PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE #2 Western Waterfront Trail & Park Master - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE #2 Western Waterfront Trail & Park Master Plan

June 13, 2017

• Project Overview
• Planning for Interpretation
• Planning for St. Louis River Access
• Planning for Rail and Trail Extension
• Recommendations

Irving Neighborhood Jay Cooke State Park E x i s t i n g R a i l C

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r i d

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WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Overall Project Goals Master Planning Process

A public planning process began in August 2016 to determine the future recreational uses of a mostly City-owned, 10-to12- mile corridor along the St. Louis River between the Irving neighborhood and Jay Cooke State Park, in West Duluth. The study area includes an existing 3.3 mile long pedestrian trail, an historic rail bed, and fjve existing or planned river access points. A portion of the historic rail bed has been leased by the City of Duluth to the nonprofjt Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad for seasonal fee-based rail excursions.

The Master Plan’s overall project goals include, but are not limited to:

• Increasing connectivity from adjacent neighborhoods to the St. Louis River

and Estuary.

• Increasing recreational and development opportunities within and along

the St. Louis River Corridor.

• Facilitating a stakeholder community engagement process to gain

signifjcant input on the future use of the area.

• Enhancing neighborhood quality of life.
• Restoring and protecting natural habitat along the trail corridor.
• Determine whether to retain and potentially improve the remaining

riverfront rail line and renew the Lake Superior and Mississippi railroad’s lease for excursion rail trips. With these project goals in mind, the master planning process will explore

• ptions to:
• Extend and improve the Western Waterfront Trail as cited in the 1979

WWFT Master Plan.

• Re-brand the Western Waterfront Trail as a heritage trail that celebrates

and interprets the rich culture and natural heritage of the corridor.

• Develop potential new river access nodes opposite Tallas Island and at the

area known as Slag Point.

• Develop potential new canoe/kayak water trail entry points at Munger

Landing, Boy Scout Landing, and Perch Lake.

• Decide the future use of the City-owned riverfront.
• Create synergy between the Water Trail, the Western Waterfront Trail, and

the excursion rail (if the City determines to extend the excursion rail lease).

Chambers Grove Park Grassy Point Spirit Lake Mud Lake

• St. Louis River

E x i s t i n g T r a i l

Page 1

TRAIL AND BIKEWAY PLAN

DULUTH, MINNESOTA

OCTOBER 5, 2011

• WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota
• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

PRIOR VISIONING + OVERLAPPING INITIATIVES

2011 Bikes and Trailway Plan 2015 Riverside Small Area Plan & 2013 Gary New- Duluth Small Area Plan River Restoration Remediation Sites in the St. Louis River AOC 2015-2020 St. Louis River Corridor Projects 2012 Morgan Park Neighborhood Revitalization Plan 1979 Plan 2010 Parks and Recreation Plan

Remediation and Restoration Sites in the St. Louis River AOC

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOPS SUMMARY

• Five workshop meetings occurred from

September —January (3 hrs duration)

• Topics included:
• 1. Planning for interpretation and

branding implementation

• 2. Riverfront green space
• 3. St. Louis River access and put-in sites
• 4. Trail extension and rail options
• 5. Planning for trail extension

possibilities

• Carole Newkumet, Riverside Community Club
• Andy Webb, Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad
• Dwight Morrison, Wheels on Trails
• Dave Moore, Railway Solutions/LS&M
• Joel Manns, Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad
• Dean Votgman, Parks and Rec Commission, District 5
• Mike Casey, Friends of West Duluth Parks and Trails
• Wayne Dupuis, Fond-du-Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Jill Hoppe, Fond-du-Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
• Jack Ezell, Western Lake Superior Sanitary District
• Daryl Peterson, Minnesota Land Trust
• Hansi Johnson, Minnesota Land Trust
• Rick Stafgon, Izaak Walkton League
• Denette Lynch, Friends of West Duluth Parks and Trails
• Charlie Staudahar, Spirit Lake Development
• Bill Majewski, Morgan Park Community Club - SLRA
• Amanda Crosby, Parks and Rec Commission - Disability Rep
• Alison J. Clarke, Friends of West Duluth Parks and Trails
• Harry Hanson, Friends of West Duluth Parks and Trails
• Virginia Olson, Friends of West Duluth Parks and Trails
• Joel Manus, Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad
• Brad Massengill, Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad
• Debbie Isabell-Nelson, Morgan Park Community Club
• Lisa Angelos, MnDNR - Jay Cooke State Park
• John Lindgren, MnDNR
• Erin Endsley, MN Pollution Control Agency
• Glenn Merrick, Izaak Walton League
• David Bolgrien, Environmental Pollution Control Agency
• Deb DeLuca, Duluth Seaway Port Authority
• Will Munger, Izaak Walton League
• Mike Bares, MN Pollution Control Agency
• Scott Cieniawski, Environmental Protection Agency
• Keith Okeson, Lake Superior Muskies
• Pat Okeson, Lake Superior Muskies
• Craig Sterle, Izaak Walton League
• Kevin Johnson, MnDNR - Parks and Trails - Two Harbors
• Charlie Nelson, Twin Ports Walleye Association
• Dave Nelson, Twin Ports Walleye Association
• Russ Francisco, Marine General

