Flyway Trail Feasibility Study

BUFFALO COUNTY, WI | JANUARY 2016 CLIENTS Buff alo County Land & Trails Trust

Dave Schams - Chair

Nettie Rosenow - Director

Ric Ahern - Volunteer Executive Director

Jim Wilkie - Treasurer

Carson Lentz - Secretary

CONSULTANT TEAM Alta Planning + Design

Josh Sikich, AICP, LEED AP - Project Manager

Steve Durrant, FASLA - Principal

Colin Harris, PE, LEED AP

Kevin Neill, AICP

Katie O’Lone

Kristen Maddox

Sam Piper

Chris Carlson Table of Contents

Chapter One: Existing Conditions..... 7 Segment 5: Alma...... 46 Introduction...... 9 Segment 6: Alma to County Road OO...... 48 Study Area Context...... 9 Segment 7: Buffalo City and Cochrane ...... 50 Environment...... 11 Segment 8: Access to the Whitman Dam Wildlife Area and Lock and Dam 5 ...... 52 Transportation...... 12 Segment 9: Cochrane to Czechville...... 54 Recreation...... 13 Segment 10: Czechville to Fountain City...... 56 Economy...... 14 Segment 11: Fountain City...... 58 Nature and Culture...... 14 Segment 12: Fountain City to Bluff Siding...... 60 Opportunities...... 18 Segment 13: Connections to Winona and the Constraints...... 20 Great River State Trail...... 62 Chapter Two: Public Engagement...23 Scenic Recreational Routes...... 64 Introduction...... 25 Chapter Four: Implementation...... 67 Design Workshop Summary...... 25 Introduction...... 69 Additional Outreach...... 30 Early Action Steps...... 69 Chapter Three: Recommended Trail General Phasing Strategy...... 73 Alignments...... 31 Opinion of Probable Cost...... 74 Introduction...... 33 Funding Sources...... 75 Trail Typologies...... 34 Administrative Structure and Responsibilities. 79 Corridor Overview...... 36 Chapter Five: Operations and Segment 1: Chippewa River to Nelson...... 38 Maintenance...... 81 Segment 2: Nelson to Spring Creek Road...... 40 Introduction...... 83 Segment 3: Spring Creek Road to Iron Creek Guiding Principles for Effective Operations and Road...... 42 Maintenance...... 83 Segment 4: Iron Creek Road to Alma ...... 44 This page intentionally left blank.

4 | INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE FLYWAY TRAIL

VISION Th is scenic trail will be built on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Mississippi River Trail (MRT). Th e trail will ultimately serve local transportation needs and attract longer distance riders to enjoy the landscape and historic features they may be bypassing right now.

MISSION Th e mission is to create a low-stress trail experience, provide interpretive opportunities and connect the small towns on this unique stretch of the Mississippi. This page intentionally left blank.

6 | EXISTING CONDITIONS Chapter One: Existing Conditions

FLYWAY TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY | 7 Th e Flyway Trail Feasibility Study formalizes a vision for a world-class trail along the Mississippi River in Buff alo County. Existing Conditions

Introduction

Buff alo County’s historic river towns and abundant natural and a creative approach that incorporates and enhances the resources have long been a draw for visitors seeking an escape environmental, cultural, and economic assets within the county. from the monotony of daily life. The small-town character and This section of the study documents existing conditions in the charm combine with breathtaking panoramic views of the study area and identifi es opportunities and constraints that will Mississippi River and up-close encounters with the area’s diverse guide development of trail alignment alternatives and inform the fl ora and fauna, creating a unique experience for residents and selection of a preferred alignment for future trail development. visitors. While the Highway 35 corridor through Buff alo County has already been designated a part of the national Mississippi Study Area Context River Trail (MRT) and the Wisconsin Great River Road, the lack of an off -road trail separated from motor vehicle traffi c limits usage Local to experienced touring and road cyclists who are comfortable The study area is situated on the eastern banks of the Mississippi bicycling in most traffi c conditions. River in the Driftless Area of Buff alo County, Wisconsin. The area Creating a world-class trail in Buff alo County requires a fi rm stretches for roughly 40 miles along the Mississippi from Pepin commitment from local residents and government agencies, County to Trempealeau County, enveloping Highway 35 and a thorough understanding of its physical and social context, numerous communities at the base of the bluff line along the

