Otter Tail County-Wide Trail Master Plan FINAL

APPENDIX C

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN February 23, 2017

OTTER TAIL COUNTY 2040 TRANSPORTATION PLAN C-1 OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Prepared for the Otter Tail County by SRF Consulting Group, Inc

February 23, 2017

C-2 Section 1: Project Introduction...... C4-C9 Section 5: Design Guidance Resources...... C46-C49 Project Purpose and Intent ...... C5 General Trail Guidelines ...... C47 Project Vision and Goals ...... C5 Trail Design Guidelines ...... C47-C49 Stakeholders and Engagement ...... C6-C7 Project Schedule ...... C6, C8-C9 Section 6: Community Open Houses...... C50-C83 Community Open House #1 ...... C51-C67 Section 2: Existing Conditions and Analysis...... C10-C27 Community Open House #2 ...... C51, C68-C83 Existing and Planned Trails...... C11-C14 Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Analysis...... C15-C27

Section 3: Preferred Trail System Network...... C28-C37 Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails...... C29-C32 Other Trails...... C33-C37

Section 4: Implementation...... C38-C45 Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails...... C39-C40 Water Trails...... C40 Estimated Costs ...... C40-C43 Funding Sources ...... C44-C45

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-3 1

»»Project Purpose and Intent »»Project Vision and Goals »»Stakeholders and Engagement »»Project Schedule

PROJECT INTRODUCTION SECTION 1

C-4 Section 1 Project Introduction Otter Tail County is located in west central Minnesota. The intent of the trail master plan is to identify general, trail users. Trails can take a variety of forms and can The County is characterized by small towns scattered broad trail corridors that link County destinations, serve either motorized or human-powered modes of throughout agricultural fields, and open space. The not specific routes. Once funding has been secured movement. Specifically, trail types addressed in this abundance of forested areas, wetlands, lakes, and for a trail segment, further analysis, design and Master Plan include: streams contribute to the scenic value that attract many public involvement will be required before a facility is • Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities to Otter Tail County. The aim of this master plan is to constructed. The County-Wide Trail Master Plan does expand recreation and transportation opportunities not identify specific destinations within individual • Water Trails that trails of all types can provide to the County. The communities. During the final design process, • Equestrian Trails investment into various types of trails serving both opportunities will be identified to locate trail support • Snowmobile Trails recreation and transportation needs will support facilities, such as trailheads, restrooms, benches, and continued economic development in the county and water fountains, and to make connections to specific • All Terrain Vehicles improve County residents’ quality of life. The long term destinations within the community that the trail • Cross Country Ski Trails investment proposed in this master plan will be one segment passes through. • Mountain Bike Trails attribute that can draw new residents to the County and retain existing ones. • Otter Trail Scenic Byway Implementation Timeline

A long-term timeframe will be required to see the Project Vision and Goals Project Purpose and Intent visionary County-Wide Trail Master Plan come to fruition. The intent of this project is to establish a County-Wide Currently, the implementation timeline for the Master Trail System Vision Trail Master Plan that will provide a long-term vision for Plan is envisioned to be twenty-five years or longer. The The vision for the County-Wide Trail Master Plan is the establishment of various trail types within Otter Tail master plan is intended to be a “living document” that to provide a comprehensive system of trails that County. The resulting Master Plan will serve as a high- will be updated on a regular basis (e.g., every five to ten facilitates transportation between County destinations level planning tool that will inform and guide county years). The implementation of bicycle and pedestrian and promotes users’ health and County economic staff, elected officials, and county residents to make trail segments will most often be concurrent with development. logical and efficient use of county resources. It will be roadway reconstruction projects to achieve the most a valuable reference tool that will allow the county to cost effective and timely implementation. identify cost effective implementation opportunities Trail System Goals that take advantage of other construction projects. Developing a system that serves all County residents Types of Trails Addressed in Plan Having a master plan will increase opportunities for the is the primary goal of the County-Wide trail system. county to apply for and secure grant funding. The County-Wide Trail Master Plan will address a wide Other goals of the trail system include developing a trail variety of trails to meet the needs of different County system that:

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-5 1. Balances transportation, health, recreation, and Project Schedule house #1 & #2 materials and feedback results can be economic development objectives. found in Section 6. The project was composed of a three part process over 2. Can be implemented in a cost effective manner. a 18 month timeframe (Table 2). 3. Minimizes and mitigates impacts to sensitive 3. Refine to a Preferred Plan and Develop an County natural resources. Implementation Approach 1. Information Gathering & Goal Setting 4. Increases options for alternative modes of A preferred concept was developed based on the This phase consisted of establishing project goals, transportation. input received during the open houses held in July reviewing existing conditions of the County’s trail and a trail system implementation strategy was 5. Enhances safety, quality of life, and access for all. infrastructure, and developing diagrammatic trail devised that prioritized key trail segments. The routes connecting places of interest. The information 6. Provide convenient and direct connections to refined concept and implementation strategy were was presented to the PMT and PSC during May 2016. destinations. presented to the public at Community Open House #2 held in November and December 2016. At the Stakeholders and Engagement 2. Develop Trail System Concepts second open house, further input on the preferred trail alignment and implementation priorities was During this phase, further analysis was conducted on the To guide the project, a Project Management Team received by the public. Final PMT and PSC meetings County’s major destinations and existing trail network. (PMT) and a Project Steering Committee (PSC) were were held in January 2017, where comments After a synthesis of existing conditions was created, established. Both played important roles guiding the received at the open house were shared and review three trail network concepts were established. The project. The PSC was composed of a variety of County comments on a draft Master Plan were received. business owners, government officials, and local three trail network concepts developed all achieved the citizens. The PMT was composed of County and State established trail system goals and vision. The solutions employees who currently play active roles in managing ranged from an extensive separated trail network to a the County’s recreation and transportation systems. See system with primarily widened shoulders. The concepts Table 1 for a complete list of PMT and PSC members. In and refined analysis were presented to the PMT and PSC addition to the PMT and PSC, the public was invited to in June 2016. After suggested revisions were made, the offer their input at two open houses, each of which was concepts were presented at public open houses located hosted in four distributed locations across the County. in Perham, Pelican Rapids, Parkers Prairie, and Fergus in mid-July. The community was asked several feedback questions to better understand what needs the County- Wide Trail Master Plan should fulfill. Community open

C-6 Section 1 Project Introduction Project Management Team Members Project Steering Committee Members NAME POSITION ORGANIZATION NAME ORGANIZATION

Doug Huebsch County Commissioner Otter Tail County Julie Lammers, Clerk City of Vergas

Wayne Johnson County Commissioner Otter Tail County David Sanderson County Citizen

Rick West Public Works Director/County Engineer Otter Tail County Dan Malmstrom County Citizen

Chuck Grotte Assistant County Engineer Otter Tail County Hebe Shipp County Citizen

Nick Leonard Tourism & Economic Development Otter Tail County CJ Holl Pelican Rapids City Council

Wayne Hurley Planning Director West Central Initiative Bob Lahman, Chair Eastern Township

Minnesota Department Sandy Froemming, Mayor City of Parkers Prairie Shawn Donais Area 1b Parks and Trails Supervisor of Natural Resources Greg Peterson, Supervisor Aurdal Township Patrick Hollister Active Living Planner PartnerSHIP 4 Health Jim Hermanson, Mayor City of Henning Jane Butzer Senior Engineer MnDOT - District 4 Betsy Roder New York Mills City Council & Cultural Center

John Gorton, President Minnesota Turkey Growers

Daren Berube Vergas State Bank

Mark P. Hanson, EDA Director West Central Economic Development Alliance

Allan Schroden, RN Lakes Region Health Care Michael Neusser, Economic White Earth Nation Development Director Hank Ludtke, Mayor City of Frazee

Jean Bowman Fergus Falls Convention & Visitor Bureau

Chuck Johnson City of Perham

Myron Lueders, Mayor City of Ottertail

Val Martin City of Battle Lake

Judith Brockway, Principal New York Mills Elementary School

Brad Stevens Thumper Pond

Table 1 Project Management Team and Steering Committee Members

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-7 OCT 2015 – APR 2016 MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN 2017 FEB-MARCH

1. Information Gathering & Goal Setting

2. Develop Trail System Concepts

3. Refine to Preferred Plan & Develop Implementation Approach

4. Prepare Draft Master Plan

5. Finalize Plan

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Management Team Meetings (12/17/15)

Steering Committee Team Meetings

Public Engagement Events

County Board Presentations

= Meeting with Consultant Team = Presentation by County Staff

Table 2 Project Schedule

C-8 Section 1 Project Introduction This page intentionally left blank.