Stakeholder Attendees (39) Summary

Goals and Objectives GUIDING PRINCIPLES

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

Western Waterfront Trail Vision (1979 to present): To create a multi-use recreational trail along the shoreline of the historic St. Louis River and Estuary from the Irving neighborhood up river to the Fond du La neighborhood in West Duluth. The lineal pathway system will provide a unique and safe experience for trail users of all abilities, and will also educate, honor, and celebrate

• ur rich history along this great body of water. The trail corridor shall include quality site amenities, ofger spectacular views and interpretation opportunities at key points of interest while also

providing improved water access for picnicking, boating and fjshing activities.

Community Connection

• Enhance sense of community by creating a lineal trail system that links the waterfront to adjacent residential

neighborhoods, and provides transportation alternatives to nearby businesses, recreational destinations, and public green

• spaces. Provide a better connection to the larger network of trail systems throughout the City.

Unique Duluth Experience

• Implement the natural and cultural history into the design of the trail. Educate on natural habitat, resource management,

and local heritage. Ensure points of interest and viewsheds are preserved and enhanced. Equitable Experience

• Maximize accessibility and provide economic equality for all people by ensuring corridor is afgordable and designed to ADA

standards where feasible, minimize trail crossings, or provide safe access points. Be respectful to immediate landowners and neighbors.

Goals and Objectives GUIDING PRINCIPLES

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

Technically & Economically Feasible

• Be mindful of technical and economic feasibility. Ensure trail design is realistic and can be maintained long term for

community benefjt. Environmentally Sustainable

• Minimize disruption to the natural terrain and sensitive environmental areas. Implement low impact development and

sustainable best management practices to avoid degrading natural environment. Promote Economic Development

• Recognize opportunities and encourage future development by connecting other regional areas of interest, neighborhoods,

and commercial districts.

Overall Site Map EXISTING CONDITIONS & STUDY AREAS

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

0’ 2000’ 4000’ 8000’

SCALE: 1” = 2000’

TO CLOQUET Spirit Mountain Recreation Magney-Snively Natural Area Jay Cooke State Park Boy Scout Landing Perch Lake Landing Mud Lake Chambers Grove Park Fond du Lac campground Clough Island Spirit Lake Marina Tallas Island Slag Point Munger Landing Indian Point Campground Existing Trailhead Grassy Point T O D O W N T O W N I

• 3

5 W S t . L

• u

i s R i v e r

EXISTING WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL EXTENTS EXISTING LAKE SUPERIOR MISSISSIPPI RAILROAD TOURIST LINE LEGEND

STUDY AREA 1: GRASSY POINT TO INDIAN POINT CAMPGROUND STUDY AREA 1 STUDY AREA 2 STUDY AREA 3 S T U D Y A R E A 4 STUDY AREA 2: INDIAN POINT CAMPGROUND TO SPIRIT LAKE MARINA STUDY AREA 3: SPIRIT LAKE MARINA TO BOY SCOUT LANDING STUDY AREA 4: BOY SCOUT LANDING TO CHAMBERS GROVE PARK

Current Extents EXISTING CONDITIONS

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

PLANNING FOR INTERPRETATION An Overview of the Rich Cultural and Natural Heritage Along the St. Louis River Corridor

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

RE-BRANDING + INTERPRETATION

Clarifying Our Vision Recommendations + Next Steps: Word Cloud Summary

• We collected information from stakeholder workshops and online

survey data to further confjrm our project vision. Sampling of questions below:

• What makes the region unique?
• What does heritage mean to you?
• What makes up our heritage? What are the stories and defjning

features along the trail corridor that we want to honor and celebrate?

• What does the future of the Western Waterfront Trail and Park

look like to you?

• Rename trail to better refmect river and region
• New name options will be a co-name to include an English name

and an Ojibwe name. The city will work collaboratively with the necessary stakeholders to determine the Ojibwe name.

• Name options include:

English Ojibwe The St. Louis River Heritage Trail Gitche Gami Ziibi The Great Lake River Trail Chi Gami Zibing

• Include storytelling of the cultural, historical, and ecological time

along trail.