FLYWAY TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY | 9 river. The county’s upland farms and prairies, forested hillsides, National and towering bluff s overlooking the Mississippi provide an idyllic Highway 35 also serves bicyclists as a segment of the Mississippi landscape for bicycling, hiking, and other recreation activities. River Trail (MRT), a 3,000-mile national bicycling route consisting State of on-road bikeways and off -road trails that extend from the river’s headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The trail Highway 35 is part of the Wisconsin Great River Road, a 250-mile provides visitors an intimate connection to the cultural, historic, corridor extending the length of the Mississippi River along the and natural assets that line the great river. While the MRT travels border of western Wisconsin. This National Scenic Byway, the along off -street trails in many areas, including Trempealeau only designated scenic byway in Wisconsin, links more than thirty County, it is located entirely on-street in Buff alo County. Wide communities along the Mississippi and serves as a regional asset shoulders and low to moderate traffi c off er adequate conditions for tourism and economic development. The Great River Road is for many touring bicyclists, but the lack of an off -street corridor a popular corridor for bicycle tourism, attracting thousands of restricts recreation opportunities for area residents and potential visitors to the area. Numerous spurs and alternate bicycle routes bicyclists and limits potential economic development and connect visitors to the area’s cultural and natural resources. recreation-oriented tourism in the area.

The Great River Road and Mississippi River Trail attract thousands of touring cyclists to communities along the river.

10 | EXISTING CONDITIONS Environment

The study area sits at the intersection of the wide gorge of the Mississippi River and the rolling hills of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. The area’s pristine waters, forested hills and valleys, and rich biodiversity are a signifi cant asset in the county. Thousands of acres protected as natural areas, state parks, and fi sh and wildlife refuges are a testament to the area’s value to local and national ecosystems.

Topography

The dichotomous landscape of the study area consists of Mississippi River bottomlands and tributary wetlands converging with rolling hills and bluff s. Eagle Bluff s near Fountain City, Twelve Mile Bluff overlooking Alma, and Twin Bluff s in Nelson off er scenic From towering bluff s to meandering channels and sloughs of the Mississippi, a rich diversity of fl ora and viewsheds to experience the area’s natural beauty from above, Protected Areas fauna contribute to the area’s natural splendor. while views from Merrick State Park and other bottomlands let visitors view the towering bluff s from below. Thousands of acres of state and federal lands in Buff alo County support the conservation of the area’s natural resources and Hydrology habitats. The following sites are located within the study area: The Mississippi River dominates the landscape through the entire • Upper Mississippi National Fish and Wildlife Refuge study area, meandering through its ancient gorge between • Five Mile Bluff Prairie State Natural Area steep bluff s, rolling hills and scattered settlements. Numerous • Lower Chippewa River State Natural Area tributaries enter the Mississippi from Buff alo County, including • Nelson-Trevino State Natural Area the Chippewa River, the Buff alo River, Waumandee Creek, and the • Tiff any Bottoms State Natural Area Trempealeau River. Two lock and dams support barge and boat transportation on the Mississippi River. They also provide parking • Whitman Dam Wildlife Area areas and observation decks, both of which can be supported • Whitman Bottoms Floodplain Forest State Natural Area and enhanced by non-motorized trail access. • Merrick State Park • Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge

FLYWAY TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY | 11 Transportation daily traffi c volumes on Highway 35 ranged from 1,700 to 6,900, LEGEND with higher volumes generally found south of Highway 95 in Traffic Conditions Town Roads Road Network Fountain City. Although this data may be out-of-date, anecdotal Best Conditions for Bicycling 5' Paved These sections of the route, and other county roadways with observations support these fi ndings, yet note an increase in Shoulders this designation, will have relatively light volumes of traffic or moderate volumes with wider paved shoulders. They may Highway 35 parallels the Mississippi River through Buff alo County, have other favorable factors such as good sight distances heavy truck traffi c resulting from increased mining and extraction and minimal truck traffic. connecting numerous communities situated along the river’s Moderate Conditions for Bicycling 5' These sections of the route will have moderate traffic volumes activity in the county. Paved with relatively narrow paved shoulders. Due to moderate eastern banks and terraces. State and local highways radiate Shoulders traffic volumes, higher truck volumes, and narrow paved shoulders, less experienced cyclists should use care on these segments. inland from Highway 35, while local roads support residential The Wisconsin Department of Transportation has produced Wide Paved Shoulders with Higher Volumes 2 Lane 4 Lane These sections of the route will have high traffic volumes but with 8 foot or greater paved shoulders. This classification access in towns and rural hamlets along the Mississippi. There multiple bicycle maps to support non-motorized transportation primarily includes 4-lane highways with 65 mph speeds and wide paved shoulders. Due to traffic volumes and high speeds, less experienced cyclists should use considerable throughout the state, including county-wide maps that detail care on these segments. are two Mississippi River crossings in the study area. Highway 25

