(Jackson, Mn.)– Long range plans are being developed for a recreational trail from Jackson to Fairmont. Luke Ewolt of Jackson County Trails says it’s an extension of an earlier concept they had…
“The original concept was let’s look at getting a trail to Alpha, whether it’s maybe using that railroad bed because part of it is abandoned, it’s just not used, or county roads, easements, and what not. And then when this opportunity came around we thought well we can maybe look at more of a concrete plan for the city of Alpha and then, of course, enthusiasm looked at well, just let’s get all the way to Fairmont. So you know, looking at the Martin county side of things, Fairmont, Welcome, Sherburn, Alpha and then Jackson would be kind of those communities that would be part of this overall plan.”
Ewolt says the decision to broaden that plan was the result of a survey…
“You know one of the first questions was how supportive would folks be from strongly supportive to unsure. About 90 percent of folks were either strongly supportive or somewhat supportive. I just clumped those together, so about 90 percent of folks would say yes, this is a trail that they would be supportive of having in our area.”
Ewolt says about two-thirds of respondents said they would use the trail for bicycling, while others expressed a desire for year round usage that would include snowmobiles and ATV’s.
He adds any trail construction would be funded strictly through grants and donations…
“We’re not going to be raising taxes for this trail project, just getting it out there. We always look for those that are 100 percent funded through the state. The state has funding that they set aside every year for park and trail improvement. It’s always part of their legislative budget and that’s something if we don’t tap into like northern Minnesota, the metro will tap into and then that’s how they have so many trails up in their neck of the woods. We try to take advantage of what’s free as much as possible.”
Ewolt says they’ll continue to finalize a concept for the trail, which he says undoubtedly would be a long term project. He says they’ll also be meeting further with cities along the roughly 27 mile route to further gauge their interest and input.
Ewolt says such a trail would also give an economic boost to the region by increasing tourism.