• Install interpretive signage
• Promote unique experiences
• Provide places for refmection
• In coming years, City will initiate a more in-depth study that will

include design guidelines for an historic, cultural and interpretation signage plan

PLANNING FOR ST. LOUIS RIVER ACCESS New Sites: Existing Sites: Lower Spirit Slag Point Munger Landing Boy Scout Landing Perch Lake

ANALYSIS: WATER ACCESS, TRAILS + GREEN SPACE

1 . 9 m il e s . 3 m i l e s

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017 PARKLAND WATER TRAIL ACCESS POINT WATER TRAIL STREAMS BNSF LINE LSMR LINE DMIR LINE EXISTING TRAIL EXISTING WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL VIEWS TO POINTS OF INTEREST (SPIRIT LAKE, CLOUGH ISLAND, SPIRIT MOUNTAIN, US STEEL, ESTUARY BAYS)

MAGNEY SNIVLEY FOREST PRESERVE MAGNEY SNIVLEY PARK FREDERICK RODNEY PRAIRIE FOREST PRESERVE CHAMBERS GROVE SPIRIT MOUNTAIN RECREATION

Superior Municipal Forest

LAKE SUPERIOR ZOO GRASSY POINT

Jay Cooke State Park

BLACKMER PARK SMITHVILLE PARK MORGAN PARK COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER GARY NEW DULUTH COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER

Spirit Lake Clough Island Mud Lake I-35W W i l l a r d M u n g e r S t a t e T r a i l S u p e r i

• r

H i k i n g T r a i l Boy Scout Landing Munger Landing Spirit Lake Marina Lower Spirit Riverfront Indian Point Campground

• St. Louis River

Perch Lake Landing Chambers Grove Historical Park 0.5 miles

0’ 0’ 0’ 0’ 0’ 0’ 0’ 0’ 0’ 0’ 2000 2000’ 2000’ 2000’ 2000’ ’ 200 000 00’ 00’ 4000’ 4000’ 00 00’ 4000’ 8000’ 8000’ 8000’ 8000’ 8000’ 000 8000 8000’ 8000’ 8000

SCAL SCAL CAL SCAL CAL L CAL AL SCAL L A E: E: E: E: E: E: E: E E 1” = ” = 1” = 1” = 1” = 1” 1” = 1” = ” = 1” = 1 200 200 200 200 200 20 00 00 0 0’ 0’ 0’ 0’ 0’ 0’

1 . 5 m i l e s 4 . 9 m i l e s . 4 m i l e s 1 . 3 m i l e s 1 . 7 m i l e s

LEGEND

ACCESS POINT DISTANCE

Grassy Point to Indian Point Campground 1.9 miles Indian Point Campground to Lower Spirit Riverfront 1.3 miles Lower Spirit Riverfront to Spirit Lake Marina .5 miles Spirit Lake Marina to Munger Landing .4 miles Munger Landing to Boy Scout Landing 4.9 miles Boy Scout Landing to Perch Lake Landing 1.5 miles Perch Lake Landing to Historical Park 1.7 miles Historical Park to Chambers Grove .3 miles

Existing mileage between access points:

Munger Landing to Boy Scout Landing 4.9 miles

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

• ST. LOUIS RIVER WATER TRAIL ACCESS POINTS

Munger Landing Proposed Improvements Lower Spirit Proposed Improvements

• New trailhead with directional signage
• Swimming beach and natural kayak launch
• Accessible kayak launch
• Staging area for outfjtting
• Picnic area
• Additional parking (20)
• New trailhead with directional signage
• Drop-ofg and parking (10) and trailer (3)
• Portable toilet with changing enclosure
• Staging area for outfjtting
• Accessible kayak launch
• Beach access(2) with shore fjshing
• Landscape Restoration Planting

Site Plan Concepts

Grand Ave Clyde Ave Tallus Island

• St. Louis River
• St. Louis River

BNSF Railroad Tracks Munger Trail

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

Boy Scout Landing Proposed Improvements

• New trailhead with directional signage
• Drop-ofg
• Additional parking (±12)
• Portable toilet with changing enclosure
• Beach access (2) with shore fjshing
• Pedestrian bridge
• Accessible kayak launch
• Concrete pad for seasonal concessions and event staging

Perch Lake Proposed Improvements

• ADA trail access
• Additional parking (± 10, ± 6)
• Picnic area
• Beach access with shore fjshing
• Portable toilet with changing

enclosure

• Scenic overlook

Site Plan Concepts

• ST. LOUIS RIVER WATER TRAIL ACCESS POINTS
• St. Louis River

Munger Trail BN Railroad Tracks

• St. Louis River

Perch Lake Perch Lake H w y 2 3 / G r a n d A v e To Hwy 23 Grand Ave Commonwealth Ave

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

• ST. LOUIS RIVER WATER TRAIL ACCESS POINTS

Slag Point Proposed Improvements

• Trailhead with directional signage
• Accessible kayak launch
• Portable toilet with changing

enclosure

• Drop-ofg area and parking (18)
• Beach/staging area and shore fjshing
• Picnic and hiking loop
• Interpretive/scenic overlooks

Site Plan Concepts

0’ 75’ 150’ 300’

SCALE: 1” = 150’

Original format = 22 x 34”

Morgan Park Community Center

• St. Louis River

Utilize old US Steel road bed To Spirit Point, Causeway, and Boy Scout Landing Vegetative Bufger between upland CDF and parking lot

