool Trailhead 1 Each $25,000 $25,000
Traffic Control Signs and Devices (includes MUTCD signage)192 $80 $15,360 9
Segment R5 Total $1,068,685
Segment R6 (58th Street North to MN 36)
Existing 8' Trail Removal 238 Lin Ft $17 $4,046 5
10' Trail Construction on Existing Trail 238 Lin Ft $75 $17,850 6
10' Trail Construction 3,608 Lin Ft $95 $342,760 6
Pedestrian Ramps 4 Each $2,600 $10,400 7
Traffic Control Signs and Devices (includes MUTCD signage)64 $80 $5,120 9
Segment R6 Total $380,176
Subtotal Construction Cost Estimate $4,909,542
20% Construction Contingency1 $981,908
Subtotal Construction Cost Estimate with Construction Contingency $5,891,450
20% Design and Engineering Contingency $981,908
Total Estimated Construction Cost $6,873,359
Estimated Trail Overpass and Underpass Alternates Construction Cost Estimated
Quantity
Unit of
Measurement Estimated Unit Cost Estimated Total
Cost Notes
Segment R3A (Park Maintenance Access Road to Stillwater Lane North)
Trail Underpass 1 LS $1,500,000 $1,500,000 13
10' Trail Construction 2,789 Lin Ft $95 $264,955 6
Modular Block Gravity Wall 4,000 SF $70 $280,000 12
Segment R3A Total $2,044,955Pedestrian Bridge Across County Road 5 from Regional Trail to Stillwater High School
Trail Overpass 1 Each $2,000,000 $2,000,000 14
Overpass Total $2,000,000
Estimated Annual Operations & Maintenance Costs Estimated Cost Notes
Annual trail maintenance $5,500
Five year prairie establishment maintenance $10,000
Total Estimated Annual Operations & Maintenance Costs $15,500
Cost Estimate Notes:
3. Cost participation between regional park implementing agencies and other agencies on improvements beyond construction of the actual trail, such as any roadway reconstruction to accommodate the regional trail, shall be reviewed as
6. Trail construction assumes 10' or 12' bituminous trail, turf establishment, and signage. Estimate does not include any retaining walls or streetscaping such as 7. Includes items such as removing and reinstalling curb and gutter, driveway aprons and storm sewer catch basins.
8. Includes concrete pad, bench, trash receptacle, and bike rack.
9. Assumes 32 Sq Ft per road or significant driveway intersection.
10. Assumes 20 foot wide swath of wetland impacts.
11. Railroad crossing improvements include paved crossing surface and stop arms
12. Modular block wall for both sides of trail approach into underpass.
13. Trail underpass price includes contingency costs for utility relocation, traffic control, construction and contractor safety. Assumes 10'x14' concrete box culvert structu
14. Trail overpass price includes contingency costs for utility relocation, traffic control, construction and contractor safety. Assumes prefabricated steel structure on concr
4. Estimate does not include any utility relocation costs.
1. Construction cost estimate includes a 20% design and administration fee and an additional 20% construction contingency factor for unforeseen costs.