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-9 2

»»Existing and Planned Trails »»Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Network Analysis

EXISTING CONDITIONS & ANALYSIS SECTION 2

C-10 Section 2: Existing Conditions and Analysis Existing and Planned Trails Heartland State Trail Planned Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail From a bicycling and hiking perspective, Otter Tail The Heartland State Trail is a 49 mile trail that extends County is well positioned to take advantage of a from Park Rapids to Cass Lake. The trail is primarily The planned Pelican Rapids to Perham Regional Trail number of existing and planned trails of national, built on a former railroad bed providing a level riding will run east/west from Pelican Rapids to Perham, statewide, or regional significance. This network of experience. From Park Rapids to Walker, the trail has connecting to Maplewood State Park on the park’s east existing and planned bicycle and pedestrian facilities a grassy trail adjacent to the paved trail for horseback and north boundaries (Figures 1 & 2). riding and mountain biking. A trail expansion with two provide a strong framework that the County-Wide Trail http://www.co.otter-tail.mn.us/1003/ Master Plan can build upon (Figure 1). These existing alternative routes from Park Rapids to Fargo/Moorhead and planned trails are described in more detail below. is planned for future development. The Heartland Trail expansion could provide Otter Tail County a nearby Glendalough Trail connection to the trail system if the alternate trail The Glendalough Trail is a 12 mile trail loop that Central Lakes State Trail expansion route that connects to Frazee is selected connects the City of Battle Lake with Glendalough State (Figure 1). The Central Lakes trail is built on a former railroad Park. This paved trail maintains a gentle, family-friendly bed. The trail starts in Fergus Falls and runs 55 miles http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/heartland/index.html topography, and traverses six lakes and numerous southeast to Osakis, Minnesota. In Otter Tail County, natural, archeological, and historical venues. Two the Central Lakes trail travels through Fergus Falls and additional segments are planned within the park. A Dalton (Figures 1 & 2). Paul Bunyan State Trail planning initiative is underway to consider connecting http://www.centrallakestrail.com The Heartland State Trail connects to the Paul Bunyan the Glendalough Trail system to the Central Lakes Trail http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/central_lakes/index.html State Trail. The Paul Bunyan State Trail extends 115 miles in Ashby. from Crow Wing State Park to Lake Bemidji State Park. http://www.morethanatrail.com This trail is noted as the longest continuous paved rail- Lake Wobegon State Trail trail in the country and the longest Minnesota state trail The Lake Wobegon State Trail connects to the Central (Figure 1). Lakes Trail in Osakis. The Lake Wobegon State Trail http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_trails/paul_bunyan/index.html extends 46 miles south east to St. Joseph MN. There are existing plans to extend the Lake Wobegon State Trail seven miles from St. Joseph to St. Cloud. (Figure 1). http://lakewobegontrail.com/

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C-12 Section 2: Existing Conditions and Analysis MnDOT State Bicycle Network North Country Scenic Trail Otter Trail Scenic Byway In 2013, the Minnesota Department of Transportation The North Country Scenic Trail (NCT) is a planned/ This byway was created to display the cultural, historical developed a Statewide Bicycle Network plan. The designated national hiking trail that extends 4,600 miles and natural significance of Otter Tail County. This 150 planning study prioritized statewide destinations that from eastern New York to Lake Sakakawea State Park in mile loop passes through 1,000 lakes and wildlife-filled should be connected by a bicycle route. The Statewide central North Dakota. The trail passes through Otter Tail wetlands and provides a scenic connection to historic Bicycle Network was divided into high, medium, and County entering at Rothsay and exiting near Frazee. The Phelps Mill, state parks, Inspiration Peak, along with low-priority corridors. One of only three high priority NCT is a combination of on-road and off-road single other cultural stops and places of interest within the corridors identified in the state is located in Otter Tail track trails. The NCT is not fully developed in Minnesota. county. County. This opens up opportunities for collaboration Three operational segments in western Minnesota are with other agencies to implement this portion of the located in Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, Maplewood planned trail network. In addition several other low State Park, and in Fergus Falls (Figures 1 & 2). Water Trails priority corridors pass through the County (Figure 2). Water trails are stretches of rivers, streams, or lakes https://northcountrytrail.org/trail/states/minnesota/ http://www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/system-plan/pdfs/statewide-bicycle- that are mapped and managed for canoeing, kayaking, system-plan-executive-summary.pdf boating, and camping. Currently, there are 35 Minnesota Pine to Prairie Birding Trail State Water Trails consisting of over 4,500 miles of paddling. One of the 35 designated State Water Trails The International Pine to Prairie Birding Trail follows the Northern Tier Adventure Cycle Bike Route is found in Otter Tail County on the Otter Tail River. The Highway 59 corridor from Fergus Falls to Thief River Falls. 157 mile long Otter Tail River Water Trail brings users The Northern Tier Adventure Cycle Bike Route is one of The trail continues north from Thief River Falls through through three of the four biomes found in the state. many bike routes developed by the Adventure Cycle Roseau and Warroad Minnesota. While the Minnesota http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/canoe_routes/otter_tail.pdf Association. The Northern Tier Adventure Route begins portion of the birding trail ends in Warroad, the Pine to http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/watertrails/index.html in North Cascades National Park in Washington and Prairie Birding Trail continues into Canada. In total, the ends in Bar Harbor Maine. A portion of the Northern Minnesota portion of the trail runs 200 miles with 45 Tier Adventure Cycle Bike Route guides users through bird viewing sites. A birding guide for the Pine to Prairie Equestrian Trails Otter Tail County. While no data exists on the number of Birding Trail was developed to help trail users ranging Equestrian trails are accommodated in Maplewood bicyclists that pass through the county using this route, from beginner birders to advanced birders enjoy the State Park. The park contains 20 miles of equestrian anecdotally, Otter Tail residents notice touring bicyclists trail. The trail guide can be found at the link provided trails. passing through the County along this route in the below. summer months. Adventure Cycle bike routes primarily http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/maplewood/index.html follow rural, low traffic roads through scenic and historic http://www.mnbirdtrail.com/ landscapes (Figure 2) https://www.adventurecycling.org/

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-13 Cross Country Ski Trails All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Trails Cross Country Ski trails are found at both State Parks Currently no ATV trails exist in Otter Tail County. within the County. Maplewood State Park contains 10 miles of classic trails and Glendalough State Park contains 8 miles of classic ski trails. Spidahl Ski Gaard, a Mountain Bike Trails privately operated ski resort, contains 15 miles of classic Currently no mountain bike trails exist in Otter Tail and skate cross country ski trails. County. http://www.skigaard.com/trails/ http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/glendalough/trails.html http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/maplewood/index.html

Snowmobile Trails Snowmobile trails within Otter Tail County are developed and maintained by the MnDNR grants- in-aid trail process where the MnDNR administers a cost-sharing program for the development and maintenance of snowmobile trails. In total, the grant- in-aid snowmobile trails consists of approximately 21,000 miles of trails Statewide (Figure 1). Trails are also designed and maintained by the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association and the Otter Country Trail Association. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/recreation/gia_snowmobile.html http://www.mnsnowmobiler.org/index.php?pageid=98

C-14 Section 2: Existing Conditions and Analysis VERGAS CITY BEACH

LITTLE PINE Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail LAKE BEACH Network Analysis Given increasing popularity of walking and bicycling for both transportation and recreation purposes, a larger effort of the county-wide trail master planning effort was focused on the development of a county-wide MAPLEWOOD PARK trail network focused on pedestrians and bicyclists trail users.

SPIDAHL’S SKI GAARD PHELPS MILL Bicycle and Pedestrian Destinations COUNTY PARK The first step in developing the trail network is GLENDALOUGH PARK determining what destinations in the County that bicyclists and pedestrians might like to reach. State WEST BATTLE LAKE BEACH FORT Parks and County Parks were defined as scenic county JUELSON PEBBLE LAKE destinations that may attract bicyclists and pedestrians. BEACH Existing and planned regional and state trails (Central Lakes Trail and Heartland Trail Extension) were also designated as destinations. These regional and state EAGLE LAKE BEACH INSPIRATION facilities in and of themselves will attract both county PEAK PARK LAKE ADLEY PARK & BEACH residents and tourists. Furthermore, other County

Ashby points of interest such as beaches and historic sites were defined as destinations (Figure 2). Many privately- owned commercial destinations such as popular DESTINATIONS TRAILS restaurants that people may be interested in biking or Destination Parks Proposed MnDOT High Priority Corridors Future Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail walking to were not included. It was decided to focus State Parks Proposed MnDOT Low Priority Corridors Future North Country Trail on community controlled destinations that were not susceptible to ownership or use transitions. Other County Points of Existing MnDOT High Priority Corridors Existing North County Trail Interest Adventure Cycle Bike Route Figure 2: Existing/Proposed Pedestrian & Bicycle Trails & County Destinations

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-15 Cities as Destinations The master planning process developed several screening criteria and a simple weighting methodology to determine which cities within the county were higher level destinations for pedestrians and bicyclists. The following screening criteria was reviewed and accepted by the PMT and PSC as one approach to assess cities as county destinations. Cities were assigned points if they met the following destination criteria. I. Employment destinations, 1 point (Figure 3): PROPOSED SHOOTING STAR Cities that provided higher volumes of employment CASINO were identified, as it may be feasible that employees that are within biking or walking distance of these employment nodes may choose to bike or walk to work if provided a safe and comfortable manner to do so. The following list represent the primary employers in the County. The proposed Shooting Star Casino was also included in the analysis as it will become a significant employment destination in the County if it is built.

Fergus Falls Perham • Otter Tail County Seat • Arvig Communications • Vector Windows • KLN Family Brands (Barrel • ShoreMaster, llc O’Fun Snack Foods, • Shoretext, inc Kennys Candy, Nutheads • West Tool and Design Chocolate Factory, Tuffys Ashby • Otter Tail Power Company Pet Foods, and KLN Proposed Destination (1pt) Existing Destination (1pt) • Northern Contours, inc Corporate) • Lake Region Healthcare New York Mills Figure 3 Employment Destinations Pelican Rapids • Lunds Boat Company • Lake Region Electric • Canvaswork Inc. Cooperative • West Central Turkey

C-16 Section 2: Existing Conditions and Analysis II. Cities with schools and libraries, 1-2 points (Figure 4): Schools were labeled destinations because they are a major place of civic gathering. Schools are destinations for youth, who’s only mode of independent transportation is walking or biking. Similar to employment destinations, it may be feasible that youth that are within biking or walking distance of schools may choose to bike or walk to them if provided a safe and comfortable manner to do so. Like schools, libraries were labeled destinations because they are a major place of civic gathering and destinations for youth and seniors who may not have access to motorized vehicles for transportation. Therefore, one point was assigned to cities with schools and 1 point was assigned to cities with libraries.

City With School (1pt)

Ashby City With School & Library (2pt) Ashby

Figure 4 Cities with Schools & Libraries

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-17 III. Cities with existing trails, 1 point (Figures 5 & 6): Cities with existing trails were considered county destinations as they offered existing trails that the county-wide system could tie into.