Parking Lot (18) on old service road

Drop-ofg Area, Trailhead, Portable Toilet with Changing Enclosure Slag Point Water and Trail Access on old service road (sloped) Steep Slopes Perimeter Safety Fence Slag Point Vehicle Access at 88th Ave W To Blackmere Park and Munger Landing Upland CDF Landform (Contained Disposal Facility) Park Sign and Interpretation Protected Refmective Seating Area CDF Landform (Contained Disposal Facility) with three covered raised berms and open green space Picnic Seating Area Stairs to Scenic Overlook Interpretive scenic overlook to Spirit Lake Switchback Trail to Scenic Overlooks Fishing Pier Wetland Walk Great River Lawn Beach + Boat Put-in Site Small Dock with ADA Kayak Launch Hiking Trail to raised terrace level Climbing Rocks/Seating Boulders/Fishing Perch Restored shallow, sheltered bay Western Waterfront Trail Extension (on inland side of RR tracks) Softened Shoreline Neighborhood Connector Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad to be restored on original or similar alignment to accommodate trail extension Climbing Rocks/Seating Boulders/Fishing Perch

PLANNING FOR RAIL AND TRAIL EXTENSION Precedents Trail Types Segment Study Guiding Principles Analysis + Summary

Rail to Trail Rail and Trail PRECEDENTS

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

Vermont’s Island Line Vermont

• 14 miles, 3.5 of which are a causeway
• ver water
• Asphalt and gravel
• Biking, inline skating, fjshing, walking,

x-country skiing Elroy Sparta State Bike Trail Wisconsin

• 32 miles
• Crushed stone
• Hiking, jogging, x-country skiing,

snowmobile, Heritage Rail Trail County Park and Maryland’s Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail Maryland and Pennsylvania

• 44.4 miles combined
• Crushed stone and dirt
• Walking, biking, horseback riding,

x-country skiing Astoria River Walk Oregon

• 17 miles
• Asphalt, dirt and boardwalk
• Horseback riding, mountain biking,

walking

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017 Existing Wetland Edge

TRAIL TYPES

TRADITIONAL – SECTION AT INLAND ROUTE TIGHT TO SHORELINE EMBANKMENT – SECTION AT BLACKMERE PARK TIGHT TO SHORELINE EMBANKMENT – SECTION AT MUD LAKE CAUSEWAY WETLAND ENCROACHMENT – SECTION AT EAST McCUEN ST

8’ 8.5’ min. 1’ Trail 8’ 10’ min. 1’ Trail to Trail (15’ desired) Existing Scenic Rail Landscape Barrier To St. Louis River to Trail Existing Scenic Rail Fence

• St. Louis River

8’ 8.5’ min. Trail to Trail

• St. Louis River

Mud Lake Existing Scenic Rail Existing Shoreline Barrier Rail 8’ 8.5’ min. Trail to Trail 1’ Fence

• St. Louis River

Existing Shoreline Helical Pile Existing Scenic Rail TRAIL DESIGN STANDARDS:

• A separation of 15’ from centerline of rail to edge of trail is desired where feasible.
• Where centerline of rail to edge of trail separation is more than 8.5’ but less than 10’

, a landscape barrier or grade separation will be necessary.

• Where centerline of rail to edge of trail separation is 8.5’

, an unsurmountable fence will be necessary.

• Minimum statutory clearance for structures, bridges, and tunnels is 8.5’ from centerline of rail.

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO?

Since the last public meeting on November 15th, 2016, the City of Duluth has completed the following tasks:

• 1. Voluntary online survey asking the public to provide input on the future development of the

Western Waterfront Trail (live from Jan 9th-26th with a total of 988 responses)

• 2. A randomly sampled phone survey of District 5 residents, designed and implemented by Zenith

Research to assure the representation of those most greatly afgected by this plan

• 3. Gathering of natural resources management experts to provide information and input on the

statues of the shoreline and adjacent aquatic health of the river

• 4. City of Duluth Administration and City stafg site visit
• 5. Multiple meetings with the City and LSMR representatives to discuss and review the LSMR

Business Plan - including long-term maintenance, growth and sustainability strategies

• 6. Further budget and fjnancing studies on alignment options
• 7. City of Duluth, LSMR and the Federal Railroad Administration track condition assessment site

visit

• 8. Federal Railroad Administration track evaluation site inspection

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

ANALYSIS OF COLLECTED DATA: VALUES & USES

• 46% of all respondents identifjed the LSMR being

somewhat important to them.

• 61% of respondents believe the rail is important to the

entire community.

• 11% of respondents use the rail at least four times per

year.

• Rail runs weekends June through October
• 64% of respondents consider the Western Waterfront Trail

important to them.

• 74% of respondents believe the trails important to the

entire community.

• 48% of respondents use the trail at least four times per

year.

• Trail is open year-round
• 83% of the respondents were

supportive of extending the trail.

