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opposed to many landowners. Not all trails would need to be designed and <br />constructed as part of a development project. For example, snowmobile and <br />equestrian trails may be best suited in areas where development is not expected <br />to occur. In these cases, trail easements could be negotiated with individual <br />landowners. It is not the intent of this plan, however, to acquire land through <br />eminent domain. <br />General Guidelines for trail development <br />The following guidelines apply to Hugo's trail system as a whole: <br />1. Use the Trail System Plan as a general guide for trail development, but work with <br />residents, landowners, and developers in designing and constructing specific <br />trails. This plan does not recommend acquiring land for trails through eminent <br />domain. <br />2. Provide trails that link important areas of the City. For example, provide trails that <br />link major residential areas to schools, the downtown area, parks, and regional <br />trails. <br />3. Do not expect the City to design, fund, build, and maintain every trail in Hugo. <br />Snowmobilers and equestrians, in particular, have worked with private <br />landowners to provide trails on private land and they should continue to do this. <br />The City can help coordinate planning efforts between the various organizations <br />that are interested in developing trails in Hugo. <br />4. Design the trail system to be accessible to people with physical disabilities. <br />Guidelines for developing accessible trails are available from many sources, <br />including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. <br />5. Provide trail loops of various lengths that allow users to return to their starting <br />point without backtracking. <br />6. Although topography can add interest to a trail, avoid constructing trails in areas <br />that will require extensive cut and fill. <br />7. Design and construct trails with proposed development. Do not wait until after <br />development has already occurred. <br />8. Provide a maintenance program that ensures trails will be properly maintained. <br />Poorly maintained trails are more of a liability than an asset. <br />9. Trails should be planned to connect to other nearby regional trials and trails in <br />other communities. <br />Chapter 7 7.32 <br />Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces <br />CMrK6 <br />