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<br />February 12, 2004 <br /> <br />Re: Clearwater Trail Project <br />Support of Trail Grant <br /> <br />Dear Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, <br /> <br />I am writing this letter in support of any funding and/or resources that could be granted to <br />make the Clearwater Trail Proiect a reality. <br /> <br />The Clearwater Trail Project proposes to connect the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes <br />Regional Park trail system (City of Centerville in Anoka County) to the Hardwood Creek <br />Trail (City of Hugo, Washington County). The Hardwood Creek Trail connects in <br />Forest Lake to the Sunrise Prairie Trail that goes northbound to North Branch. <br /> <br />The trail connection will make it possible to bike, walk, jog, in'-line skate or use any other <br />form of non-motorized transportation to enjoy the beauty of our natural environment and <br />safety of off-road trail systems. <br /> <br />Each year I bicycle about 5,000 miles. The majority of my bicycling is on roads and <br />paved tI;ails in the seven county area of the Twin Cities. As a Ride Leader with the Twin <br />Cities Bicycling Club (TCBC) www.bikeTCBC.org I plan bicycle routes and schedule <br />day rides that are listed both in the club's newsletter and website. From May through <br />October I typically lead two rides every week. Most often we look to trail systems to <br />bring us to the quiet, beautiful places Minnesota has to offer. <br /> <br />In addition to providing a safe and scenic route for trail users, it's important to note that a <br />system of paved trails increases usage and type of use. More exercising can be done due <br />to more continuous miles of trail. More commuting by bicycle to/from home/work is <br />likely. More people will come from farther away to experience multiple miles of trail. <br />The more the trails are used the more prosperous businesses along the route become. <br />Trail users often bring money to purchase an energy beverage and snack, or an ice cream <br />cone, or a whole meal or two. As we have discovered with Lanesboro, trail enthusiasts <br />plan to spend their vacation time and money in lodging accommodations, restaurants, and <br />even tickets for the community theater. <br /> <br />It is clear to me that the Clearwater Trail will be a true asset to the community, the <br />region, and the state. Please provide the funding and resources needed to make this trail a <br />reality. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Ron Plinske <br />4675 Gershwin Ave N <br />Oakdale, MN 55128 <br />651-777-1080 <br /> <br />reo 1 <br />