Draft of trails plan presented to County Board

McLeod County’s new trails committee, established about six months ago, has a framework in place for accomplishing its goals.
Matt Johnson of the Mid-Minnesota Development Commission, who is working with the committee, presented a draft of the committee’s goals, objects and policies at the McLeod County Board of Commissioners Nov. 17 meeting.
Johnson said he was particularly appreciative of the committee’s diverse membership.
“The trails committee you appointed is a very balanced group,” said Johnson. “Because of the diversity, it’s slowed down the process and makes the committee think about the big picture, not just jump on whatever’s popular.”
And not everyone’s primary goal is to add to or improve the trail system, Johnson said. For example, the Sno Pros, a snowmobile group, wants to ensure safety on the trails, particularly snowmobile trails.
“Everyone is bringing something unique to the table,” said Johnson.
Along with input from its committee members, the committee is seeking opinions from the public.
A recent open house regarding the trails plan drew about 25 people, who brought up a wide range of issues, Johnson said. Not all of those who attended are fans of trails, “but we got the impression that they weren’t against them if the issues they had were addressed.”
In addition, Johnson said, the committee has been seeking public input through an online survey. As of the Nov. 17 County Board meeting, there were 172 respondents.
Johnson said he was pleased with the number of people who were responding.

For more, see the Nov. 25 print edition of The Chronicle.