Rail Trail

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

ANALYSIS OF COLLECTED DATA: VALUES & USES

Q6: IN THAT EVENT, WHICH OPTION WOULD YOU LIKE THE CITY TO CHOOSE:

• 1. THE TRAIL OPTION, WHICH IS TO EXTEND THE WESTERN

WATERFRONT TRAIL TO SMITHVILLE, MORGAN PARK, GARY/ NEW DULUTH AND FOND DU LAC AND REMOVE THE CITY- OWNED RAIL LINE OR,

• 2. THE RAIL OPTION, WHICH IS TO RETAIN THE RAIL LINE

USED SEASONALLY BY THE LAKE SUPERIOR & MISSISSIPPI RAILROAD AND GIVE UP PLANS TO EXTEND THE WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL FROM RIVERSIDE TO SMITHVILLE, MORGAN PARK, GARY/NEW DULUTH AND FOND DU LAC, OR,

• 3. YOU DON'T HAVE A PREFERENCE.

Prior to continuing with the survey, respondents were read the following:

"As one option, the City has been seeking to fj nd a way to extend the trail without having to remove the City-

• wned rail line between Smithville and Gary/New Duluth that is used by the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad

for their seasonal passenger train trips. If, for any reason, extending the trail while keeping the railroad proves not to be feasible, the City may have to choose one of the other – rail or trail".

RESPONSE TRAIL RAIL NO PREFERENCE

OVERALL PERCENT 54 32 14 55807 52 31 17 55808 59 31 10 *54% of all respondents favored the Trail Option, with greater levels of support coming for those living in zip code area 55808 than 55807. OVERALL PERCENT 54 32 14

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

ANALYSIS OF COLLECTED DATA: GUIDING PRINCIPLES

5th DISTRICT PHONE SURVEY When asked to prioritize the guiding principles, respondents were more likely to support

• ptions to develop a plan that is...
• 1. Environmentally sustainable
• 2. Technically and Economically feasible
• 3. Creating an accessible riverfront for as many people as possible regardless of income and

physical ability

• 4. Develop a plan that preserves historically signifjcant resources

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

ANALYSIS OF COLLECTED DATA: ACCESSIBILITY & EQUITY

• Creating a new connection to St. Louis River neighborhoods
• Providing more opportunities for neighborhoods to

experience the river

• Reducing fjnancial barriers to accessing the river
• Creating more no-cost opportunities along the river

Connecting Neighborhood Socio-Economic Context

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

ANALYSIS OF COLLECTED DATA: UNIQUE DULUTH EXPERIENCE

• Spirit Island eligible for the national historic registry
• Railroad eligible for the national historic registry
• Interpretation of the Clean-Up area
• Why is this area unique?
• What does heritage mean to you?
• What is your idea for renaming this trail?
• What amenities should be on the trail?
• What should be interpreted on the trail?

Historic Preservation AOC Clean-Up and Restoration Stakeholder Focus Group

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

ANALYSIS OF COLLECTED DATA: RIVER RESTORATION

• MN Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR)
• Fond du Lac Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa Natural Resource

Management Division

• MN Pollution Control Agency
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Minnesota Land Trust
• Izaak Walton League
• Western Lake Superior Saitary District (WLSSD)
• St. Louis River Alliance
• Study of the AOC priority areas and consult with the AOC Clean-Up

leaders MN DNR and EPA

Natural Resource Experts' Participation in Stakeholder Committee AOC Restoration Natural Resource Manager Meeting

• Convened to assess existing condition and health of river shoreline

RECOMMENDATIONS Future Rail + Trail Associated Costs

OVERALL TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

0’ 1100’ 2200’ 4400’

SCALE: 1” = 1100’

Segment 1 Segment 2 Segment 3 Segment 4 Segment 5 Segment 6 Segment 7 STUDY AREA 3 S T U D Y A R E A 4

Magney-Snively Natural Area Jay Cooke State Park Boy Scout Landing Perch Lake Landing Mud Lake Chambers Grove Park Fond du Lac campground Clough Island Slag Point Munger Landing I

• 3

5 W S t . L

• u

i s R i v e r

LEGEND EXISTING TRAIL STUDY AREA BOUNDARY FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND FRESHWATER POND LAKE RIVERINE

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

Total Waterfront Distance Segment 1: 2,700 LF (.50mile)

TRAIL EXTENSION SEGMENT 1: RAILROAD RE-ALIGNMENT

* *

Re-aligned rail with 2'-4' high retaining wall, +/- 1,215 LF Rail to trail conversion, +/- 1,215 LF Clyde Ave Spirit Lake Marina Munger Landing site improvements Traditional trail install, +/- 300 LF

LEGEND CITY OF DULUTH PROPERTY PARCEL LINE NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND FRESHWATER POND LAKE RIVERINE

Wetland encroachment area, +/- 750 LF Traditional trail install, +/- 435 LF Drainage crossings

