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will increase as Hugo continues to grow. To reduce conflicts, snowmobile trails <br />must be properly designed and maintained, and snowmobilers must use the trails <br />in a safe and respectful manner. The City should work with snowmobile <br />associations and Washington County to address concerns related to <br />snowmobiling. The following guidelines are intended to assist the City in <br />evaluating existing and proposed snowmobile trails: <br />a) Avoid trails in areas where the potential for conflicts is high - for example, <br />in densely populated areas, near schools, and so on. An exception has <br />been made to allow snowmobiles to access the downtown area via the <br />Hardwood Creek Trail, but speed limits, signage, and other safety issues <br />should be adequately addressed in these areas. <br />b) Avoid trails in significant natural areas as identified in the natural system <br />plan. Where possible, provide a minimum 200 -foot buffer between trails <br />and significant natural areas. The existing trail system shows two trails <br />that cross significant natural areas: one along Hardwood Creek north of <br />County Road 4 and the other at Egg Lake near downtown Hugo. These <br />trails should be carefully evaluated for potential damage to the existing <br />natural areas and alternate routes should be explored. <br />c) Separate snowmobile trails from other trails, including cross-country ski <br />trails. <br />d) Minimize road crossings. Where trails must cross roads, provide <br />designated crossing areas that have adequate visibility and are properly <br />signed. <br />e) Provide signage as needed to identify trail boundaries and reduce the <br />potential for trespassing. <br />f) Maintain trails regularly to ensure they are safe. <br />g) Where safety, noise, or other concerns may exist, consider reducing <br />speed limits and limiting the 'hours that trails can be used. <br />h) Consider sponsoring a meeting with snowmobiling associations that would <br />focus on addressing the concerns of residents and also on promoting safe <br />and respectful use of the trail system. The snowmobile trails in the Hugo <br />area are designed and maintained by the snowmobiling associations with <br />assistance from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The <br />City of Hugo does not need to develop city -owned and maintained <br />snowmobile trails. Rather the City should work with residents and <br />snowmobiling associations to ensure that trails are properly designed, <br />maintained. and used. <br />Chapter 7 7-35 <br />Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces _ <br />Hugo <br />