DEPARTMENT: Physical Development Administration
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
title
Update On Draft Lebanon Hills Sustainable Trails Study
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive an update on the Draft Lebanon Hills Sustainable Trails Study.
SUMMARY
By Resolution No. 15-156 (March 17, 2015), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners adopted an updated Master Plan (MP) for Lebanon Hills Regional Park (LHRP). By Resolution No. 201-458 (September 21, 2021), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized staff to select a consultant to prepare a Sustainable Trails Study (Study); and by Resolution No. 22-204 (May 24, 2022), the Dakota County Board of Commissioners authorized the Physical Development Director to execute a contract with SRF, Inc., for the Study. The Study addresses the following trail topics: preservation of high-quality trail recreation and nature-based experiences; minimization and mitigation of impacts to natural resources; minimization and mitigation of impacts to culturally important sites; identification of trail use conflicts, safety, and risk concerns; ADA accessibility; reduction of trail-related erosion issues; identification of deferred trail maintenance needs; and improvement of sustainable maintenance practices.
The Study has been conducted in two phases: Phase 1: Assessment, which was presented to the Physical Development Committee of the whole on September 14, 2022, and Phase 2: Recommendations and Implementation Strategy, which was developed in fall 2022. Outreach with Wilderness in the City (WITC), Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC), and the School of Environmental Studies (SES) students occurred during both phases. During Phase 2, the project team led a sustainable trails workshop for SES high-school seniors on October 11. Meetings were held with MORC and WITC on November 3 and November 8 to discuss preliminary recommendations. A summary of comments and study changes is attached.
Draft Study
(Link:<https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/parks/About/ParkMasterPlans/Documents/LebanonHillsTrailAssessment.pdf>)
The draft Study report documents the assessment process and results and presents draft recommendations on future trail improvement projects, phasing, and cost estimates. The Study report also evaluates natural surface options for accessible trails.
Recommendations include:
West Segment
• Work with MORC to refurbish the skills course and prairie skills area, widen the existing green trail for adaptive mountain bikes, and implement vegetation management to improve sight lines.
• Consider relocating skate ski trail loop to middle segment.
• Realign severely eroded hiking trails and perform maintenance on existing trails to remain.
• Remove buckthorn. Coordinate with natural resource staff to restore with native vegetation.
Middle Segment
• Conduct ADA-accessible trail feasibility and impact assessment and feasibility study for Wheaton Pond.
• Add hiking loop around Gerhardt Lake.
• Realign severely eroded hiking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding trails.
• Consider relocating skate ski trail loop from west to middle segment. Trails in middle segment would be groomed for cross-country and skate skiing.
• Allow for shared use equestrian/hiking trails.
• Perform maintenance recommendations.
East Park
• Conduct accessible trail impact assessment and feasibility study for Holland, Jensen, and Schulze Lakes.
• Provide year-round hiking access from neighborhoods to reduce conflicts with ski trail use.
• Provide hiking and ski trail connections and allow general-use parking at the equestrian trailhead.
• Realign and/or decommission trails with severe erosion and redundant trails and restore with native vegetation.
• Perform maintenance recommendations.
Next Steps
The study will be used to establish priorities for future trail projects. Staff will return to the County Board for direction prior to initiating design development for new trail projects within LHRP. Community engagement will occur along with design development.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only; no action requested
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
Estimated Dakota County costs are $2.5-$3.0 million for existing trail network improvements if implemented over the next three to five years. Cost will be refined with future feasibility and design studies. The County Board will determine implementation priorities and funding levels during the annual Parks Capital Improvement Program Budget Process. The draft 2023-2027 CIP programs $2.9 million for Lebanon Hills Regional Park trail improvements.
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
15-156; 3/17/15
21-458; 9/21/21
22-204; 5/17/22
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Stakeholder Comments and Study Changes
BOARD GOALS
☒ A Great Place to Live ☒ A Healthy Environment
☐ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT LEVEL
☒ Inform and Listen ☐ Discuss ☐ Involve ☐ N/A
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Stowra
Author: Lillian Leatham