Traditional Trail (recommended)(735 LF) Rail to Trail Conversion (recommended) (1,215 LF) Wetland Encroachment (required)(750 LF) Drainage Crossings (2 Total)

Spring Street Clyde Ave

*

88th Ave W Morgan Park

CITY OF DULUTH VOGTMAN DEAN TURNER MICHAEL STATE OF MN FRANCISCO GREGORY J AM STEEL AND WIRE CO AM STEEL AND WIRE CO NP RY CO

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

TRAIL EXTENSION SEGMENT 2: MUNGER LANDING TO EPA/US STEEL CLEAN-UP

Traditional Trail (recommended)(450 LF) Wetland Encroachment (not recommended) Tight to Shoreline Embankment (not recommended) Inland Trail (recommended) (3,350 LF)

Clyde Ave

* * *

GRAND AVE ESTATES OF DULUTH LLLP

Total Inland Route Distance Segment 2: 3,800 LF (.72 miles)

Wetland encroachment area, less than 5’-10’ to wetland edge Tight to shoreline area, less than 5’-10’ to water’s edge Bridge/culvert crossings End of Segment 2 Approximate clean-up boundary Segment 1 stop Segment 2 start

Clyde Ave

LEGEND CITY OF DULUTH PROPERTY PARCEL LINE NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND FRESHWATER POND LAKE RIVERINE

Munger Landing

CITY OF DULUTH

Morgan Park Neighborhood Blackmer Park

CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH STATE OF MN SWANSON DONNA C NACE JEFFREY P F R A N C I S C O R U S S E L L C A R L CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH STATE OF MN NP RY CO N P R Y C O SPIRIT LAKE TR RY CO

• St. Louis River

* * *

D D AV AV AVE A ES O S O S O S O S O S S O S O S OF H LLL LLL LLL LLL LL LL LL L LLLP

Wetland encroa less than 5’-10’ Bridge/culvert c Segment 1 stop Segment 2 start

y Munger Landing

*

CITY OF C DULUTH DULUTH DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH STATE OF MN SWANSON DONNA C NACE JEFFREY P STATE OF MN NP RY CO NP RY NP RY N P R Y C O AKE Y CO

VOGTMAN DEAN N P R Y C O CITY OF DULUTH VOGTMAN DEAN T U R N E R M I C H A E L NP RY CO STATE OF MN AM STEEL AND WIRE CO AM STEEL AND WIRE CO US STEEL

Morgan Park Wire Mill Pond

CITY OF DULUTH FRANCISCO GREGORY J

• St. Louis River

Slag Point Blackmer Park

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

TRAIL EXTENSION SEGMENT 3: EPA/US STEEL CLEAN UP TO BOATHOUSE POINT

Trail on EPA Access Road (recommended)(6,730 LF) Tight to Shoreline Embankment (not recommended) Inland Trail around Wire Mill Pond (recommended) (2,520 LF)

End of Segment 3 Start of Segment 3

MINNESOTA STEEL CO AM STEEL AND WIRE CO MINNESOTA STEEL CO MINNESOTA STEEL CO AM STEEL AND WIRE CO AM STEEL AND WIRE CO AM STEEL AND WIRE CO MINNESOTA STEEL CO AM STEEL AND WIRE CO AM STEEL AND WIRE CO NP RY CO

Total Waterfront Distance, Segment 3: 9,250 LF (1.67 miles)

LEGEND CITY OF DULUTH PROPERTY PARCEL LINE NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND FRESHWATER POND LAKE RIVERINE

*

Bridge/culvert crossing

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

FUTURE TRAIL EXTENSION SEGMENT 4: BOATHOUSE POINT TO E MCCUEN ST

Start of Segment 4 End of Segment 4 Start Segment 5 Restore Mud Lake

Wetland Encroachment (not recommended) Inland Trail (recommended)(7,932 LF) Tight to Shoreline Causeway (not recommended) Inland Route Distance, Segment 4: 7,932 LF (1.5 miles)

*Note: Segment 4 inland trail will not be completed until clean-up has occurred on the U.S. Steel site, easements are in place, and Mud Lake has been restored

Pedestrian Bridge Crossings (4 Total - 230 LF)

Precedent for a pre-fabricated bridge at a drainage crossing

*

LEGEND CITY OF DULUTH PROPERTY PARCEL LINE FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND FRESHWATER POND LAKE RIVERINE

0’ 0’ 0’ ’ 0’ ’ 300 300 300 00 300 0’ 0’ 300’ 00’ 0’ 300 300 300 300 3 600’ 600 600’ 60 600 600’ 600 600 00’ 600 600’ ’ 00 600 1200 1200 1200 200 200 20 00 0’ 1200’ 1200’ 20 00’ 120 00 1200’ 1200 1200 00 1200 1200 20 20 20 20 20 20 00 120 200 12 0