Cities With Existing Trails (1pt) Ashby

Figure 5: Cities with Existing Trails

C-18 Section 2: Existing Conditions and Analysis Fergus Falls Battle Lake

Proposed Glacial Edge Trail

Central Lakes Trail

Vergas Pelican Rapids

Figure 6 Cities with Existing Trails Enlargements

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-19 Perham Ottertail

Parkers Prairie

Lake Adley Beach

Figure 6 Cities with Existing Trails Enlargements

C-20 Section 2: Existing Conditions and Analysis These analysis layers were overlaid and subsequently added together to determine a composite destination value for each city (Figure 7). For example, if a city was an employment destination and had existing trails, it was scored 2 points. The overlay system effectively placed high priority on cities that met more of the identified County screening criteria.

The weighted county destinations analysis was then overlaid onto the Existing/Proposed Pedestrian and Bicycle Trails diagram (Figure 8). Figure 8 begins to suggest trail corridors in the County for consideration in establishing a county-wide trail network.

BIKE NETWORK DESTINATION

High (3 pts or Greater)

Moderate (2 pts)

Low (1 pt) Ashby

Figure 7 Weighted County Destinations

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-21 VERGAS CITY PARKS AND OPEN SPACE BEACH Destination Parks LITTLE PINE LAKE BEACH State Parks

BIKE NETWORK DESTINATION High (3 pts or Greater) PROPOSED SOOTING STAR CASINO Moderate (2 pts)

MAPLEWOOD PARK Low (1 pt) Other County Points of Interest

SPIDAHL’S SKI GAARD PHELPS MILL TRAILS COUNTY PARK Proposed MnDOT High Priority Corridors GLENDALOUGH PARK Proposed MnDOT Low Priority Corridors WEST BATTLE LAKE BEACH FORT JUELSON Existing MnDOT High Priority PEBBLE LAKE Corridors BEACH Future Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail

EAGLE LAKE Future North Country Trail BEACH INSPIRATION PEAK PARK LAKE ADLEY PARK Existing North County Trail & BEACH

Ashby Adventure Cycle Bike Route

Figure 8 Existing/Proposed Pedestrian & Bicycle Trails in Relation to County Destinations

C-22 Section 2: Existing Conditions and Analysis Trail System Informants In addition to potential bicycles and pedestrian destinations, the proposed trail network was informed by the physical and operating characteristics of county roadways in order to assess which county roadways would feel most safe and comfortable for bicyclists and pedestrians. The proposed trail network was also informed by roadway projects that were included in the County’s ten year capital improvement plan (CIP). Placing trails on or along roadways scheduled for reconstruction could expedite the implementation of the Master Plan.

Road Reconstruction Project Areas Figure 9 depicts roadways that are included in the County’s 10 year CIP. These roads offer advantage over others because a trail proposed along a them would be less expensive and could be constructed sooner. The cost to build a multi-use trail or widened shoulder will cost significantly less if done concurrent with road reconstruction projects because the heavy construction equipment can be used more efficiently and the economies of scale can be shared with the roadway construction project .

Ashby Road Reconstruction Project Areas (2017-2025)

Figure 9 Road Reconstruction Project Areas

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-23 Right of Way Widths Roadways located in narrow right of ways (R/W) pose greater challenges to construct than wide right of ways (Figure 10). A roadway with a wide R/W will negate the need to acquire land to construct a trail and provides more flexibility to avoid environmentally sensitive lands.

R.O.W WIDTHS

121-200 ft

84-120 ft

50-83 ft Ashby

Figure 10 Right of Way Widths

C-24 Section 2: Existing Conditions and Analysis better end-of-trip facilities. This demographic comprises perhaps 40,000 Portland citizens, or 7% of the population.

A much larger demographic, representing the vast majority of Portland’s citizens, are the “interested but concerned.” These residents are curious about bicycling. They are hearing messages from a wide variety of sources about how easy it is to ride a bicycle in Portland, about how bicycling is booming in the city, about “bicycle culture” in Portland, about Portland being a “bicycle-friendly” city, and about the need for people to lead more active lives. They like riding a bicycle, remembering back to their youths, or to the ride they took last summer on the Springwater, or in the BridgePedal, or at Sun River, and they would like to ride more. But, they are afraid to ride. They don’t like the cars speeding down their streets. They get nervous thinking about what would happen to them on a bicycle when a driver runs a red light, or guns their cars around them, or passes too closely and too fast. Very few of these people regularly ride bicycles—perhaps 2,000 who will ride through their neighborhoods to the local park or coffee shop, but who will not venture out onto the arterials to the major commercial and employment destinations they frequent. There are probably 300,000 in this group, representing 60% of the city’s population. They would ride if they felt safer on the roadways—if cars were slower and less frequent, and if there were more quiet streets with few cars and paths without any carsBicyclist at all. Types safety concerns. According to the Portland Office of bicyclist”, roadways with low average daily traffic Transportation, 60% of the the population is interested volumes were prioritized over those with high traffic Trail users can be broken down into broad groups in biking, but concerned about safety (Figure 11). volumes to establish a system that is safe and enjoyable Perhapsdepending one-third on their of confidence the city’s level. population Three main falls into the last category of ‘cyclist.’ This is for all trail users (Figure 12). thecategories “no way, of bicyclist no how” that existsgroup are thatas follows. is currently not interested in bicycling at all, for reasons of topography,Advanced Bicyclists inability, - Use their or bicyclesimply as theya co wouldmplete Average and utter Daily lack Traffic of interest. Volume a motor-vehicle. One roadway characteristic that creates a less The separationBasic Bicyclists between - Adults theseand teenagers four broad who are groups dangerous is not and generally intimidating as clear-cuttrail experience as describedfor the less willing to bike in motor vehicle traffic without 60% of concerned bicyclist is roadway traffic volumes. here.provisions There is such likely as bike quite lanes ora bitpaved of shoulders. blurring betweenMany cyclist the “enthused,”are uncomfortable the biking “interested,” on roadways and those not at all interested, but this has provenwith to be high a trafficreasonable volumes way even toif theunderstand shoulder is wide.the Children Bicyclists - Teenage or younger who bike Busy roads not only pose greater threat of being hit by city’son existing their own orand with potential supervision. cyclists. Need access to key cars, but also offer a less pleasant experience due to destinations such as schools. noise and pollution from exhaust. In order to establish a The majority of these bicylist types are interested trail system suited to the “basic bicyclists” and “children in biking, but uncomfortable doing so due to

Source: Roger Keller, Portland Office of Transportation (http://www. portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/158497)

Figure 11 Trail User Characteristics

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-25

3/9 * Data based on 2011 traffic counts.

ADT Counts

GENERALIZED ADT COUNT Less than 1000

1000 - 2000

Greater than 2000 Ashby

Figure 12 Average Daily Traffic Volumes

C-26 Section 2: Existing Conditions and Analysis Otter Trail Scenic Byway The Otter Trail Scenic Byway (Figure 13) incorporates county roadways that feature either cultural, historic, natural, recreational, or archaeological locations and landscapes. When possible, the scenic byway was followed because trail users generally appreciate the scenic and cultural amenities these corridors provide.

Otter Trail Scenic Byway Ashby

Figure 13 Otter Trail Scenic Byway

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-27 3

»»Bicycle & Pedestrian Trails »»Other Trails

PREFERRED TRAIL SYSTEM NETWORK SECTION 3

C-28 Section 3 Preferred Trail System Network Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails corridor represents another north-south connection Spur or widened roadway shoulders trails (Figures 16 - between state trails for the eastern half of the county. 18) are designed to provide cross country linkages that A visionary bicycle and pedestrian trail system A lower priority corridor is an east west connection primarily meet touring and advanced bicyclist needs. was developed to provide connections to County that services the southern portion of the county and The spur trails are also intended to provide nearby destinations based on existing traffic and roadway provides a linkage to Wadena and planned trails in communities safe connections to the multi-use trail conditions and by the public input received at Todd County. network. The proposed shoulder width of the spur trails community open houses (Section 6). In addition, the varies from 4 feet to 8 feet depending on the traffic pedestrian and bicycle trail network incorporates a volume of the road (Figures 16 - 18). These proposed majority of the MnDOT statewide priority trail corridors Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Types shoulder widths reflect guidance from the 2007 MnDOT as a way for the County level trails to contribute to a The pedestrian and bicycle trail plan is comprised of two Bikeway Facility Design Manual. The County may deviate statewide vision. trail types, multi-use trail “spines” and roadway shoulder from the MnDOT guidelines as they see fit as spur trails “spurs”. Spine trails are designed to provide safe facilities are developed. Desired Connections (Regional and County) physically separated from roadways for children and families and for people who do not feel comfortable The trail network was informed by desired connections walking or bicycling on roadway shoulders. Intended at both the Regional scale and the County scale. At a spine trail uses include walking, jogging, in-line skating, Regional scale, the Otter Tail trail network establishes bicycling, and other uses mandated by state law connections to existing and planned State Trails. The including, but not limited to, non-motorized electric vision regionally is to establish large loops that trail personal assisted devices. The spine trails connect users can enjoy in small segments or on long cross primary County destinations. They also connect existing country trips. A looped trail system will promote and planned State Trails to establish the opportunity for increased tourism for Otter Tail County and provide an a large off-road regional loop trail network. Select spine exceptional recreation network for County residents. trails are also intended to provide shorter trips between destinations that will facilitate safe and comfortable family-oriented day trips. Figure 15 represents the Each regional trail network corridor was assigned a typical paved multi-use trails (spines). high, medium, or low priority (Figure 14). The high priority corridors align with MnDOT’s high priority bicycle corridor and with the County’s planned Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail that is in the process of being planned and designed. The medium priority

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i b l y OTTER TAIL COUNTY REGIONAL TRAIL CONNECTIONS era elican High Priority Connection rai Medium Priority Connection

waena Low Priority Connection y sAdventure Cycle Route i rirityN nnectin Country Trail er ei ririty nnectin Central Lakes Trail all w ririty nnectin

entre Lakeycle Wobegonte Trail ntry PropTrail Paved Trail entral ae Trail Prop. Hwy Bicycle Shoulder ae en Trail r aeLeaf Trail River Rec Bike Trail r wy Bicycle Sler aleanria MNDNR State Trails ea ier ec Bie Trail Planned Mn DNR State Trail State Trail s lanne Plannedn State Perham Trail to Pelican lanne eRapidsra t Regionalelican Trail ai einal Trail Pine to Prairie Birding Trail ine t rairie Birin Trail s SnwileSnowmobile Trail Trail ss 0 2.5 5 10 15 20 miles Figure 14 Regional Trail Connection Priorities

C-30 Section 3 Preferred Trail System Network • Guidance from MnDOT • Guidance from MnDOT Bikeway Facility Bikeway Facility Design Design Manual, 2007. Manual, 2007. • Assumes posted traffic speed of 45 mph or • Assumes posted traffic speed greater of 45 mph or greater. • 1.33-foot rumble strips installed in an alternating on/off pattern within 6 inches of edge of travel lane. A minimum of 4 feet of smooth pavement remains for bicycles on the shoulder.