2. Estimates are based on 2018 bid prices.
5. Existing trail removal assumes 8' wide bituminous trail. Actual dimensions may vary.
72 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Washington CountyCentral Greenway Regional TrailLake Elmo Segment Preliminary Engineering Estimate Draft 1/8/19Estimated Project Construction Cost Estimated Quantity Unit of Measurement Estimated Unit Cost Estimated Total Cost NotesSegment R1 (I-94 to County Road 10)Existing 8' Trail Removal 5,871 Lin Ft $17 $99,807 510' Trail Construction on Existing Trail 5,871 Lin Ft $75 $440,325 6Pedestrian Ramps 11 Each $2,600 $28,600 7Wayfinding Directional Signage 1 Each $4,200 $4,200Rest Stops 1 Each $6,500 $6,500 8Traffic Control Signs and Devices (includes MUTCD signage)192 Sq Ft $80 $15,360 9Segment R1 Total $594,792Segment R2 (County Road 10 to Park Maintenance Access Road, Through Lake Elmo Park Reserve)Existing 8' Trail Removal 9,236 Lin Ft $17 $157,012 512' Trail Construction on Existing Trail 9,236 Lin Ft $85 $785,060 612' Trail Construction 2,289 Lin Ft $110 $251,790 6Pedestrian Ramps 15 Each $2,600 $39,000 7Wayfinding Directional Signage 2 Each $4,200 $8,400Rest Stops 1 Each $6,500 $6,500 8Wayfinding Kiosk at Eagle Lake Trailhead 1 Each $25,000 $25,000Traffic Control Signs and Devices (includes MUTCD signage)160 Sq Ft $80 $12,800 9Segment R2 Total $1,285,562Segment R3 (Park Maintenance Access Road to Stillwater Lane North)10' Trail Construction 5,380 Lin Ft $95 $511,100 6Pedestrian Ramps 2 Each $2,600 $5,200 7At-grade Railroad Crossing Improvements 1 Each $50,000 $50,000 11Wayfinding Directional Signage 1 Each $4,200 $4,200Traffic Control Signs and Devices (includes MUTCD signage)32 Sq Ft $80 $2,560 9Segment R3 Total $573,060Segment R4 (Stillwater Lane North to County Road 15/Manning Avenue)Existing 8' Trail Removal 1,116 Lin Ft $17 $18,972 510' Trail Construction on Existing Trail 1,116 Lin Ft $75 $83,700 610' Trail Construction 7,957 Lin Ft $95 $755,915 6Pedestrian Ramps 24 Each $2,600 $62,400 7Wayfinding Directional Signage 4 Each $4,200 $16,800Wayfinding Kiosk at Downtown Lake Elmo Trailhead 1 Each $25,000 $25,000Traffic Control Signs and Devices (includes MUTCD signage)256 $80 $20,480 9Wetland Mitigation 12,000 $2 $24,000 10Segment R4 Total $1,007,267Segment R5 (County Road 15/Manning Avenue to 58th Street North)10' Trail Construction 10,175 Lin Ft $95 $966,625 6Pedestrian Ramps 18 Each $2,600 $46,800 7Wayfinding Directional Signage 2 Each $4,200 $8,400Rest Stops 1 Each $6,500 $6,500 8Wayfinding Kiosk at Stillwater Highschool Trailhead 1 Each $25,000 $25,000Traffic Control Signs and Devices (includes MUTCD signage)192 $80 $15,360 9Segment R5 Total $1,068,685
Segment R6 (58th Street North to MN 36)
Existing 8' Trail Removal 238 Lin Ft $17 $4,046 5
10' Trail Construction on Existing Trail 238 Lin Ft $75 $17,850 6
10' Trail Construction 3,608 Lin Ft $95 $342,760 6
Pedestrian Ramps 4 Each $2,600 $10,400 7
Traffic Control Signs and Devices (includes MUTCD signage)64 $80 $5,120 9
Segment R6 Total $380,176
Subtotal Construction Cost Estimate $4,909,54220% Construction Contingency1 $981,908
Subtotal Construction Cost Estimate with Construction Contingency $5,891,450
20% Design and Engineering Contingency $981,908
Total Estimated Construction Cost $6,873,359
Estimated Trail Overpass and Underpass Alternates
Construction Cost Estimated Quantity Unit of Measurement Estimated Unit Cost Estimated Total Cost Notes
Segment R3A (Park Maintenance Access Road to Stillwater Lane North)
Trail Underpass 1 LS $1,500,000 $1,500,000 13
10' Trail Construction 2,789 Lin Ft $95 $264,955 6
Modular Block Gravity Wall 4,000 SF $70 $280,000 12
Segment R3A Total $2,044,955
Pedestrian Bridge Across County Road 5 from Regional Trail to Stillwater High School
Trail Overpass 1 Each $2,000,000 $2,000,000 14
Overpass Total $2,000,000
Estimated Annual Operations & Maintenance Costs Estimated
Cost Notes
Annual trail maintenance $5,500
Five year prairie establishment maintenance $10,000
Total Estimated Annual Operations & Maintenance Costs $15,500
Cost Estimate Notes:
3. Cost participation between regional park implementing agencies and other
agencies on improvements beyond construction of the actual trail, such as any
roadway reconstruction to accommodate the regional trail, shall be reviewed as
6. Trail construction assumes 10' or 12' bituminous trail, turf establishment, and
signage. Estimate does not include any retaining walls or streetscaping such as 7. Includes items such as removing and reinstalling curb and gutter, driveway aprons and storm sewer catch basins.
