8-25-1992 PTRC Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Gateway connection studied Growing Greener Communities Trails leading nowhere and missing links are increasingly a remnant of the past as planners study alternatives for connections. Linking the Gateway, a partly completed recreational trail between the metro area and Duluth, with the State Capitol and the heart of St. Paul is in the study phase. At the request of the City Parks Division and the Department of Natural Resources, The St. Paul Bicycle Advisory Committee is looking at a variety of options for this vital connection. Both on-road and off-road proposals will be presented by spring of 1993. Once the route is determined, it is anticipated that acquisition money from the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resource, (LCMR) will fund acquisi- tion. LCMR funds come from lottery proceeds and the tobacco tax. Individuals wanting input or more information should call Dan Collins, 296-6058. The October closing of the Mendota Bridge means anxiery and four letter word frustration to the people who depend on the bridge for their daily commute. To trail advocates, the mere two year inconvenience could be a bonanza in greater access for bicyclists and pedestrians. An 8 foot wide bicycle/pedestrian path on the east side of the bridge will connect to a trail leading to Fort Snelling State Park. The Fort Snelling trail provides ready access to the Minneapolis chain of lakes trail system. The Department of Transportation (MNDOT) is currently negotiating with the Soo Line railroad to purchase a four mile corridor which provides the potential of connecting linkages to the Mendota Bridge, For� Snelling, Lilydale/ Harriet Island, and the Minnesota River Valley Wildlife Refuge. Meetings including MNDOT, the Department of Natural Resources and Dakota County are attempting to accommodate the interests of bicyclists, walkers and automo- biles. While in the past these interests were not granted equal status, this round of discussions could prove to be a horse with a different wheelbase altogether! Minneapolis is the site of the Sixth National Urban Forest Conference, "Growing Greener Communities". The intemational conference is expected to draw over 1000 tree fans from around the world and will include workshops, exhibits, and tours and will address critical tree survival issues. American Forests, one of the conference sponsors, plans to raise $200,000 from corporate sponsors to support local projects and Global ReLeaf. They are seeking worthwhile tree projects to receive funding through the conference. Project ideas are particularly sought which involve non-traditional partners, public education and/or are located along corridors linking cities. The conference will also showcase community forestry success stories. Through national publicity, tours and presentations, superior local efforts will be highlighted. Projects such as Dutch elm disease or oak wilt control projects, creative use of wood waste, projects involving teens are examples of the kinds of projects which will be highlighted. To submit ideas for projects to be funded or showcased or to help on one of the conference planning committees, contact Peggy Sand at 772-7562. Park Notes is published quarterly by the Friends of St. Paul and Ramsey County Parks. Editors are Peggy Lynch and Jeanne Weigum. For additional information call (612) 698-4543. Bridge construction means opportunity