10’ 2’ 4’ 12’ 12’ 4’ min. min. 24’ min. County Road R.O.W - 100’ depicted. (Ranges from 50 to 200’) County Road R.O.W - 100’ depicted. (Ranges from 50 to 200’) Figure 15 Typical Paved Multi-Use “Spine” Trail Figure 16 Shoulder Width Guidance: Less than 1000 ADT

• Guidance from MnDOT • Guidance from MnDOT Bikeway Facility Design Bikeway Facility Design Manual, 2007. Manual, 2007. • Assumes posted traffic speed • Assumes posted traffic speed of 45 mph or greater. of 45 mph or greater.

6’ 12’ 12’ 6’ 8’ 12’ 12’ 8’ min. min. min. min. County Road R.O.W - 100’ depicted. (Ranges from 50 to 200’) County Road R.O.W - 100’ depicted. (Ranges from 50 to 200’) Figure 17 Shoulder Width Guidance: 1000 to 2000 ADT Figure 18 Shoulder Width Guidance: Greater than 2000 ADT

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-31 Preferred Pedestrian and Bicycle Trail System TO DETROIT TO HEARTLAND TO HEARTLAND LAKES TRAIL TRAIL The resulting preferred pedestrian and bicycle trail system (Figure 19) was created by applying the VERGAS CITY BEACH corridor selection factors and trail types methodology LITTLE PINE LAKE BEACH as described. Once funding is secured, each trail segment will require further design development. Final trail alignments will likely deviate from portions of the master plan trail corridors based on a more PROPOSED SOOTING STAR detailed understanding of existing conditions, desired CASINO destinations, and expected trail user groups. MAPLEWOOD PARK PARKS AND OPEN SPACE Destination Parks SPIDAHL’S SKI GAARD State Parks PHELPS MILL COUNTY PARK BIKE NETWORK DESTINATIONS GLENDALOUGH High (3pts or Greater) PARK Moderate (2 pts) WEST BATTLE LAKE BEACH FORT JUELSON Low (1 pts) PEBBLE LAKE BEACH Other County Points of Interest TRAILS Future North Country Trail EAGLE LAKE INSPIRATION BEACH PEAK PARK Existing North Country Trail LAKE ADLEY PARK & BEACH Proposed Paved Trail (Spine) Ashby TO ALEXANDRIA TO ALEXANDRIA & LAKE Proposed Paved Shoulder (Spur) CARLOS STATE PARK

Figure 19 Proposed Pedestrian and Bicycle Trail System Preferred Option

C-32 Section 3 Preferred Trail System Network Trail Type How Addressed in Master Plan

County will work to develop and maintain a network of paved multi-use trails and widened Bicycle and Pedestrian Other Trails roadway shoulders. Equestrian Trails County is supportive of North Country National Scenic Trail that is currently being developed Hiking and maintained by the North Country Trail Association, administered through the National Park Equestrian trails currently exist in Maplewood State Service. Park. At this point, current demand does not appear The County is supportive of the Pine to Prairie Birding Trail, which is funded and operated to warrant further development of County operated through a unique partnership between a number of Otter Tail County communities and other Birding equestrian trails. The County-Wide Trail Master Plan will Minnesota communities, the Canadian Province of Manitoba, Federal and State agencies, and rely on existing equestrian trails found in Maplewood not-for-profit organizations. State Park to service the needs of County equestrian The County is supportive of the Otter Trail Scenic Byway that is funded and managed by a trail users. Equestrian trail demand will continue to be partnership of several Otter Tail County communities, local organizations, the Minnesota Scenic Byway assessed, and addressed as needed, with future and Department of Transportation, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota updates to the County-Wide Trail Master Plan. Historical Society and Explore Minnesota Tourism.

Identify proposed future water trails. Existing Otter Tail River State water trail will continue to be Water Snowmobile Trails maintained by the MN DNR.

Snowmobile trails in the County are currently developed Existing equestrian trails are located in Maplewood State Park and maintained by the Minnesota Equestrian and maintained through the MnDNR grant-in-aid Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR). trails process, the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association, and the local clubs. The County supports Existing cross country ski trails maintained by the MN DNR are located in Maplewood State Park Cross Country Skiing continued snowmobiling in the County using the and Glendalough State Park. Trails are also maintained privately at Spidahl Ski Gaard. existing programs. Development and maintenance of Snowmobile trails will continue to use the MN DNR Grant- Snowmobile in-aid trails process, along with donations and volunteer time from the Minnesota United All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) Trails Snowmobilers Association, and the local clubs. Rising interest in ATV trails may warrant trail All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) Development and maintenance of ATV trails will use the MN DNR Grant-in-aid Trails process. development exploration in the future. The ATV trail development within the County could use the MnDNR Should the County receive increased interest in mountain biking trails, the County will research grants-in-aid trail process similar to snowmobile trails. Mountain Biking approaches for providing and funding these facilities. ATV trail demand will continue to be assessed and addressed as needed with future updates to the County- Table 3 Implementation Approach Wide Trail Master Plan.

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-33 Cross County Ski Trails Cross country ski trails currently exist at Spidahl Ski boat access point on Otter Tail Lake (Figure 21). This Gaard, Glendalough State Park, and Maplewood State water trail leaves West Battle Lake into Glendalough Park. These current facilities appear to meet current State Park through a small stream that connects to cross country ski trail demand. The County-Wide Trail Molly Stark Lake. Another stream leads paddlers out Master Plan will continue to rely on the MnDNR and of Molly Stark Lake into Annie Battle Lake. From Annie Spidahl Ski Gaard to service the cross country ski trail Battle Lake, the water trail exits Glendalough State Park needs of County residents and visitors. Cross country through a small stream that leads to Lake Blanche. trail demand will continue to be assessed and addressed Finally, a small stream exits Lake Blanche into Otter Tail as needed with future updates to the County-Wide Trail Lake. At Otter Tail Lake, paddlers can choose to continue Master Plan. their journey on the Otter Tail River Water Trail or exit Otter Tail Lake at a public water access point. Water Trails Currently, the Otter Tail River is the only state designated The third water trail, the West Battle Lake – East Battle water trail in Otter Tail County. The Otter Tail County- Lake – Henning water trail, extends from the same Wide Trail Master Plan identifies three potential county public boat access point on West Battle Lake through designated water trails (Figure 20). The first new water a channel to East Battle Lake. From East Battle Lake, trail is located on the Pelican River from the northern people can choose to pass through another channel to County boundary to the Pelican River’s confluence with Stuart Lake where there is a public boat access point, the Otter Tail River in Fergus Falls. The water levels in the or can paddle on Brandborg Creek and exit the creek Pelican River can become too low to pass during periods at one of roadways that cross it prior to the City of of drought. However, during normal water levels, the Henning. Pelican River is an attractive river to paddle.

The second new water trail, the West Battle Lake – Glendalough – Otter Tail Lake water trail, stretches from the boat access point on West Battle Lake to a public

C-34 Section 3 Preferred Trail System Network SEE FIGURE 21

Public Boat Access Points Rivers & Streams Proposed Water Trail Existing Water Trail

Figure 20 Water Trails

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-35 To Henning

Public Boat Access Points Rivers & Streams Proposed Water Trail Existing Water Trail

Figure 21 Battle Lake - Glendalough - Otter Tail Lake Water Trail Enlargement

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OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-37 4

»»Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails »»Water Trails »»Estimated Costs »»Funding Sources

IMPLEMENTATION SECTION 4

C-38 Section 4 Implementation Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails Implementation Phasing An implementation plan was created to help guide future funding priorities for the county-wide trail network (Figure 22). The implementation plan divides trail segments into high, medium, and low priorities. The county-wide trail implementation priorities align with the overall priorities defined on the Regional Trail Connection Priorities diagram (Figure 14). The implementation plan also depicts whether the trail segment is planned as a multi-use trail (spine) or a widened shoulder (spur).

High priority implementation is assigned to trail segments that connect to State Parks, existing trails, and trail corridors with existing master plans (Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail, and the Heartland Trail Extension). Lastly, trails that aligned with planned 2017-2025 road reconstruction projects were assigned high priority because they are near term candidates for construction.