8. Includes concrete pad, bench, trash receptacle, and bike rack.
9. Assumes 32 Sq Ft per road or significant driveway intersection.
10. Assumes 20 foot wide swath of wetland impacts.
11. Railroad crossing improvements include paved crossing surface and stop arms
12. Modular block wall for both sides of trail approach into underpass.
13. Trail underpass price includes contingency costs for utility relocation, traffic control, construction and contractor safety. Assumes 10'x14' concrete box culvert structu
14. Trail overpass price includes contingency costs for utility relocation, traffic control, construction and contractor safety. Assumes prefabricated steel structure on concr
4. Estimate does not include any utility relocation costs.
1. Construction cost estimate includes a 20% design and administration fee and an additional 20% construction contingency factor for unforeseen costs.
2. Estimates are based on 2018 bid prices.
5. Existing trail removal assumes 8' wide bituminous trail. Actual dimensions may vary.
Segment Acres Cost*
Segment R4 Subtotal 3.40 $1,102,000
Segment R5 Subtotal 0.31 $315,000
Total 3.71 $1,417,000
*Estimated costs reflect 2019 tax assessed values only for the portion of parcel needed.
Future Property Acquisitions (2019 tax assessed values)
ESTIMATE NOTES
1. Construction cost estimate includes a 20% design and administration fee and an additional 20% construction contingency factor
for unforeseen costs.
2. Estimates are based on 2018 bid prices.
3. Cost participation between regional park implementing agencies and other agencies on improvements beyond construction
of the actual trail, such as any roadway reconstruction to accommodate the regional trail, shall be reviewed as implementation is
considered.
4. Estimate does not include any utility relocation costs.
5. Existing trail removal assumes 8’ wide bituminous trail. Actual dimensions may vary.
6. Trail construction assumes 10’ or 12’ bituminous trail, turf establishment, and signage. Estimate does not include any retaining walls
or streetscaping such as boulevard trees and decorative lighting.
7. Includes items such as removing and reinstalling curb and gutter, driveway aprons and storm sewer catch basins.
8. Includes concrete pad, bench, trash receptacle, and bike rack.
9. Assumes 32 Sq Ft of signage per roadway intersection. Also assumes crosswalk striping is included in signal improvements (by
others).
10. Assumes 20 foot wide swath of wetland impacts.
11. Railroad crossing improvements include paved crossing surface and stop arms
12. Modular block wall for both sides of trail approach into underpass.
13. Trail underpass price includes contingency costs for utility relocation, traffic control, construction and contractor safety. Assumes
10’x14’ concrete box culvert structure.
14. Trail overpass price includes contingency costs for utility relocation, traffic control, construction and contractor safety. Assumes
prefabricated steel structure on concrete abutments.
73Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
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74 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
APPENDIX D: RARE SPECIES LIST
This appendix includes a complete list of rare species found
within one mile of the Central Greenway Regional Trail.
A one-mile buffer surrounding the project limits was
evaluated for the presence of rare plants, animals, native plant
communities, and other rare features using Geographical
Information Systems (GIS) in conjunction with the MnDNR’s
Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS)1. The Natural
Heritage data is provided by the MnDNR’s Division of Ecological
Resources and Water Resources, and was current as of February
2016 (License Agreement 625). These data are not based on
an exhaustive inventory of the state. The lack of data for any
geographic area shall not be construed to mean that no
significant features are present.
SPECIES:
»A Jumping Spider
»Bald Eagle
»Blanding’s Turtle
»Lake Bed
»Least Darter
»Oak - (Red Maple) Woodland
»Pugnose Shiner
»Sand Beach (Inland Lake)
»Rusty Patch Bumble Bee
1 Copyright 2016 State of Minnesota, Department of Natural
Resources.
75Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
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76 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
APPENDIX E: WIKIMAP RESULTS
Wikimap Comments
0 0.25 0.5 miNORTH
The red line makes the most sense to
me, because it 1) makes the most direct
connections through Lake Elmo for through
bikers, 2) allows utilization of existing park
infrastructure like the Nordic Center, and 3)
minimizes potential conflict with existing
I may have misunderstood what would be allowed on
these trails. If there are no motorized vehicles, only
provisions for hiking & biking, I am mistaken.