High Volume; Undesirable Conditions 5' These roadways have heavy to very heavy traffic volumes. connects Nelson to Wabasha in the north, and Highway 54 links road conditions for bicycling and a route-specifi c pamphlet Paved Along the route, narrow paved shoulders are provided. Other Shoulders negative factors are often associated with these roads including high truck traffic and poor sight lines. Bicyclists Bluff Siding to Winona in the south. for the Great River Road Mississippi River Trail. Sections 3 and 4 should have significant amounts of expertise with these type of riding conditions and exercise considerable caution. (Alma and Fountain City) of the guide cover all of Buff alo County Off-Road Trail Symbolism Conditions for bicycling on Highway 35 are generally favorable Bicyclists Prohibited or Not Recommended and depict varying conditions for bicycling along Highway 35. Note: for touring bicyclists, with wide, paved shoulders and relatively Roads depicted with bordered black lines indicate paved shoulders Alternate routes along roads with optimal conditions for bicycling light traffi c volumes. According to 2006 data, average annual Services Highway Symbols are provided for each section as well. Full Services Available FS (Lodging, Food, Service Station) 94 Interstate Highway

51 US Highway Hotel/Bed & Breakfast/Cabins Below* is an elevation view of the route. Horizontal lines represent 100 feet in elevation change and correspond to the elevation of that point on the route. Vertical lines represent 1 mile distances along route.

Restaurant 68 State Highway 300' < 7.8< 27 mi mi (12.5 (18 km) > < 4.227 mimi (18(6.8 km) km) > > 200' < 8.727 mimi (18(14 km)km) >> < 6.327 mimi (18(10.1 km) km) > > Service Station G County Highway Pepin Cochrane Czechville 100' Nelson Alma Grocery Store 0 ft Trail Symbols Campground Mississippi River Trail Route F F EE KK 37 Mondovi 17mi 88 KK D Bicycle Service F Alternate Trail Route KK N Cream E Map Symbols Section Start/Finish Line Tell E (Matchline) I I I N Note: S North Arrow is not always is not always pointing up to the top of the page. Its orientation is different from page to page to maximize the coverage of the route on each panel. I

88 I Herold

0 1 2 3 4 5 miles D Re e isc e h r Va y 0 1 3 5 7 kilometers l alle Rd. C ley V r R e D e S 37 d s e prin o k g . Cr R R e O Nelson ek d R . d . N The Great River Road/ Mississippi River Trail Bicycle Map Alma 25 FS E provides vital information to help visitors plan their bicycle 35 FS Cochrane tour. Excerpts from the series of area maps shown above 35 35 MississippiRiver and to the right highlight local attractions and services 35 Kamrowski Rd. 25 OO FS OO Wabasa 0.25 mi O and provide a detailed assessment of roadway conditions Lock & North for bicycling. NorthDam 4

12 | EXISTING CONDITIONS Railroads

The railroads that traverse the study area are integrally linked with Buff alo County’s economy, both past and present. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) runs between the Mississippi River and Highway 35. When fi rst built, the BNSF and other railroads transported locally-produced timber, wheat, and other products to nearby markets. These same railroad tracks now haul freight and commodities for distribution in the Midwest and the west coast. In some areas of the corridor, the railroad functions as a barrier to river access in the absence of railroad State Parks Above: The BNSF Railway is positioned between Highway crossings. Southeast of the study area in Trempealeau County, the Merrick State Park is the only state park in Buff alo County. The 35 and the Mississippi River, creating challenges for river Great River Road State Park Trail utilizes the abandoned railroad 322-acre park is a popular destination for fi shing, boating, and access. corridor to provide a comfortable and bucolic bicycle and walking canoeing. A short loop trail system connects various uses within trail experience for area residents and visitors. the park. While hiking is permitted in most of the State Nature Below: Residents commonly hike and bike along the Areas in the study area, there are no established trails provided multi-use trail at Riecks Lake Park. Recreation for hiking, walking or mountain biking.

