Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail Stepping Forward

At the February 25 commission meeting, Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail executive director, Alexa Shapiro, updated the Houston County Board of Commissioners on the progress of the 100-mile hiking trail scheduled to be built through Fillmore and Houston Counties.

Chairman Eric Johnson called the regularly scheduled meeting of the board to order at 9 a.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

All commissioners were in attendance: Cindy Wright attended via Zoom, Eric Johnson, Kurt Zehnder, Bob Schuldt and Greg Myhre.

Shapiro quickly emphasized that she was not standing before them to ask for funds, but to update the board on the progress they have been making over the last year. With a laugh, Chairman Eric Johnson quickly thanked her for not asking for money.

She explained that their organization “is an effort to  establish a 100-mile-plus backpacking trail in the style of the National Scenic and Recreation Trails.” For example, the popular Appalachian, Continental Divide,  and Pacific Crest trails. 

The Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail is a nonprofit organization. With fiscal support from Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, the group received significant funding for three years which allowed them to hire an executive director. Community members are encouraged to attend community listening sessions where they can learn about the project, but also share their thoughts and ideas. The next community forum will be held in Caledonia on March 9. 

The movement to build a long-distance trail (25 miles or more) started because there was a need in the area. This area is approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours away from the closest long-distance trail.

The trail will go across public, private, and local property. The group expects that within two to five years some areas of the trail will be ready to hike. It will take approximately 10 years to complete the longer stretches.

The trail will be maintained by a “robust volunteer program”. Currently, 50 volunteers have signed up. The group will also be working with programs, such as the Corporation for National and Community Service (AmeriCorps) on longer stretches of the trail. 

Shapiro concluded her presentation by saying that she has only received positive feedback.

There were no opening or closing public comments. It is a rare day when there are not any items on the consent agenda, and February 25 was one of those days.

In other business, the board:

• Approved the revised agenda and the February 18 meeting minutes as written.
• Discussed the City of La Crescent’s request to plant additional boulevard trees within the right of way along Elm St. County Engineer Brian Pogodzinski was asked how wide the boulevard is, what types of trees to plant in the boulevard, and who would maintain the trees. Pogodzinski was asked to create a blanket policy that would apply to all Houston County towns and have it reviewed by the county attorney before bringing it back to the board for approval.
• Approved guardianship contracts for Renata Luedtke, Judy Storlie, Sandra Fitting, Gregory Yakle and Nora Beckjord. Member Wright noted, “The county is lucky to have these individuals because obviously, these services need to be covered.”
• Approved the payments as presented by Administrator Carol Lapham. There were no questions from commissioners regarding any of the entries.

The meeting went into closed session at 9:43 a.m. for labor negotiations. After the commissioners returned from the closed session, it was announced that the board voted to ratify the tentative agreement with LELS 237. The commissioners voted by roll and the motion passed four to one with Commissioner Johnson voting no. The meeting was adjourned.