Corridor Management Plan (CMP)

Corridor Management Plan (CMP) Kittson County, MN – Hallock February 22, 2013; 11:30 – 1:30 PM.

Meeting Notes

In attendance: Kelly Bengtson, Kittson Co. Hwy Dept. Betty Youngren, Kittson Co. Commissioner Gary Rice, Mayor of Lancaster Troy Schroeder, NWRDC

Introductions Short discussion on: Purpose of county steering committee: To gather information on the intrinsic qualities found within the county. The county steering committee knows the local attractions and what the area has for attractions.

Theme, Vision, Goals and Byway Story: The Kittson group discussed what makes up the WOTDS byway. The uniqueness of the routes long distance which travels from Prairie to Pine. The changing ecosystems along the route, the routes flora and fauna along the way. The byway is very characteristic of the states flower (Pink Lady Slipper), the northern lights was the originator of the waters of the dancing sky name. The byway also connects with the King of Trails Byway in Hallock, is part of the Pine to Prairie birding route, and also has a huge history in Hockey. A theme that was shared with the other byway members was build on and promote the history of Northern MN hockey and how it has evolved and grown. Becoming a big part of hockey history in the USA. There was discussion of constructing A huge hockey stick in Hallock, Roseau having Statue of Neal Broten, A huge puck in Warroad or Baudette, and net in I-Falls. Every community in Northern MN has hockey history. So tell the story.

Update to the amenities along the extension of the Waters of the Dancing Sky Scenic Byway

(in Kittson County from Karlstad to the ND Border) dated Feb. 25, 2013

A. After driving through the Twin Lakes Wildlife Management Area from Pelan to Karlstad and having the opportunity to stop at a bird watching station you arrive at Karlstad, Mn. This is the “Moose Capital of the North” and there is a Moose Statue nearby for photo opportunities. Karlstad also offers the “Kick n Up Kountry Campgrounds” located one half mile west of town where they host an annual country music festival. The city also offers camping, recreation at Moose Park, an excellent golf course, and is the home of Mattracks – maker of off road vehicle track conversion kits. B. Turning north onto TH 59 you will drive 10 miles and arrive at Lake Bronson, Mn. which is known for the very scenic and historic Lake Bronson State Park. Filled with original stone and timber WPA buildings, water tower and dam (1930’s Franklin Roosevelt Work Project Act) the park has modern camping sites with electricity and water, shower and bathroom facilities, lakeside camping and wooded camping, hiking and paved biking trails, youth bible camps, swimming beach, fishing, bird watching (from blue birds to bald eagles), cross country skiing, snowmobiling and more. The city is also the home of the Kittson County Museum which is connected to the park by a paved bike path. This museum has a fine collection of agricultural history, hunting & trapping artifacts and historical buildings including a church, country school, Soo Line Depot and the James J. Hill farm paymasters building.

C. Continuing north along TH 59 and then turning west on TH 175 you are driving along the original Jefferson Highway alignment and in the Two Rivers Middle Branch corridor. Much wildlife viewing is available here including deer, elk, fox, coyotes and many species of birds. Eleven miles after your turn you will arrive in Hallock, Mn., home of the first organized hockey team in Minnesota. The hockey arena is located near the High School on the north side of town. Many photos on the history of Hallock Hockey are located inside. Hallock is also the county seat of Kittson County and the courthouse building is located near the water tower. The city also has two campgrounds, a very nice golf course, fishing at the city dam, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, a heated outdoor swimming pool with shower facilities, an 8 lane bowling alley, a curling club, full time library, two restaurants and 3 motels.

D. Continuing west along this scenic byway on TH 175 you are heading toward the Red River of the North. At the “Golden Grain Bridge” there is a public access to the river where some of the best catfish fishing in the area is located. A new public access is currently being planned for the Minnesota side three and one half miles north of the bridge in section 19 of Hill Township.

E. Other adjacent areas of interest along this byway include the cities of Kennedy and Lancaster.

Lancaster is located six miles northwest of the junction of TH 59 and TH 175. Lancaster has the very scenic and challenging Riverside Golf course, a wooded campground, historic downtown area with various shops and a sitting park. It is also the home of two small manufacturing businesses – Podco and Hanson Mfg. and a Polaris dealer – Agri Sports. Be sure to stop by the Wilebski Wildlife sanctuary and see a variety of birds and mammals including ELK! See this website for details: http://www.wiktel.net/birdsanctuary/ it is awesome!

F. The City of Kennedy is located only nine miles south of Hallock on TH 75. Kennedy is the home of the Louis Deere Memorial Baseball field which now has a Legion Baseball team. Evening games will be held ‘under the lights’ at this well kept full size baseball diamond. The historic Kiene Bonanza farm is nearby and of course don’t forget to stop and eat the great food at the Kennedy Café.

G. One can also venture five miles north of Hallock on TH 75 to see the historic James J. Hill farm at Northcote, Mn. on the north side of the Two Rivers. The brick house boasts seven fireplaces and the Twin Silos were once the largest in the world.

The BIRDING concept has been a big discussion topic from both Kittson and Roseau Counties. Draft Goals – broad, timeless. • Maintain or improve the scenic quality of the byway. • Get funding for hockey statues. • Promote birding sites like this one. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wilebskis- Evergreen-Acres/248927971812635 • Provide for the safety of all visitors through improvements in road infrastructure: turnouts, turning lanes, wayshowing, wide shoulders for bikers and walkers. • Local communities, businesses and agencies support and promote each other along the byway. • Market the byway to traditional visitors as well as niche groups (birders, motorcyclists, etc) • Have visitor information available via a wide-variety of media: maps, brochures, rack cards, interactive webpage, smartphone apps, etc.

Byway Themes  Hockey Pine Forest to Prairie USA border with Canada  Birding Route – part of Pine to Prairie Birding Trail  Wildflowers -