While Buff alo County does not own or maintain any county Trail Facilities parks or trails, recreation opportunities are abundant. Local Trail related activities such as walking, hiking, and bicycling municipalities and state and federal agencies provide a diverse are popular in the region, but the county’s lack of trail facilities off ering of facilities, including hiking trails, campsites, mountain lead many visitors and tourists to nearby counties where biking trails, playgrounds, pavilions, and ball fi elds. Hunting, established trail systems connect them to cultural, recreational, fi shing, and boating are popular activities throughout the county. and environmental opportunities. Shorter trails like the Mossy Hollow Trail and the Buena Vista Trail, in Alma, are popular Local Parks with walkers, hikers, and bird watchers. Eff orts are underway Numerous local parks provide recreational opportunities for area to connect the Great River State Trail in Trempealeau County to residents while also encouraging visitors to stop and enjoy scenic Winona, Minnesota, with a 3.9-mile crushed limestone trail. While views of the river. Local parks include Buena Vista and Riecks this trail would improve connectivity and access to surrounding Lake Parks in Alma; Foelsch Riverside Park, Buff alo City Park, and recreational opportunities, it would do little to support Veteran’s Memorial Park in Buff alo City; Goose Lake Memorial communities further north. Park in Cochrane; and Fountain City Park in Fountain City.

FLYWAY TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY | 13 ATV and Snowmobile Trails strengthen existing amenities while supporting new economic development that caters to tourist-related activities, such as Using all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and snowmobiling are popular lodging, restaurants, and retail. outdoor recreation activities in Buff alo County. Numerous snowmobile clubs maintain a network of snowmobile trails that connect cities across the county. These trails are located primarily Nature and Culture on privately owned land with easements to support their use The Flyway Trail study area is located in Buff alo County in the and maintenance. These trails may provide opportunities for trail Driftless Area of west central Wisconsin. The region is unique in alignments, as property owners have historically been amenable the Upper Midwest for having escaped ancient glaciation and to public use of their lands for recreation. is nationally signifi cant for its Paleozoic-age geology, rare fl ora, fauna, and biodiversity. The Driftless Area consists of dramatically Economy sculpted karst topography born from eroding limestone. Forested bluff sides slope steeply into deep cold-water trout stream valleys Agriculture, manufacturing, education, and health sectors largely cut from bedrock. Lush deciduous woodlands and oak savannahs, shape the economic character of Buff alo County, and growing rock outcroppings, remnants of ridge top prairies, wetlands, and industries like transportation and non-metallic mining are grassland river bottomlands provide habitat for diverse wildlife providing new opportunities for employment. and vegetation. While growth in the mining industry is increasing employment The Mississippi River Valley furnishes some of the most rugged Smokestacks at the Alma and John P. Madgett Generating opportunities and revenue for local governments, there may Stations tower over the Mississippi. topography and picturesque scenery to be found in the Driftless be adverse eff ects on trail development. The increase in heavy Area along the “coast” of western Wisconsin. Steep slopes truck traffi c associated with mining operations along Highway 35 and bluff s (some as high as 650 feet) enclose bottomland degrades the quality of on-road bicycling for cyclists traveling the forests, wetlands, and sloughs. These fl oodplain backwaters on the Mississippi River Trail. In addition, extraction practices may (1 to 6-1/2 miles wide) serve as an internationally recognized also detract from scenic viewsheds. breeding, migration, and wintering habitat for hundreds of While not currently a signifi cant economic factor, trail-oriented migratory birds and a highly productive refuge for fi sh, wildlife, tourism and supporting industries can benefi t greatly from and plants. a county-wide trail along the Mississippi. Such a trail would