Moderate priority implementation is assigned to trails that support MnDOT high priority corridors not already captured as high priority segments. Furthermore, to establish a continuous trail system, moderate priority Existing Paved Trails (Spines) Medium Priority Paved Trails (Spines) implementation is assigned to trails that fill short High Priority Paved Trails (Spines) Medium Priority Shoulder Trail (Spurs) gaps between high priority trails. Moderate priority High Priority Shoulder Trails (Spurs Low Priority Shoulder Trail (Spurs) Figure 22 Implementation Priority Plan

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-39 implementation also provide connections to remaining Trail System Enforcement could design improved access and/or parking pull-offs destination parks and employment centers that are not as part of bridge or culvert reconstruction projects. The proposed trail system will be overseen by the already captured as high priority segments. County. Rules and restrictions will be placed on the Low priority implementation is assigned to the type of activities that may occur on the proposed trail remaining segments of the system network. The low system. The trails will prohibit motorized vehicles from Estimated Costs priority implementation segments mainly provide traveling on the multi-use trails when snow is not Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Network improvements to cross county trail connections or to present. During the snowy winter months, the trails The bicycle and pedestrian trail network create connections from small county communities to may be open to snowmobile trail users. Snowmobiles implementation has both initial costs (acquisition the spine network. with studded tracks will be prohibited from using the and development) and on-going costs (operations multi-use trails due to the damage they may cause to and maintenance). Trail development will occur as the trail surface. Trail System Education opportunities to coordinate with other projects and agencies arise and as funding becomes available. Motorist and bicyclist education is a pivotal component Water Trails Individual trail segments may be constructed faster to the success and safety of the proposed county- than planned if trail development can coincide with a wide trail system. To help promote bicycle safety, Otter Tail River Water Trail roadway project or a development project along the MnDOT developed the Share the Road bicycle safety The County will continue to work with the MnDNR to proposed trail route, or if grant funds are secured. education program. The program educates bicyclist see if there are low cost measures that could increase on the importance of following traffic laws and signals access to the Otter Tail Water Trail, such as designing and educates motorist on ways to safely drive around Boundaries and Acquisition Costs improved access and/or parking pull-offs as part of cyclists. The County can play a critical role in bike safety bridge or culvert reconstruction projects. The County-Wide Trail Master Plan currently assumes by providing bike safety information to the public. construction within county public right-of-ways In addition, schools, non-profits, and private entities which minimizes the need for property easements or can influence bike safety by hosting education events New Water Trails acquisitions. Should final design locate bicycle and such as skill development courses for both cyclist The County will explore opportunities with the MnDNR pedestrian trail facilities in roadway corridors outside of and motorists. Education programs often increase regarding the feasibility of designating the Pelican the County’s jurisdiction, coordination and agreements the number of cyclists and decreases the amount of River and the Battle Lake - Glendalough - Otter Tail Lake with appropriate jurisdictional agencies will be required. accidents in communities. Water trail as state water trails. Alternatively, these new water trails could be designated purely by the County. Similar to the Otter Tail River Water Trail, the County

C-40 Section 4 Implementation Multi-use Trail Costs Manual guidelines. The estimated cost per mile to mill and pave a 4 foot roadway shoulder is $100,000. A 6 foot Estimated costs to implement multi-use trails include shoulder is estimated to cost $150,000, and an 8 foot site preparation, drainage channel modifications where shoulder is estimated to cost $200,000. necessary, trail paving, and the installation of signage, striping and landscaping. For planning purposes, multi- use trails are estimated to cost $500,000 (2017 dollars) 2017-2026 Construction Costs per mile to construct. The 10-year construction costs were developed based on the assumption of a 25-year trail system build-out. Roadway Shoulder Costs In 10-years, approximately 113 of 282 miles (40 percent) of the proposed trail network would be constructed, Trails located in roadway shoulders may be comprised which equates to an estimated investment of $30 of two cost components. If a roadway shoulder requires million (2017 dollars). widening, there will be a cost associated with grading the wider shoulder, which for high-level planning purposes is estimated at $30 a square yard. This Operating Costs estimated cost does not include potential right-of- way acquisition, trail easements, wetland mitigation, After the trail is fully developed, maintenance and or utility modifications or extensions. It was assumed operating costs will be covered by Otter Tail County. that existing shoulder width data were paved. Gravel Annual routine maintenance costs for the trail are shoulders may exist on some of the roadways guided estimated to be $1,100 per mile in 2017 dollars. This as a roadway shoulder trail, which then would not cost includes expenses for sweeping, sign maintenance, require as much grading as included in the estimated mowing, and minor trail repair. Additional costs for costs. Therefore, the actual cost to construct a roadway trail preservation and rehabilitation activities, such as shoulder trail may ultimately cost less than anticipated. surface repairs, crack filling, and striping replacement, will depend on trail conditions identified through The second cost component to construct a road shoulder routine seasonal inspections. trail relates to milling existing shoulder pavement and paving the shoulder with bituminous pavement at widths needed to meet MnDOT Bikeway Facility Design

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-41 Facility Modifications Figure 23 depicts the anticipated widths associated with the multi-use trail and roadway shoulder routes. Roadway shoulder widths are based on guidances in the 2007 MnDOT Bikeway Facility Design Manual based on traffic volumes and posted speeds. Figure 24 depicts potential roadway shoulder widening needed to meet MnDOT Bikeway Design Manual guidelines.

SHOULDER WIDTHS REQUIRED 4’ shoulder 6’ shoulder 8’ shoulder Paved trail (spine)

Figure 23 Shoulder Width Required

C-42 Section 4 Implementation * Existing paved shoulder widths used to determine the amount of widening needed to meet MnDOT Bikeway Standards are accurate to the nearest foot.

* If data did not exist in County GIS data, aerial photographs were used to take measurements.

*Shoulder widening calculation assumes no existing gravel shoulders. Some gravel shoulders likely exist, resulting in lower construction costs than estimated.

SHOULDER WIDENING REQUIREMENTS 1’ each side - 2’ total

2’ each side - 4’ total 3’ each side - 6’ total 4’ each side - 8’ total 5’ each side - 10’ total Meets MnDOT Standards Existing and planned paved trails

Figure 24 Shoulder Widening Requirements

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-43 Funding Sources Annual Operations and Maintenance Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Construction Costs associated with operating and maintaining the county-wide trail network will be funded by Otter Otter Tail County has several funding options available Tail County. It is also anticipated that assistance with to help cover the cost of trail development. Potential maintenance, in particular for segments of the multi- funding sources may include: purpose trail network, will come from local civic groups. • State bonding • Federal Transportation Alternatives and Safe Routes to School funding available through the Federal Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act • Minnesota Parks and Trails Legacy Grant Program administered through the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources • Trail Grant Program • Local Trail Connections Program • County State Aid construction funds • Health related organizations • Partnership For Health • Blue Cross Blue Shield • The County may also choose to establish a taxing district for the purpose of funding the implementation of the trail network. • Public-private partnerships

C-44 Section 4 Implementation This page intentionally left blank.

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-45 5

»»General Trail Guidance »»Trail Guidelines

DESIGN GUIDANCE RESOURCES SECTION 5

C-46 Section 5 Design Guidance Resources This section provide links to documents that provide • Proposed Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Trail Guidelines design guidance for the various trail types included in Public Right-of-Way (PROWAG), by Federal Register, the County-Wide Trail Master Plan. This list is not an 2011 The county-wide trail network should be designed in exhaustive list, but rather can be used as a reference accordance with the following design standards and starting point for general information when trail guidelines: segments move forward into design development and Sustainable Design Guidelines final design. With limited resources available for the construction Bicycle Guidelines and maintenance of public recreation facilities, it is important they be designed in a sustainable manner. • Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, by General Trail Design Guidance Sustainable designs work with natural systems, thus the American Association of State Highway and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) maintaining or restoring habitat and reducing long Transportation Officials (AASHTO), 2012 In accordance with the ADA and the Federal Highway term cost of operations and maintenance. Popular • MnDOT Bikeway Facility Design Manual, by Administration, everyone should have the opportunity design guidelines for sustainable landscape design Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), to experience and enjoy the natural environment. People include the following: March 2007 with and without disabilities, older people, families, and • The Sustainable SITES Initiative, by Green Business • State Aid Rule 8820.9995 Minimum Bicycle Path children all benefit from being able to enjoy parks and Certification Inc. Standards, State Aid for Local Transportation trails. To the maximum extent feasible, trails should • Guidelines for Managing and Restoring Natural • Trail Planning, Design, and Development be designed to accommodate the access needs of all Plant Communities along Trails and Waterways, by Guidelines, by Minnesota Department of Natural users. Accessibility is important when designing trails Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 2004 Resources, Parks and Trails Division, 2007 and includes installing accessible built facilities such as wheelchair-accessible toilets and drinking fountains at • Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Design Flexibility, by restroom facilities and rest stops. U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, August, 2013 Park and open space recreation features should be designed in compliance with the following accessibility • Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control design standards and guidelines: Devices (MN MUTCD), by MnDOT, February 2015 • Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility • Urban Bikeway Design Guide, by National Guidelines (ADAAG) Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-47 Pedestrian Guidelines ` • Off-Highway Motorcycle & ATV Trails: Guidelines for Design, Construction, Maintenance, and User • AASHTO Guide for the Planning, Design, and Satisfaction, 2nd Edition, by American Motorcyclist Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, 1st Edition, Association, 1994 by American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2004 • ATV Association of Minnesota (ATVAM) • Pedestrian Facilities User Guide – Providing Safety and Mobility. Publication No. FHWA-RD-01-102 ,by Equestrian Trail Guidelines U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, March 2002 • Trail Planning, Design, and Development Guidelines, by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Trails Division, 2007 Water Trail Guidelines • Equestrian Trail Guidelines for Construction • Developing Water Trails in Iowa. Practical Guidelines and Maintenance, Missouri Department of and Templates for Planning, Site Design, Signage, Conservation, 2007 and Construction in the State of Iowa, June 2010 Cross Country Ski Trail Guidelines Snowmobile Trail Guidelines • Trail Planning, Design, and Development • Minnesota Snowmobile Trails Assistance Program Guidelines, by Minnesota Department of Natural Maintenance and Grooming Manual, by Minnesota Resources, Parks and Trails Division, 2007 Department of Natural Resources, 2013 • Trail Planning, Design, and Development Guidelines, by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Trails Division, 2007

ATV Trail Guidelines • Trail Planning, Design, and Development Guidelines, by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Trails Division, 2007

C-48 Section 5 Design Guidance Resources This page intentionally left blank.

