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DNR invites public comment on the Stagecoach State Trail Draft Master Plan; Open Houses Scheduled


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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

ROCHESTER MN - A master plan for the Stagecoach State Trail in southeastern Minnesota is being developed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Parks and Trails. The DNR is accepting public comments on the Stagecoach State Trail Draft Master Plan through Friday, Sept. 2.

Master plans guide the development, management and operation of state trails to provide high quality recreation, transportation and exercise opportunities. The master plan draft is available online.

Three open houses, sponsored by the DNR and local community trail organizations, are scheduled to discuss and receive comments on the draft master plan. The open houses will be informal and open to anyone with an interest in this future trail. DNR staff and volunteers involved in planning will be available to discuss the draft master plan, display maps and other trail information, and answer questions. All open houses will have similar content; participants can arrive at any time.

Open houses are scheduled for:

Tuesday, Aug. 16, 4:30 to 7 p.m., Dodge County Courthouse, 22 E. 6th St., Mantorville

Thursday, Aug. 18, 4:30 to 7 p.m., Byron City Hall, 680 Byron Main Court NE, Byron

Monday, Aug. 22, 4:30 to 7 p.m., Senior Place, 500 Dunnell Dr., Owatonna.

The Stagecoach State Trail is a legislatively authorized state trail that will link the Douglas State Trail near Rochester to Rice Lake State Park, and eventually to the proposed Prairie Wildflower State Trail near Owatonna. These links also provide an opportunity to connect local trail systems in southeastern Minnesota.

No specific alignments have been determined for the trail and no segments are in state ownership. For planning and discussion purposes, the trail corridor has been divided into seven planning segments: Douglas State Trail near Rochester to Highway 5; Highway 5 to Mantorville; Mantorville to Wasioja; Wasioja to Dodge Center; Dodge Center to Claremont; Claremont to Rice Lake State Park; and Rice Lake State Park to Owatonna.

For more information, contact the following DNR staff:

Diane Anderson, DNR Parks and Trails planner, [email protected], 651-259-5614

Joel Wagar, DNR Parks and Trails area supervisor, [email protected], 507-206-2848

Steve Hennessy, DNR Parks and Trails acquisition and development specialist, [email protected], 507-333-2056.

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Thanks for the info!

On a side note.. Has there been any more info on the proposition of the bike trail that would link Winona and other area cities together? I remember talks about it awhile back then seems to have tapered off. Dont remember if it was a multi-county/state plan or part of the dnr

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