Please, please do not add a trail right down the middle of
LE Park Preserve! Noisy ATMs and motorcycles will ruin the
peace and quiet needed for both humans and wildlife in
the park.
Poor visibility - poor line of sight
for vehicles vs. pedestrians.
I like the red route. It accesses Stillwater
Area High School, which has ~2,500
students. Providing them a safe route
for walking, biking, and running is of
tremendous value.
Poor visibility intersection -
poor line of sight for vehicles vs.
pedestrians. No shoulders exist
- no shoulders planned.
Extremely poor line of sight to the South
at this intersection. Lake Elmo Ave has
a steep grade/sharp hill on approach
toward 33rd St. Very difficult to cross Lake
Elmo Ave. at 4pm - 5:30pm. Strongly
recommend against directing pedestrian/
bicycle traffic
Existing Public Trails (6-10’ wide)
Existing Private Trails (6-10’ wide )
Existing County Soft Surface Trials (6’ wide)
Existing County/Regional Trails (8-10’ wide)
Gateway State Trail (10’ wide)
County Parks
City Parks
Regional Trails
Regional Trail (on new trail)
Regional Trail (on existing trail)
Regional Trail Railroad Crossing Alternate
Interim Regional Trail (on existing local trail)
Interim Regional Trail (on future local trail)
Wikimap Comment Location
77Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
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78 Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
APPENDIX F: PARK AND TRAIL VISITATION DATA
PARKS, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE
WASHINGTON COUNTY 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 7-5
Park and Trail Visitation
Washington County and the Metropolitan Council collect data and produce reports on who visits regional parks
and trails, and how they are being used. These reports allow Washington County to track visitation and usage
data overtime, and assess performance. Determining the types of users and their needs is an important step
when evaluating future park and trail needs. Ultimately, this information helps Washington County make
informed decisions for planning, building, and maintaining the parks and trails system.
In this section, the following reports that evaluate Washington County park and trail visitation will be described:
Annual Use Estimate of the Regional Parks System
Regional Parks System Visitor Study
Washington County Park Visitor Study
Regional Park Use Among Select Communities of Color
Annual Use Estimate of the Regional Parks System (2016)
The Metropolitan Council annually produces the Annual Use Estimate of the Regional Parks System. This report
collects visitation data within each unit and extrapolates it to produce an annual estimate for every regional
park and trail in the seven-county area. Key findings from the 2016 report included:
Washington County parks received approximately 1.35 million visits in 2016, which accounts for 2.9
percent of visits in all regional parks and trails. The table below breaks down Washington County park
and trail visitation by unit.
An estimated 56.1 percent of park visitors were from Washington County, while the other 43.9 percent
came from outside Washington County to visit.
Table 3: Total Park Visits in 2016
Park Unit Total Visits (2016)
Big Marine Park Reserve 240,700
Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park 70,800
Hardwood Creek Regional Trail 208,300
Lake Elmo Park Reserve 519,900
Pine Point Regional Park 95,500
Square Lake Special Recreation Feature 95,900
St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park 116,900
Totals 1,348,000
79Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
PARKS, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE
WASHINGTON COUNTY 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 7-6
Regional Parks System Visitor Study (2016)
The Metropolitan Council also commissioned the Regional Parks System Visitor Study (2016) to provide
benchmark data of park and trail visitor experiences at regional parks and trails. Key findings from the report
included:
When compared with other implementation agencies, Washington County park and trail users were
more likely to:
Rate the quality of facilities, services, and recreation opportunities as very good (73 percent)
Visit a park closer to home (average of 9.5 miles to travel to park)
Arrive in an automobile (81 percent)
Look for information prior to visiting (18 percent)
Bring kids under age 10 (30 percent)
Report a larger average group size (average group size of 2.84)
Visit longer periods of time (average time spent of 3.01 hours)
Say that lack of free time is the primary barrier to visiting more often (83 percent)
