PARK RAPIDS-Hubbard County commissioners heard an update on the proposed Heartland Trail Spur to Itasca State Park last week.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources staff will conduct a preliminary engineering study this spring/summer of the preferred route and develop an estimated cost, with the goal of bringing the proposal to state elected officials and seeking funding during the Legislature's bonding year in 2020, according to Tim Williamson. He works in the DNR Parks and Trails regional office in Bemidij.
Eric Haugland, a Park Rapids resident, is on the citizens-led Heartland Spur committee, which includes a variety of stakeholders, DNR staff, two county commissioners and trail users.
"In 10th grade, in 1975, I was in the audience for a government class. I remember there was someone, like we are now, speaking for a bike trail to Itasca. And now this steering committee has been going on for about 10 years now," Haugland told the county board.
The current bike route from Park Rapids to Itasca, along U.S. Highway 71, is considered dangerous due to the high traffic levels and narrow shoulders with rumble strips.
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The reason for the spur, Haugland said, is "to have a safe ride up to Itasca and possibly have a scenic ride, too."
Not only that, but the spur is expected to be an economic driver. It will complete a circular route that includes the Paul Bunyan State Trail and the Mi-Gi-Zi Trail. It connects the major tourism areas of Park Rapids, Itasca State Park, Bemidij, Cass Lake, Walker and the dozen smaller communities, according to the 2019 spur proposal.
The Heartland Trail Spur is considered a "destination trail" in the DNR's latest system management plan, which means that this proposed trail is expected to get the highest level of use and the highest investment.
The extension would begin where the existing trail crosses County State Aid Highway 4, then proceed north through Emmaville toward Itasca State Park's south entrance station.
The spur primarily crosses state or county public forestland and county highway right-of-way, Williamson noted, so the need for purchasing easements across private land or acquiring land is "very low for a project of this size. This is a combination of working with the county, working with the state to find a scenic route as well as a safe route and one that is rather practical as well."
County commissioner David De La Hunt asked if the spur uses any existing trails.
"Snowmobile trails," Williamson said, "but, for the most part, this will be a new paved trail."
The spur would be a state grant-in-aid trail in the winter, Williamson said, so would be wide enough for a groomer.
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If funded by a Legislature appropriation or state capital investment monies, the Heartland Trail Spur would likely be built in segments, Williamson continued. Construction would begin in Itasca State Park. The planned extension has already been approved as an amendment to the park's management plan and has the full support of the park manager and DNR Division of Parks and Trails.
The trail has received resolutions of support from Park Rapids, Akeley and Nevis city councils, Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Hubbard County Regional Economic Development Commission as well as local bicycle and snowmobile clubs.