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-49 6

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSES 1 & 2 6 SECTION 6

C-50 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 This section consists of the open house 1 and 2 presentation boards and summary of community input received. The first open houses were held on the following dates:

• July 11, 2016: Fergus Falls • July 12, 2016: Pelican Rapids • July 20, 2016: Perham • July 21, 2016: Parkers Prairie

The second open houses were held on the following dates: • November 28, 2016: Fergus Falls • November 29, 2016: Perham • November 30, 2016: Parkers Prairie • December 1, 2016: Pelican Rapids

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSES 1 & 2 SECTION 6

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-51 WELCOME!

Community Open House #1 OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 25 Community Open House #1 Presentation Boards

C-52 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 PROJECT PURPOSE The intent of this project is the The resulting Master Plan will serve as a Currently, the implementation timeline for development of a county-wide trail Master high-level planning tool. the Master Plan is envisioned to be 50+ Plan that will provide a long-term vision years. • Focus is on identifying desired travel WELCOME! for the establishment of various trail types corridors. The Master Plan is intended to be a “living within Otter Tail County. document” that will be updated on a • Additional detailed design and public regular basis (e.g., every 5 to 10 years). involvement will be required after funding is acquired and before facilities are constructed. PROJECT SCHEDULE OCT 2015 – APR 2016 MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV

1. Information Gathering & Goal Setting

2. Develop Trail System Solutions

3. Refine to Preferred Plan

4. Prepare Draft Master Plan

5. Finalize Plan

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Management Team Meetings (12/17/15)

Steering Committee Team Meetings Community Open House #1 Public Engagement Events County Board Presentations

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE = Meeting with Consultant Team = Presentation by County Staff TRAIL MASTER PLAN ProjectProposed Introduction Trail System: Option 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 25 Community Open House #1 Presentation Boards

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-53 TRAIL SYSTEM VISION TRAIL SYSTEM GOALS Otter Tail County provides a Develop a System that: comprehensive system of trails that • Balances transportation, health, • Increases options for alternative modes of facilitates transportation between recreation, and economic development transportation. County destinations and promotes active objectives recreation for County residents and visitors, • Enhances safety, quality of life, and access resulting in improved users’ health and • Can be implemented in a cost effective for all. manner. County economic development. • Provide convenient and direct connections • Minimizes and mitigates impacts to to destinations. sensitive County natural resources.

PLANNING EFFORT FOCUS Trails Currently Accommodated Trails to be Developed Trail Type Current Accommodation Trail Type Current Accommodation

Equestrian Maplewood State Park • Pedestrians Multi-use Trail • Bicyclists Snowmobile MN DNR Grant-in-aid Trails • Snowmobiles (no studs)

Hiking North Country National Scenic Trail Widened Roadway • Bicyclists Shoulders • Pedestrians • Canoers Water Trail • Kayakers • Tubers

ProjectProposed Introduction Trail System: Option 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 25 Community Open House #1 Presentation Boards

C-54 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 fargo/ ail sion land tr expan rt moorhead re trail hea futu park rapids detroit hubbard lakes pa u becker l bu Perham to Pelican Rapids ny clay an Regional Trail tr ail perham pelican rapids

wadena wadena Otter Tail County North Country Trail Proposed MnDOT Low fergus Regional Trail Priority Corridors falls Connections

LEGEND Proposed MnDOT High otter tail Priority Corridors wilkin N Country Trail Central Lakes Trail

Lake Wobegon Trail Existing MnDOT High Priority Prop Paved Trail Corridors alexandria Prop. Hwy Bicycle Shoulder Central Lakes State Trail Leaf River Rec Bike Trail Perham to Pelican Rapids grant douglas todd MNDNR State Trails Regional Trail Planned Mn DNR State Trail Planned Perham to Pelican Future North Country Trail traverse Rapids Regional Trail Snowmobile Trail Ashby Ashby Existing North County Trail stearns 0 2.5 5 10 15 20 miles TRAILS IN ADJACENT COUNTIES MNDOT PRIORITY CORRIDORS

MAPLEWOOD PARK

PHELPS MILL COUNTY PARK

GLENDALOUGH PARK

ADT Counts Destination Parks GENERALIZED ADT COUNT Less than 1000 INSPIRATION State Parks PEAK PARK 1000 - 2000 State Wildlife Ashby Management Areas Ashby Greater than 2000 SCENIC DESTINATIONS AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUMES

TrailProposed System Trail Informants System: Option 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 25 Community Open House #1 Presentation Boards

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-55 PROPOSED SHOOTING STAR CASINO

Proposed Destination (1pt) City With School (1pt) City With School Ashby Existing Destination (1pt) Ashby Ashby & Library (2pt) EMPLOYMENT DESTINATIONS CITIES WITH SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES

BIKE NETWORK DESTINATION High (Greater than 3 pts)

Moderate (2 pts) Cities With Existing Ashby Ashby Low (1 pt) Trails (1pt) CITIES WITH EXISTING TRAILS WEIGHTED COUNTY DESTINATIONS

Analysis:Proposed Destination Trail System: Cities Option 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 25 Community Open House #1 Presentation Boards

C-56 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 FEEDBACK QUESTIONS What county destinations are we missing? Write on post-it note Pink post-it note = Family destination Yellow post-it note = Adult destination

Where in the county do you want to bike to? Place a dot next to desired biking destination Red Dot = Family destination Yellow Dot = Adult destination MAPLEWOOD PARK

PHELPS MILL COUNTY PARK

GLENDALOUGH PARK

INSPIRATION PEAK PARK

Ashby

PARKS AND OPEN SPACE BIKE NETWORK DESTINATION TRAILS Destination Parks High (Greater than 3 pts) Future North Country Trail Central Lakes State Trail 0 2.5 5 10 miles State Parks Moderate (2 pts) Existing North County Trail Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail Low (1 pt) Planned Trails/MnDot Priority Corridors

Existing/ProposedProposed Trail System: Trail and Option County 1 Destinations COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 25 Community Open House #1 Presentation Boards

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-57 Guidance from MnDOT Bikeway Facility Guidance from MnDOT Bikeway Design Manual, 2007. Facility Design Manual, 2007. 4’ 12’ 12’ 4’ 6’ 12’ 12’ 6’ min. min. minimum minimum Assumes posted traffic speed of 45 mph or Assumes posted traffic speed of greater 45 mph or greater. SHOULDER WIDTH GUIDANCE 1.33-foot rumble strips installed in an SHOULDER WIDTH GUIDANCE alternating on/off pattern within 6 inches of LESS THAN 1000 ADT edge of travel lane. A minimum of 4 feet of 1000 TO 2000 ADT smooth pavement remains for bicycles on the shoulder.

Guidance from MnDOT Bikeway Guidance from MnDOT Bikeway Facility Design Manual, 2007. 8’ 12’ 12’ 8’ Facility Design Manual, 2007. 2’ 10’ 2’ minimum minimum 24’ MIN. Assumes posted traffic speed of Assumes posted traffic speed of 45 mph or greater. 45 mph or greater. SHOULDER WIDTH GUIDANCE TYPICAL TRAIL SECTION GREATER THAN 2000 ADT GREATER THAN 45 MPH ROADWAYS WITH NO CURB

TypicalProposed Bikeway Trail System:Facilities Option 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 25 Community Open House #1 Presentation Boards

C-58 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 FEEDBACK QUESTIONS Which Proposed Trail System Option (1, 2 or 3) do you prefer? Place dot here if you prefer trail option 1.

MAPLEWOOD PARK

PHELPS MILL COUNTY PARK How could this option be improved? GLENDALOUGH PARK Write on post-it note or note directly on the board

INSPIRATION PEAK PARK

Ashby

PARKS AND OPEN SPACE BIKE NETWORK DESTINATION TRAILS

ProposedProposed Trail Trail System: System: Option Option 1 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 25 Community Open House #1 Presentation Boards

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-59 FEEDBACK QUESTIONS Which Proposed Trail System Option (1, 2 or 3) do you prefer? Place dot here if you prefer trail option 2.

MAPLEWOOD PARK

PHELPS MILL COUNTY PARK How could this option be improved? GLENDALOUGH PARK Write on post-it note or note directly on the board

INSPIRATION PEAK PARK

Ashby

PARKS AND OPEN SPACE BIKE NETWORK DESTINATION TRAILS

ProposedProposed Trail Trail System: System: Option Option 2 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 25 Community Open House #1 Presentation Boards

C-60 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 FEEDBACK QUESTIONS Which Proposed Trail System Option (1, 2 or 3) do you prefer? Place dot here if you prefer trail option 3.

MAPLEWOOD PARK

PHELPS MILL COUNTY PARK How could this option be improved? GLENDALOUGH PARK Write on post-it note or note directly on the board

INSPIRATION PEAK PARK

Ashby

PARKS AND OPEN SPACE BIKE NETWORK DESTINATION TRAILS

ProposedProposed Trail Trail System: System: Option Option 3 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 25 Community Open House #1 Presentation Boards

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-61 FEEDBACK QUESTIONS Are there any lakes with existing water passages that would make a good trail? Write on post-it note.