Disparities in Washington County park and trail visitation included:
Age of Washington County park and trail users (see Figure 4)
Household income of Washington County park and trail users (see Figure 5)
Educational attainment of Washington County park and trail users (see Figure 6)
Physical or mental ability of Washington County park and trail users (see Figure 7)
Race and ethnicity of Washington County park and trail users (see Figure 8)
2016 Age Cohorts of Park and Trail Users
6.70%
9.80%
17.70%
21.60%
17.80%
16.20%
10.40%
0.50%
9.50%
17.50%
16.30%
22.90%
23.90%
9.50%
0.00%5.00%10.00%15.00%20.00%25.00%30.00%
75-older
65-74
55-64
45-54
35-44
25-34
18-24
Washington County Park/Trail Visitors
Washington County Residents
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PARKS, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE
WASHINGTON COUNTY 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 7-7
2016 Household Income of Park and Trail Users
2016 Educational Attainment of Park and Trail Users
9.5%
8.9%
21.6%
25.8%
7.3%
6.5%
6.9%
5.3%
8.4%
4.4%
10.9%
15.7%
47.1%
10.2%
5.7%
2.7%
1.5%
1.9%
0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%
$200,00 or more
$150,000-$199,999
$100,000-$149,999
$60,000-$99,999
$50,000-$59,999
$40,000-$49,999
$30,000-$39,999
$20,000-$29,999
Less than $20,000
Washington County Park/Trail Visitors
Washington County Residents
0.0%
14.1%
0.0%
27.3%
11.1%
21.2%
22.2%
4.0%
0.7%
23.7%
4.5%
42.7%
9.5%
11.5%
7.5%
0.2%
0.0%10.0%20.0%30.0%40.0%50.0%
Prefer not to say
Completed graduate degree(Master's or PhD)
Some graduate work
College bachelor's degree
Associate degree or vocationaldegree
Some college but no degree
Completed high school
Did not finish high school
Washington County Park/Trail Visitors
Washington County Residents
81Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
PARKS, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE
WASHINGTON COUNTY 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 7-8
2016 Physical and Mental Ability of Park and Trail Users1:
2016 Race and Ethnicity of Park and Trail Users
1 Responses reflect answers to the following question: “Does anyone in your group have a physical or mental condition that
makes it difficult to access or participate in [Park/Trail] activities or services?”
91.6%
98.0%
8.4%
2.0%
Washington County Residents
Washington County Park/Trail Visitors
Yes No
87.0%
87.2%
13.0%
12.8%
Washington County Residents
Washington County Park/Trail Visitors
White, Non-Latino Person of Color
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PARKS, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE
WASHINGTON COUNTY 2040 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 7-2
Washington County Park Visitor Study (2016)
Washington County Parks conducts an independent Visitor Use Survey annually. These responses serve as
another tool to measure visitation and park use. Furthermore, it gives Washington County flexibility in asking
questions unique to the County (as opposed to the region as a whole). Key findings from the report included:
Survey respondents primarily engaged in the following activities:
Nature walks/trails
Swimming
Boating/Fishing
Camping
Biking (paved trails
Programs visitors provided responses on activities they would like to see offered (or offered more
frequently) in Washington County Parks:
Canoeing/kayaking lessons
Outdoor recreation for women
Moonlight hike/ski
Tree & plant identification
Cross country ski lessons/rental
Regional Park Use Among Select Communities of Color (2014)
In 2014, the Metropolitan Council staff produced the Regional Park Use Among Select Communities of Color
report to better understand and address disproportionate or inequitable park use and identify barriers to
regional park visitation among communities of color. Metropolitan Council staff partnered with several local
community-based organizations and public agencies to collect demographic data and organize focus groups
throughout the metropolitan region. Key findings from the report included:
The most prominent perceived barriers to regional park system visitation among focus group
participants were:
Lack of awareness
Time available
Fear/safety concerns
Lack of transportation options
Language barrier
The most prominent suggestions from focus group participants to enhance regional park system visits
were:
Increase awareness
Address safety
Enhance capacity of gathering spaces
Create ambassador program
Increase and diversify programming
83Central Greenway Regional Trail Master Plan Amendment: Lake Elmo Segment \\ June 12, 2019
Keats Ave. N. - Tapestry
43Rd St.— Sunfish Ponds
1600– Ft.