14 | EXISTING CONDITIONS Potential Natural History Themes County (Chippewa and Buff alo Rivers, Waumandee Creek, etc.) provide extensive additional habitat (e.g., sloughs, marshes, old 1. The Driftless Area is an channels, open water, and “stump fi elds”) for fi sh and wildlife. ecologically rare landscape. The river system’s ecology and its vulnerability to pollution and The County possesses some of the best examples of the Driftless development were recognized as early as 1924 with designation Area’s unique natural and cultural features—goat prairies, the of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge tallest bluff lands along the Mississippi, rare and endangered (UMRNWR). In 1986, Congress again recognized the need for plant species, and steep valley Native American and pioneer continuous protection of the river’s ecosystem resources through tracks, called “dugways.” The area is internationally signifi cant establishment of the Environmental Management Program. for its unusual geology and unique habitats. The area off ers great The program requires the Army Corps of Engineers (USACOE) to opportunities for fi shing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and protect, rehabilitate, enhance, and monitor the river’s wetland interpretation in the bottomlands, open water, upper wooded and associated upland habitat areas. Millions of tons of commerce bluff s, and sand prairies. Area farmers and residents actively move annually up and down the River via towboats and barges. participate in goat prairie and trout stream restoration projects, The historic river towns benefi t from the recreation opportunities other conservation activities, and environmental education. created by the navigation projects but are also dominated day The County is also popular for whitetail deer, turkey, and grouse and night by fast-moving coal and oil trains headed to regional hunting. Unbroken ridgelines, dramatic and wooded bluff s, and out-of-state ports. and steep river and stream valleys provide intimate scenes of the Driftless Area’s most notable features. Overlook vistas from Alma’s historic buidlings shape the community’s character and values. bluff tops or views from the open water of the river back toward uplands and river towns, provide panoramic views of the region’s beauty and scale. Quiet roads through farmland and valleys off er serene and scenic experiences of the places that make this area so important to an understanding of the region’s ecology and culture.

2. The Mississippi River is an ecological and economic artery for the region.

The Mississippi River, the 850-mile waterway extending from the Gulf of Mexico north into upper Minnesota, is the major fl yway for migratory waterfowl and other bird species in the US. Tributary river basins draining into the river through Buff alo

FLYWAY TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY | 15 Cultural History 2. The County possesses excellent examples of 19th century river and rail towns. Buff alo County possesses a long and rich history of Native Developing along the river as early as 1839, towns such as Alma American and European settlement, some of which is still visible and Fountain City served as the river’s front door and as the civic today at historic and park sites and in extant river towns, historic center for those in the agricultural uplands. houses, and museum collections. Dairy farms, corn and soybean cropland cover rolling uplands, creating a scenic working Basic linear organization defi ned a river town. Terraced towns landscape developed by German, Norwegian, Swiss, and other developed on the ancient glacial melt terraces (called ‘second European settlers beginning in the mid 1800s. bottoms’) below the bluff s and along the Mississippi River. A typical grid layout focused on an upper and a lower main street Cultural History Themes (Main or Front) with housing and store blocks; overlook parks, 1. Buff alo County is a rich historic landscape, one of a town square, a courthouse, churches, and mansions and the oldest in Wisconsin. cemeteries on the bluff s. The nature of each town’s culture, its The Buff alo County landscape and its Mississippi River ethnic makeup and how it engaged with the river defi ned this The Union House hotel in Alma. Photo courtesy of corridor possess features that refl ect ancient processes and ‘civic landscape.’ Buff alo County Historical Society. historic times. Old geology, unaltered landscape types, Native Other towns, such as Buff alo City and Cochrane developed on American, agricultural, river, and industrial history are still visible. wider fl at lands, hoping to capitalize on railroad development. A Dugways—steep narrow valley roads unique to the county—still similar gridded layout characterized each town site. operate for daily commuting. Heritage farms, historic cemeteries, historic site markers; farm, village, and upland place names (e.g. Urne, Czechville, Praag, Garden Valley, Town of Cream) dot the landscape, as do historic buildings in upland areas, river town neighborhoods and along the River. Old rip rap, historic wing dams and dredge piles along the River’s banks testify to the continuous engineering required since the 1860’s to mold and maintain its navigable channels.

16 | EXISTING CONDITIONS 3. Buff alo County is an active working landscape.

The Mississippi River and the Driftless Area’s features provide an unequaled framework for the county’s economic infrastructure— agriculture, industry, rail and community commerce, tourism, conservation. The River’s current pools and dams, visible old rip rap, wing dams and dredge piles, testify to the continuous engineering required since the 1860s to mold and maintain its navigable channels. Coal-fi red power plants, grain silos, barge terminals, and city marinas line the River’s banks and roads. National, state and local parks, wildlife, and natural areas are found throughout the County and within the River corridor. River towns supply local foods, artist shops, hotels and restaurants, and points of historic or local interest. Recreation along the river (boating, fi shing, water access, beaches) and in the uplands (hiking, road and mountain biking, camping and picnicking) abound. Nature, navigation, new ideas and a strong commitment to protecting and nourishing the county’s unique natural and cultural legacy are the key forces that continue to shape its story.

The Flyway Trail area is known for its scenic vistas and unique geographic and cultural features.