Ashby

Public Boat Access Otter Tail River State Water Trail

Rivers & Streams Proposed Water Trail 0 2.5 5 10 miles

WaterProposed Trails Trail System: Option 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 25 Community Open House #1 Presentation Boards

C-62 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 FEEDBACK QUESTIONS What county destinations are we missing? FISHING PIER Family Destination LONG LAKE o Spidahl’s Ski Gaard BOAT ACCESS ZORBAZ PICNIC AREA o Bello Cucina o Fort Juelson o 370+ loop between Heartland, Central Lakes, and Pelican Rapids to Perham o Connection from Perham to future Heartland Trail (Possibly on Highway 13 or 51) o Discussion of North Country Trail having multi-use Frazee to Vergas o Pelican Rapids to Perham from Highway 59 to Vergas. Then Highway 10 to Perham. Better for families. ERHARD HILLS o Scenic hills south of Highway 210 between Highway 29 and 78 o Erhard hills o Connection along Highway 29 to Central Lakes Trail MAPLEWOOD in Alexandria PARK o New York Mills Cultural Center and Sculpture park o Dunvilla Coneflower Café o The barn and new hotel gift shop SPIDAHL’S SKI GAARD o Billy’s Corner Bar and Grill FISHING PIER o Trail starting South from Parkers Prairie. Connect to trail coming north from Alexandria PHELPS MILL EDWARDS Adult destinations COUNTY PARK o Eagle Lake Township Park public water access and swimming beach. One of few public beaches in county

GLENDALOUGH PARK

FORT JUELSON Where in the county do you want to bike to? Place a dot next to desired biking destination Red Dot = Family destination Yellow Dot = Adult destination EGALE LAKE BEACH INSPIRATION PEAK PARK LAKE ADLEY PARK AND BEACH

Ashby

PARKS AND OPEN SPACE BIKE NETWORK DESTINATION TRAILS Destination Parks High (Greater than Future North Country Trail Central Lakes State Trail 0 2.5 5 10 miles 3 pts) State Parks Existing North County Trail Perham to Pelican Rapids Moderate (2 pts) Regional Trail Planned Trails/MnDot Priority Low (1 pt) Corridors

Figure 26 Community Open House #1 Survey Results

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-63 TRAIL OPTION PREFERENCE Which proposed trail system option (1,2, or 3) do you prefer?

60% 54.17%

50%

40% 37.50%

30%

20%

10% 8.33%

0% Trail Option 1 Trail Option 2 Trail Option 3

Figure 26 Community Open House #1 Survey Results

C-64 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 QUESTION #1 The Master Plan should be visionary and ambitious, even if its implementation is expected to be expensive and take decades to complete

31.71% 30% 26.83% 25% 21.95% 20%

14.63% 15%

10% 4.88% 5%

0% Strongly Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Disagree Agree

QUESTION #2a How comfortable would you be riding/walking on widened paved shoulders of low volume County Highways? 50% 45.00% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20.00% 20% 15.50% 15% 10.00% 10% 7.50% 5% 0% Very Uncomfortable Neutral Comfortable Very Uncomfortable Comfortable

Figure 26 Community Open House #1 Survey Results

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-65 QUESTION #2b How comfortable would you be riding/walking with children on widened paved shoulders of low volume County Highways? 50% 45%

40% 37.50% 35% 30% 25% 20.00% 20% 17.50% 17.50% 15%

10% 7.50% 5% 0% Very Uncomfortable Neutral Comfortable Very Uncomfortable Comfortable

QUESTION #2c How comfortable would you be riding/walking with children on a multi-use trail located in the right-of-way high volume County Highways? 50% 45% 40% 35% 30.00% 30% 25.00% 25% 22.50% 20%

15% 12.50% 10.00% 10% 5% 0% Very Uncomfortable Neutral Comfortable Very Uncomfortable Comfortable

Figure 26 Community Open House #1 Survey Results

C-66 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 QUESTION #2d How comfortable would you be riding/walking with children on a multi-use trail located in the right-of-way low volume County Highways? 50% 45%

40% 36.59% 35% 30%

25% 21.95% 19.51% 20% 14.63% 15% 10% 7.32% 5% 0% Very Uncomfortable Neutral Comfortable Very Uncomfortable Comfortable

QUESTION #3 Given limited funding levels, a majority of the proposed trail network will likely take the form of widened paved shoulders located on low volume County Highways. How satisfied would you be with this network? 50% 45.00% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20.00% 20% 17.50% 15% 12.50% 10% 5.00% 5% 0% Highly Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Highly Dissatisfied Satisfied

Figure 26 Community Open House #1 Survey Results

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-67 B WELCOME!

Community Open House #2 OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 27 Community Open House #2 Presentation Boards

C-68 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 PROJECT PURPOSE The intent of this project is the The resulting Master Plan will serve as a Currently, the implementation timeline for development of a county-wide trail Master high-level planning tool. the Master Plan is envisioned to be 50+ Plan that will provide a long-term vision years. • Focus is on identifying desired travel WELCOME! for the establishment of various trail types corridors. The Master Plan is intended to be a “living within Otter Tail County. document” that will be updated on a • Additional detailed design and public regular basis (e.g., every 5 to 10 years). involvement will be required after funding is acquired and before facilities are constructed. PROJECT SCHEDULE OCT 2015 – APR 2016 MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN

1. Information Gathering & Goal Setting

2. Develop Trail System Concepts

3. Refine to Preferred Plan & Develop Implementation Approach

4. Prepare Draft Master Plan

5. Finalize Plan

Stakeholder Engagement

Project Management Team Meetings (12/17/15)

Steering Committee Team Meetings Community Open House #2 Public Engagement Events County Board Presentations OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN = Meeting with Consultant Team = Presentation by County Staff ProjectProposed Introduction Trail System: Option 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 27 Community Open House #2 Presentation Boards

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-69 TRAIL SYSTEM VISION IMPLEMENTATION APPROACH

Otter Tail County provides a Trail Type How Addressed in Master Plan comprehensive system of trails that facilitates transportation between County will work to develop and maintain a network of paved Bicycle and Pedestrian County destinations and promotes active multi-use trails and widened roadway shoulders recreation for County residents and visitors, resulting in improved users’ health and County is supportive of North Country National Scenic Trail County economic development. that is currently being developed and maintained by the North Hiking Country Trail Association, administered through the National Park Service TRAIL SYSTEM GOALS Existing equestrian trails are located in Maplewood State Park Equestrian and maintained by the Minnesota Department of Natural Develop a System that: Resources (MN DNR)

• Balances transportation, health, recreation, Development and maintenance of Snowmobile trails will and economic development objectives Snowmobile continue to use the MN DNR Grant-in-aid Trails process • Can be implemented in a cost effective manner. Development and maintenance of ATV trails will use the MN • Minimizes and mitigates impacts to All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) DNR Grant-in-aid Trails process sensitive County natural resources. • Increases options for alternative modes of Identify proposed future water trails. Existing Otter Tail River transportation. Water state water trail will continue to be maintained by the MN DNR • Enhances safety, quality of life, and access for all. Existing cross country ski trails maintained by the MN DNR are • Provide convenient and direct connections Cross Country Skiing located in Maplewood State Park and Glendalough State Park. to destinations. Trails are also maintained privately at Spidahl Ski Gaard.

ProjectProposed Introduction Trail System: Option 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 27 Community Open House #2 Presentation Boards

C-70 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 fargo/ moorhead detroit lakes park

rapids

eer

perham pelican rapids

wadena e er i u egi ri ei

fergus High Priority Connection falls Medium Priority Connection

Low Priority Connection

er i Adventure Cycle Route ii N Country Trail

Central Lakes Trail

Lake Wobegon Trail

alexandria Prop Paved Trail Prop. Hwy Bicycle Shoulder Leaf River Rec Bike Trail gr ug MNDNR State Trails Planned Mn DNR State Trail Planned Perham to Pelican Rapids Regional Trail rere Snowmobile Trail

er 0 2.5 5 10 15 20 miles

RegionalProposed Trail Trail Connections System: Option 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 27 Community Open House #2 Presentation Boards

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-71 ADT Counts GENERALIZED ADT COUNT Less than 1000 1000 - 2000 Road Reconstruction Ashby Project Areas (2017-2025) Ashby Greater than 2000

ROAD RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT AREAS AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUMES

R.O.W. WIDTHS 121-200 ft

84-120 ft Otter Tail County Scenic Ashby 50-83 ft AshbyAshby Byway RIGHT OF WAY WIDTHS SCENIC BYWAY

TrailProposed System Trail Informants System: Option 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 27 Community Open House #2 Presentation Boards

C-72 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 PROPOSED SHOOTING STAR CASINO

Proposed Destination (1pt) City With School (1pt) City With School Ashby Existing Destination (1pt) Ashby Ashby & Library (2pt)

EMPLOYMENT DESTINATIONS CITIES WITH SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES

BIKE NETWORK DESTINATION High (Greater than 3 pts)

Moderate (2 pts) Cities With Existing Ashby Ashby Low (1 pt) Trails (1pt) CITIES WITH EXISTING TRAILS WEIGHTED COUNTY DESTINATIONS

Analysis:Proposed Destination Trail System: Cities Option 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 27 Community Open House #2 Presentation Boards

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-73 VERGAS CITY BEACH

LITTLE PINE LAKE BEACH

PROPOSED Destinations SOOTING STAR • Cities (weighted by CASINO employment and school MAPLEWOOD destinations) PARK • Existing and Planned State Trails • State and County Parks

SPIDAHL’S • County Points of Interest SKI GAARD

PHELPS MILL PARKS AND OPEN SPACE COUNTY PARK Destination Parks

State Parks GLENDALOUGH PARK BIKE NETWORK DESTINATION High (Greater than 3 pts) Moderate (2 pts) WEST BATTLE LAKE BEACH Low (1 pt) FORT JUELSON Minor Trail Network PEBBLE LAKE BEACH Destinations TRAILS Proposed MnDOT High Priority Corridors

Proposed MnDOT Low Priority Corridors

Existing MnDOT High Priority EAGLE LAKE Corridors BEACH INSPIRATION Perham to Pelican Rapids PEAK PARK LAKE ADELE Regional Trail PARK & BEACH Future North Country Trail

Existing North County Trail Ashby 0 2.5 5 10 miles Adventure Cycle Bike Route

Existing/ProposedProposed Trail System: Pedestrian Option and 1 Bicycle Trails in relation to County Destinations COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 27 Community Open House #2 Presentation Boards

C-74 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 Guidance from MnDOT Bikeway Facility Design Guidance from MnDOT Bikeway Facility Manual, 2007. Design Manual, 2007.

