DEPARTMENT: Physical Development Administration
FILE TYPE: Consent Information
TITLE
title
Update On Lebanon Hills Sustainable Trails Study
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Receive an update on Phase 1: Existing Trails Evaluation for Lebanon Hills Sustainable Trails Study.
SUMMARY
Background
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 is being conducted in two phases: Phase 1: Assessment (Summer 2022) and Phase 2: Recommendations and Implementation Strategy (Fall 2022). Outreach with Wilderness in the City (WITC), Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC), and the School of Environmental Studies (SES) students is occurring during each phase.
Phase 1: Assessment (Attachment: LHRP Existing Trails Evaluation Summary)
The first phase of the project, Assessment, is complete. This phase included field assessment of all 50 miles of existing trails in the park and assessment of each trail's ability to provide high-quality trail and nature-based recreation experiences, impact on high-quality natural areas and important...
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