FLYWAY TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY | 17 Opportunities

Many natural resources, scenic overlooks, cultural resources and recreational attractions act as opportunities to aff ect the alignment of the trail and support its development. Existing infrastructure along the Highway 35 corridor provides opportunities to route the trail, including areas with wide right-of-way and sections of Old Highway 35 (currently inactive) parallel to the existing highway. The cities along the highway corridor provide numerous alternate routes on side streets.

OPPORTUNITIES - NATURAL Wisconsin «¬95 )"J 37 )"S RESOURCES 25 Nelson )"P 88 95 )"P )"E Designated Natural «¬35 A )"G

«¬25 Alma Area/Wildlife Refuge )"N

)"O

)"M A Goat Prairie Wabasha Cochrane 35 Fountain ¬35 A City City «¬35 «¬54 OO B Spring Lake Island Restoration Projects Kellogg B Winona Goodview

Minnesota n 0241 Miles

OPPORTUNITIES - Wisconsin «¬95 )"J 37 )"S TRANSPORTATION 25 Nelson )"P 88 95 )"P B )"E «¬35

Connection to Minnesota )"G «¬25 Alma )"N Wide Shoulders on River A )"O A )"M Cochrane Crossing Wabasha Fountain 35 35 Cit City C «¬35 B Scenic Local Roads D «¬54 B Kellogg Winona C Lovers Lane Goodview

Minnesota n D Sections of Old Hwy 35 0241 Miles

18 | EXISTING CONDITIONS Wisconsin ¬95« )"J OPPORTUNITIES - CULTURAL & 37 )"S 25 Nelson ECONOMIC ASSETS )"P 88 95 )"P )"E ¬35« A B )"G A Local Destination(s) ¬25« C )"N D E )"O D Historic Marker/District B )"M B Wabasha Fountain 35 ¬35« City B D E ¬35« C Visitors Center ¬54« A B B D Kellogg Winona D Museum Goodview E Vineyard Minnesota n 0241 Miles

Wisconsin «¬95 )"J OPPORTUNITIES - RECREATION 37 )"S 25 Nelson )"P 88 A Future Trail Connection A E 95 )"P )"E «¬35 B C D Scenic View )"G B «¬25 F Alma J G B I )"O C Canoe/Kayak Launch H D )"M Cochrane L H Wabasha Fountain 35 «¬35 City Hiking/Birding Trails ity B «¬35 D J «¬54 F OO J H C G C Kellogg E Future Mountain Bike Trails K G Winona Goodview F Marina/Boat Slips Minnesota n 0241 Miles G Lock & Dam H Campground I Snowmobile Trails J City/State Park K Dike Access L Waumandee Creek Road Bike Loop

FLYWAY TRAIL FEASIBILITY STUDY | 19 Constraints

Constraints within the study area may hinder, restrict or impede The existing built environment provides additional constraints. the development of the trail. The natural topography physically Many areas have limited right-of-way available for trail limits where within the study area the trail may be aligned. The development. Existing bridges over rivers and other tributaries bluff s and the Mississippi River restrict available width; other lack adequate width for separated bicycle facilities. The active tributaries that feed the Mississippi River require bridge crossings. rail line within the corridor restricts available right-of-way for trail Wetlands and other sensitive environmental areas will require development and restricts safe crossing. Increased truck traffi c context sensitive design solutions. makes biking along the roadway less comfortable and inviting.

20 | EXISTING CONDITIONS 95 J CONSTRAINTS - Wisconsin «¬ )" 37 )"S 25 Nelson ENVIRONMENTAL )"P 88 95 )"P )"E «¬35

)"G

«¬25 Alma Wetlands/Floodplains A )"N )"O

)"M Cochrane Wabasha Fountain 35 Steep Hills Restrict «¬35 City A City «¬35 A «¬54 Right-Of-Way

Kellogg Winona Goodview

Minnesota n 0241 Miles

CONSTRAINTS - Wisconsin «¬95 )"J 37 )"S 25 Nelson TRANSPORTATION )"P 88 95 )"P )"E Narrow Widths at some River «¬35 A B )"G Crossings A «¬25 Alma )"N )"O Limited Right-of-Way next C )"M B D Cochrane Wabasha Fountain to Railroad 35 «¬35 E City City «¬35 C Constrained Right-of-Way «¬54 OO C Kellogg Winona D Heavy Truck Traffic Goodview E Limited Railroad Crossings Minnesota n 0241 Miles

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22 | EXISTING CONDITIONS