Assumes posted traffic speed of 45 mph or greater Assumes posted traffic speed of 45 mph 1.33-foot rumble strips installed in an alternating or greater. on/off pattern within 6 inches of edge of travel lane. A minimum of 4 feet of smooth pavement remains for bicycles on the shoulder.

4’ 12’ 12’ 4’ 6’ 12’ 12’ 6’ min. min. minimum minimum County Road R.O.W - 100’ depicted. (Ranges from 50 to 200’) County Road R.O.W - 100’ depicted. (Ranges from 50 to 200’) SHOULDER WIDTH GUIDANCE SHOULDER WIDTH GUIDANCE LESS THAN 1000 ADT 1000 TO 2000 ADT

Guidance from MnDOT Bikeway Facility Guidance from MnDOT Bikeway Facility Design Manual, 2007. Design Manual, 2007.

Assumes posted traffic speed of 45 mph Assumes posted traffic speed of 45 mph or greater. or greater.

8’ 12’ 12’ 8’ 2’ 10’ 2’ minimum minimum 24’ MIN. County Road R.O.W - 100’ depicted. (Ranges from 50 to 200’) County Road R.O.W - 100’ depicted. (Ranges from 50 to 200’) SHOULDER WIDTH GUIDANCE TYPICAL TRAIL SECTION GREATER THAN 2000 ADT GREATER THAN 45 MPH ROADWAYS WITH NO CURB

TypicalProposed Bikeway Trail System:Facilities Option 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 27 Community Open House #2 Presentation Boards

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-75 PARKS AND OPEN SPACE Destination Parks State Parks MAPLEWOOD MAPLEWOOD PARK PARK BIKE NETWORK DESTINATION High (Greater than 3 pts)

PHELPS MILL PHELPS MILL COUNTY PARK COUNTY PARK Moderate (2 pts)

GLENDALOUGH GLENDALOUGH Low (1 pt) PARK PARK

TRAILS Future North Country Trail Existing North County Trail Proposed Paved Trail (Spine) INSPIRATION INSPIRATION PEAK PARK PEAK PARK Proposed Paved Shoulder (Spurs)

0 2.5 5 10 miles Ashby Ashby TRAIL SYSTEM OPTION 1 TRAIL SYSTEM OPTION 2

TRAIL OPTION PREFERENCE Which proposed trail system option (1,2, or 3) do you prefer?

60% 54.17%

50%

MAPLEWOOD PARK 37.50% 40%

PHELPS MILL COUNTY PARK 30%

GLENDALOUGH PARK 20%

8.33% 10%

INSPIRATION 0% PEAK PARK Trail Option 1 Trail Option 2 Trail Option 3

Ashby TRAIL SYSTEM OPTION COMMUNITY FEEDBACK TRAIL SYSTEM OPTION 3

ProposedProposed Pedestrian Trail System: and Option Bicycle 1 Trail System Options COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 27 Community Open House #2 Presentation Boards

C-76 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 QUESTION #1 QUESTION #2c The Master Plan should be visionary and ambitious, even if its implementation is How comfortable would you be riding/walking with children on a multi-use trail expected to be expensive and take decades to complete located in the right-of-way high volume County Highways? 50% 31.71% 45% 30% 26.83% 40% 25% 21.95% 35% 30.00% 20% 30% 25.00% 25% 22.50% 14.63% 15% 20%

10% 15% 12.50% 10.00% 4.88% 10% 5% 5% 0% 0% Strongly Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Very Uncomfortable Neutral Comfortable Very Disagree Agree Uncomfortable Comfortable

QUESTION #2a QUESTION #2d How comfortable would you be riding/walking on widened paved shoulders of low How comfortable would you be riding/walking with children on a multi-use trail volume County Highways? located in the right-of-way low volume County Highways? 50% 50% 45.00% 45% 45% 40% 40% 36.59% 35% 35% 30% 30%

25% 25% 21.95% 20.00% 19.51% 20% 15.50% 20% 15% 15% 14.63% 10.00% 7.32% 10% 7.50% 10% 5% 5% 0% 0% Very Uncomfortable Neutral Comfortable Very Very Uncomfortable Neutral Comfortable Very Uncomfortable Comfortable Uncomfortable Comfortable

QUESTION #2b QUESTION #3 How comfortable would you be riding/walking with children on widened paved Given limited funding levels, a majority of the proposed trail network will likely take the form of widened shoulders of low volume County Highways? paved shoulders located on low volume County Highways. How satisfied would you be with this network? 50% 50% 45.00% 45% 45%

40% 37.50% 40% 35% 35% 30% 30% 25% 25% 20.00% 20.00% 20% 20% 17.50% 17.50% 17.50% 15% 15% 12.50% 10% 7.50% 10% 5.00% 5% 5% 0% 0% Very Uncomfortable Neutral Comfortable Very Highly Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Highly Satisfied Uncomfortable Comfortable Dissatisfied

CommunityProposed Trail Open System: House Option #1 Feedback 1 (July 2016) COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 27 Community Open House #2 Presentation Boards

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-77 PEDESTRIAN & BICYCLE TRAIL TO DETROIT TO HEARTLAND TO HEARTLAND LAKES TRAIL TRAIL NETWORK METHODOLOGY Network follows county roadway corridors and existing multi-use paved trails VERGAS CITY BEACH

LITTLE PINE LAKE CORRIDOR SELECTION BEACH FACTORS • Low traffic volume roadways • Roads planned for reconstruction (2017 – 2025) • Follow Otter Tail Scenic Byway when PROPOSED feasible SOOTING STAR • Directness of routes between CASINO destinations MAPLEWOOD PARK TRAIL TYPES WITHIN NETWORK SPIDAHL’S SKI GAARD Paved Multi-use Trails (Spine) PHELPS MILL • Connect primary population centers COUNTY PARK with Destination Parks • Follow lower volume roadways GLENDALOUGH when feasible PARK • Connect to existing and planned state trails WEST BATTLE LAKE BEACH • Develop opportunities for family- FORT JUELSON oriented days trips PEBBLE LAKE BEACH • Meet intent of MnDOT priority corridors

Widened Road Shoulders (Spurs) • Provide cross county linkages to meet EAGLE LAKE BEACH INSPIRATION touring bicyclists needs PEAK PARK • For cities and destinations not adjacent LAKE ADELE PARK & BEACH to multi-use trail, provide connection to multi-use trail network Ashby TO ALEXANDRIA TO ALEXANDRIA & LAKE CARLOS STATE PARK PARKS AND OPEN SPACE BIKE NETWORK DESTINATION TRAILS

Destination Parks High (Greater than 3 pts) Future North Country Trail Proposed Paved Trail (Spine) 0 2.5 5 10 miles State Parks Moderate (2 pts) Existing North County Trail Proposed Paved Shoulder (Spurs) Low (1 pt) Minor Destinations ProposedProposed Pedestrian Trail System: and Option Bicycle 1 Trail System Preferred Option COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 27 Community Open House #2 Presentation Boards

C-78 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 IMPLEMENTATION PRIORITIES High Priority • Connections between State Parks and existing trails • Trails corridors with existing master plans • Planned 2017 – 2025 reconstruction

Moderate Priority • Trails that support MnDOT high priority corridors • Fill short gaps between high priority trails • Connections to Destination Parks • Connections to remaining employment centers

Low Priority • Cross County linkages

Ashby

TRAILS

Existing Paved High Priority Paved Medium Priority Low Priority Shoulder 0 2.5 5 10 miles Trails (Spines) Trails (Spines) Paved Trail (Spines) Trail (Spurs)

High Priority Shoulder Medium Priority Trails (Spurs) Shoulder Trail (Spurs)

ProposedProposed Pedestrian Trail System: and Option Bicycle 1 Trail System Implementation Priorities COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 27 Community Open House #2 Presentation Boards

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-79 Ashby Public Boat Access

Rivers & Streams

Otter Tail River State Water Trail 0 2.5 5 10 miles Proposed Water Trails

WaterProposed Trails Trail System: Option 1 COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN

Figure 27 Community Open House #2 Presentation Boards

C-80 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 QUESTION #1a The master plan balances transportation, health, recreation, and economic development objectives. 50% 45% 42.86% 42.86% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 14.29% 10% 5% 0.00% 0.00% 0% Strongly Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Disagree Agree

QUESTION #1b The master plan increases options for alternative modes of transportation.

75% 71.43% 70% 65% 60% 55% 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 28.57% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0% Strongly Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Disagree Agree

Figure 28 Community Open House #2 Survey Results

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN C-81 QUESTION #1c The master plan enhances safety, quality of life, and access for all.

50% 45% 42.86% 40% 35% 30% 28.57% 25% 20% 15% 14.29% 14.29% 10% 5% 0.00% 0% Strongly Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Disagree Agree

QUESTION #1d The master plan provide convenient and direct connections to destinations.

60% 57.14% 55% 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 28.57% 25% 20% 15% 14.29% 0.00% 0.00% 0% Strongly Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly Disagree Agree

Figure 28 Community Open House #2 Survey Results

C-82 Section 6 Community Open Houses 1 & 2 This page intentionally left blank.

OTTER TAIL COUNTY-WIDE TRAIL MASTER PLAN 83