SCALE SC SCALE SCALE: SCALE SCAL C SCALE: CAL CA SCALE SCAL SCALE SCALE SCALE SCALE SCALE SCALE ALE: : SCALE: : SCALE SCAL SC L CALE: : L 1” = 300 1” = 300 1” = 3 1” = 3 ” = 30 ” 30 ” = 300 = 30 = 300 = 3 = 300 3 = 300 = 30 ” = 300 ” = 300 00 ” = 300 300 ” = = 300 300 1” = 300 ” = 3 1” = 300 1” = 300 1” = 300 00 1” = 300 = 300 1” = 300 1” = 300 1” = 30 = 300 = 300 = 30 = 30 1 = 300 1 = 3 1 = 300 = 300 = 300 1 = 300 1 = 30 = 30 300 1 300 3 0 30 0 ’

E w St Commonwealth Ave

PORT AUTHORITY TARGET AREA

Mud Lake

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

BOATHOUSE POINT SITE PLAN

0’ 100’ 200’ 400’

SCALE: 1” = 100’

Original format = 22 x 34”

• St. Louis River

SHALLOW MARSH

BOATHOUSE POINT

WOODED AREA TO REMAIN

Western Waterfront Trail Scenic Overlooks Signage and Kiosk Memorial Track on Causeway Kayak Dock (Access from water only) FUTURE WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL End of Active Railroad Wire Mill Pond (After clean-up/dredging)

Future Restored Mud Lake

E McCuen St Commonwealth Ave

• St. Louis River

Boy Scout Landing

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

TRAIL EXTENSION SEGMENT 5: EAST MCCUEN STREET TO BOY SCOUT LANDING

STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN SKARMAN PAUL J ETUX SMITHSON MARK C ETAL KANGAS COREY L DEDICATED ROW DEDICATED ROW DEDICATED ROW D E D I C A T E D R O W D E D I C A T E D R O W DEDICATED ROW S P I R I T L A K E T R A N S I T R Y D E D I C A T E D R O W D E D I C A T E D R O W STATE OF MN CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH ENVALL RAYMOND L ENVALL RAYMOND L ASSESSED ELSEWHERE ENVALL RAYMOND L ENVALL RAYMOND L HUBERT PAMELA J ETMAR CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH DALY EDWARD E ETUX DALY EDWARD E ETUX WISCONSIN CENTRAL LTD WISCONSIN CENTRAL LTD WISCONSIN CENTRAL LTD UNKNOWN SPIRIT LAKE TRANSIT RY WLSSD SPIRIT LAKE TRANSIT RY SPIRIT LAKE TRANSIT RY CAMERON JACK PETRICH JAMES STATE OF MN FOR DAY SHAWN DAY SHAWN SPIRIT LAKE TRANSIT RY SPIRIT LAKE TRANSIT RY US STEEL CORP NP RY CO STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN S T A T E O F M N STATE OF MN STATE OF MN MALKIN RONALD & GLORIA R FAMILY

Inland Trail (not recommended) Traditional (not recommended) Rail to Trail Conversion (recommended) (3,590 LF) Total Waterfront Distance, Segment 5: 3,590 LF (.68 miles)

Start of Segment 5 End of Segment 5

LEGEND CITY OF DULUTH PROPERTY PARCEL LINE NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND FRESHWATER POND LAKE RIVERINE

Perch Lake

• St. Louis River

Perch Lake Access Hwy 23 Commonwealth Ave Boy Scout Landing

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

TRAIL EXTENSION SEGMENT 6: BOY SCOUT LANDING TO PERCH LAKE ACCESS

Traditional Trail (recommended)(7,200 LF) Total Waterfront Distance, Segment 6: 7,200 LF (1.36 miles)

End of Segment 6 Start of Segment 6

Hwy 23

LEGEND CITY OF DULUTH PROPERTY FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND FRESHWATER POND LAKE RIVERINE

Traditional trail along existing

• ld railroad bed entire way

CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH STOYANOFF SCOTT R CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH ESPENSON ROBERT D ETAL JASPER MICHAEL R JASPER MICHAEL R STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN MCINTOSH JOHN M STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN ENVALL RAYMOND L STATE OF MN ANDERSON JOHN A MCINTYRE RUTH FAGERNESS ODELL MCINTYRE RUTH CITY OF DULUTH LELAND JAMES L ETAL MAHLBERG WILLIAM W ETUX ANDERSON GERALD E MCINTYRE JOHN H DELZOTTO WILLIAM STATE OF MN RANDALL ARCHIE L III

Perch Lake Chambers Grove Perch Lake Access Nekuk Island Amik Island W 3rd St 130th Ave W

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

TRAIL EXTENSION SEGMENT 7: PERCH LAKE TO CHAMBERS GROVE

Traditional Trail (recommended) (4,130 LF) Wetland Encroachment Trail (required)(1,290 LF)

Perch Lake W 3rd St W

Start of Segment 7 End of Segment 7 Potential future Perch Lake access MNDOT 2017 Highway 23 improvements will include an 8' bituminous trail along this alignment

