I would like everyone to keep in mind how important it is to show support for this project. The DNR will be monitoring the level of area support by using the comment cards and by the number of people that sign in at the door and letters sent to Denny Thompson. He also told us that people can send email voicing support or concerns to Dennis.Thompson@dnr.state.mn.us. If you can't attend either of these nights please take a few minutes and send Denny your thoughts about this proposed State Trail system.
It really makes a difference in how projects are looked at in the DNR or when we are looking for funding to be able to show that we have the support of area residents, so please ask friends, family, and members of health oriented groups to attend or write to Denny.
Thanks,
Jeff
Whitewater Country State Trail Master Plan

You are invited to share your thoughts and recommendations on a proposed master plan for the Whitewater Country State Trail. This is a conceptual plan that will guide the overall design of the trail and how the final alignments will be selected.

The Whitewater Country Loop State Trail includes part of the Blufflands State Trail System and the Great River Ridge State Trail. The Whitewater Country Loop State Trail will be an important link in the overall trail system of southeast Minnesota. It will provide a recreation / transportation connection between the cities of Rochester, Eyota, Dover, St. Charles, Elba, Plainview, Elgin and Viola. The trail will connect to Chester Woods County Park, Whitewater State Park and Carley State Park. It will connect to the Douglas State Trail through the Rochester city trail system, and the rest of the Blufflands State Trail System in southeast Minnesota. The trail is projected to be approximately 50 miles long. The actual length will determined by the final route selected. The entire length of the trail will be open to pedestrian and bicycle use. Most of the trail will be open to horse and snowmobile use.

Two public open houses to review and discuss the draft master plan are scheduled for April 11, at the city hall in St. Charles, and April 12 at the PEM K-3 ElementaryBuilding in Plainview. Both meetings will be an open house format, so stop by anytime between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and talk with DNR staff and local trail supporters.

After April 2nd, copies of the master plan will be available at public libraries in Plainview and St. Charles, and at the city halls in Dover and Eyota, it can also be viewed or downloaded from the DNR website at: www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/mg...ndex.html

Comments on the master plan will be accepted through May 15, and can be provided at the public open house, or can be mailed to: Dennis Thompson, Principal Planner, DNR, Division of Trails & Waterways, 500 Lafayette Road, box 52, St. Paul, MN 55155-4052.