*

Total Inland Route Distance, Segment 7: 5,420 LF (1.03 miles)

STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN STATE OF MN HANSEN JORGEN B O ETAL DESMEDT GLORIA J ESPENSON ROBERT D ETAL JASPER MICHAEL R CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH CITY OF DULUTH RANDALL ARCHIEL III SJOBLOM RONALD T ROETTGER MICHAEL L ROETTGER MICHAEL L

LEGEND CITY OF DULUTH PROPERTY PARCEL LINE NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND FRESHWATER POND LAKE RIVERINE

*

STATE OF MN STATE OF MN

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

COSTS ASSOCIATED FOR TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL EXTENSION COST SUMMARY

TRAIL SEGMENT Opinion of Cost Segment 1: Spirit Lake Marina to Munger Landing (Rail + Trail)

0.50 Miles

$773,340 Segment 2: Munger Landing to EPA/US Steel Clean-up (Rail + Trail)

0.72 Miles

$1,031,280 Segment 3: EPA/US Steel Clean-up to Boat Club (Rail + Trail)

1.75 Miles

By Others Segment 4: Boat Club to East McCuen Street (Trail only)

1.50 Miles

$2,336,976 Segment 5: East McCuen Street to Boy Scout Landing (Trail only)

0.68 Miles

$509,280 Segment 6: Boy Scout Landing to Perch Lake Access (Trail only)

1.36 Miles

$864,000 Segment 7: Perch Lake Access to Chambers Grove (Trail only)

1.03 Miles

$921,300 CONSTRUCTION TOTAL (7.54 miles) $6,436,176

NOTES:

• 1. LIN FT prices account for mobilization, clearing and grubbing, erosion and sediment control, landscaping and minor drainage modifications.
• 2. Contingencies are included as provisions to cover unforeseen circumstances that would affect the overall construction costs.
• 3. Estimates do not include costs for survey, engineering design, environmental analysis, permitting, or construction administration/site observation.
• 4. Topographic survey and geotechnical information were not available at the time of this estimate.
• 5. Track removal includes removal and appropriate disposal of metal rail, wood ties, and preparation of remaining ballast as trail sub-base.
• 6. Trail install costs include fencing to provide the necessary safety barrier between the trail and the rail as well as between the trail and steep embankments.
• 7. Sensitive area impacts refers to impacts to wetlands or river bank. These areas will require exhaustive permitting and may require mitigation, special plantings,
• 8. Significant drainage crossings refer to culverts or pedestrian bridges to provide crossing of drainage ways. Minor drainage modifications are included in LIN FT

TRAIL TYPES COSTS (PER LIN FT) Traditional on-existing rail bed (with gravel surface) $100 Traditional next to existing rail (with gravel surface) $180 Inland route on cleared alignment (with gravel surface) $225 Inland route on forested alignment (with gravel surface) $270 Inland route on forested alignment (US Steel site, segment 4 only) $240 Wetland encroachment $275 Tight to shoreline fill slope (not used in final recommendations) $375 Tight to shoreline elevated structure (not used in final recommendations) $2,000 Causeway widening (not used in final recommendations) $2,000

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

COSTS ASSOCIATED FOR ST. LOUIS RIVER + WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENTS

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL EXTENSION COST SUMMARY

River Access Sites Opinion of Cost Lower Spirit Riverfront $427,560 Munger Landing $255,675 Slag Point $1,420,680 Boathouse Point $226,920 Boy Scout Landing $471,115 Perch Lake $349,704 CONSTRUCTION TOTAL $3,151,654

NOTES:

• 1. Preliminary opinion of costs are based on schematic designs only and could vary

extensively depending on details that will be considered as part of the final design process.

• 2. Costs listed above should be used to assist with planning and decision-making regarding

future development for St. Louis River access.

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

SUMMARY

The recommendations and concept designs presented within, mirror the balance and compromise needed to accomplish and comply with the Guiding Principles set forth at the start of the planning process.

• Able to retain 3/4 of existing historic railroad for excursion

use

• Increases public access to the riverfront
• Ofgers a diverse user experience
• Increases year-round user experience
• Connects neighborhoods who otherwise are only connected

by Highway 23/Grand Avenue

• 7.51 miles of trail extension near river's edge
• Ecological health of river is enhanced with removal of

causeway

• Project is economically feasible for City to achieve over time
• The trail experience will be a mix of higher inland ground

and shoreline

• Wire Mill Pond will not be restored to open water
• 1/4 of the railroad track will be removed to accommodate

the restoration of Mud Lake

• Trail is not continuously at water's edge for entire duration
• f corridor
• Segment 4 of trail will not be realized in short-term period
• LSMR + city will need to re-program excursion route to fjt

modifjed plan

Benefjts Trade-Ofgs

WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, Minnesota

• ST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR

June 13, 2017

THANK YOU

• Please fjll out a comment card before you leave!
• Please check out the City Parks website at http://www.duluthmn.gov/parks