PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE #2 - Duluth, Minnesota · PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE #2 Western Waterfront Trail & Park...
Transcript of PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE #2 - Duluth, Minnesota · PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE #2 Western Waterfront Trail & Park...
PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE #2Western 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
Existin
g Ra
il Co
rrid
orWESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. 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 five existing or planned river access points. A portion of the historic rail bed has been leased by the City of Duluth to the nonprofit 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 significant 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 options 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 R
iver
Exist
ing Tr
ail
Page 1
TRAIL AND BIKEWAY PLAN
DULUTH, MINNESOTA
OCTOBER 5, 2011
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. 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 Projects2012 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, MinnesotaST. 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 Staffon, 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, MinnesotaST. 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 our rich history along this great body of water. The trail corridor shall include quality site amenities, offer spectacular views and interpretation opportunities at key points of interest while also providing improved water access for picnicking, boating and fishing 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 affordable 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, MinnesotaST. 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 benefit.
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, MinnesotaST. 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
ParkBoy 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
TO DOWNTOWN
I-35W
S
t. Lo
uis
Riv
er
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
STUD
Y ARE
A 3
STUDY AREA 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 ExtentsEXISTING CONDITIONS
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
PLANNING FOR INTERPRETATIONAn Overview of the Rich Cultural and Natural Heritage
Along the St. Louis River Corridor
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. 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 confirm 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 defining
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 reflect 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 OjibweThe St. Louis River Heritage Trail Gitche Gami ZiibiThe 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 reflection
• 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 ACCESSNew Sites:
Existing Sites:
Lower SpiritSlag Point
Munger LandingBoy Scout LandingPerch Lake
ANALYSIS: WATER ACCESS, TRAILS + GREEN SPACE
1.9 miles
0.3 miles
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
PARKLAND
WATER TRAIL ACCESS POINT
WATER TRAILSTREAMS
BNSF LINELSMR LINEDMIR LINEEXISTING TRAILEXISTING 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
Will
ard
Mu
ng
er
Sta
te T
rail
Superior Hiking Trail
Boy Scout
Landing
Munger
Landing
Spirit Lake
Marina
Lower Spirit
Riverfront
Indian Point
Campground
St. Louis River
Perch Lake
LandingChambers
Grove
Historical
Park
0.5 miles
0’00’0’0’0’0’00’00’0’00’0 20002000’2000’2000’2000’00 ’20000000’00’0 4000’4000’00000’004000’0 8000’8000’8000’8000’8000’00080008000’088000’080000
SCALSCALCALSCALCALLCALALSCALLA E:E: E: E:EE:EE:E:EE E 1” =” =1” =1” =1” =1”1” =1” =” =1” =11 20022002000200020002000000000 0’0’0’0’0’0’0
1.5 miles
4.9 m
iles
0.4
mil
es
1.3
miles
1.7
mil
es
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, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
ST. LOUIS RIVER WATER TRAIL ACCESS POINTS
Munger Landing Proposed ImprovementsLower Spirit Proposed Improvements
• New trailhead with directional signage
• Swimming beach and natural kayak launch
• Accessible kayak launch
• Staging area for outfitting
• Picnic area
• Additional parking (20)
• New trailhead with directional signage
• Drop-off and parking (10) and trailer (3)
• Portable toilet with changing enclosure
• Staging area for outfitting
• Accessible kayak launch
• Beach access(2) with shore fishing
• Landscape Restoration Planting
Site Plan Concepts
Gra
nd
Ave
Clyde AveTallus Island
St. Louis River St. Louis River
BN
SF
Ra
ilro
ad
Tra
cks
Mu
ng
er
Tra
il
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
Boy Scout Landing Proposed
Improvements
• New trailhead with directional signage
• Drop-off
• Additional parking (±12)
• Portable toilet with changing enclosure
• Beach access (2) with shore fishing
• 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 fishing
• 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
Hwy 23/Grand Ave
To
Hw
y 2
3
Grand A
ve
Co
mm
on
we
alt
h A
ve
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. 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-off area and parking (18)
• Beach/staging area and shore fishing
• Picnic and hiking loop
• Interpretive/scenic overlooks
Site Plan Concepts
0’ 75’ 150’ 300’
SCALE: 1” = 150’Original format = 22 x 34”
Morgan ParkCommunity Center
St. Louis River
Utilize old US Steel road bed
To Spirit Point, Causeway, and Boy Scout Landing
Vegetative Buffer between upland CDF and parking lot Parking Lot (1
8) on old
service road
Drop-off 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 Reflective 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 RiverLawn
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 TrailExtension (on inland side ofRR 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
PrecedentsTrail TypesSegment StudyGuiding Principles Analysis + Summary
Rail to Trail
Rail and Trail
PRECEDENTS
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
Vermont’s Island Line
Vermont• 14 miles, 3.5 of which are a causeway
over water• Asphalt and gravel• Biking, inline skating, fishing, 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 skiingAstoria River Walk
Oregon• 17 miles• Asphalt, dirt and boardwalk• Horseback riding, mountain biking,
walking
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
Existing Wetland Edge
TRAIL TYPESTRADITIONAL – 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’Trailto 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.Trailto Trail
St. Louis RiverMud Lake
Existing Scenic Rail
Existing Shoreline
Barrier
Rail
8’8.5’ min.Trailto 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, MinnesotaST. 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 affected 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 staff 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 financing 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, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
ANALYSIS OF COLLECTED DATA: VALUES & USES
• 46% of all respondents identified 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, MinnesotaST. 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 fi nd a way to extend the trail without having to remove the City-
owned 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 RAILNO
PREFERENCE
OVERALL
PERCENT54 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
PERCENT54 32 14
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. 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
options 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 significant resources
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. 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 financial 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, MinnesotaST. 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, MinnesotaST. 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
RECOMMENDATIONSFuture Rail + Trail Associated Costs
OVERALL TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
0’ 1100’ 2200’ 4400’
SCALE: 1” = 1100’
Segment 1
Segment 2
Segment 3
Segment 4
Segment 5Segment 6
Segment 7
STUDY AREA 3
STUDY AREA 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-35W
St.
Lo
uis
Riv
er
LEGEND
EXISTING TRAILSTUDY AREA BOUNDARY
FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND
FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND
FRESHWATER POND
LAKERIVERINE
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. 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 PROPERTYPARCEL LINENEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION
FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND
FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND
FRESHWATER POND
LAKERIVERINE
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
*
88
th A
ve
W
Morgan
Park
CITY OF DULUTH
VOG
TMAN
DE
AN
TURN
ER
MIC
HAEL
STATE OF MN
FRANCIS
CO
GREGORY
J AM STEEL AND WIRE
CO
AM STEEL AND WIRE
CO
NP R
Y CO
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
TRAIL EXTENSION SEGMENT 2: MUNGER LANDING TO EPA/US STEEL CLEAN-UPTraditional 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 PROPERTYPARCEL LINENEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION
FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND
FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND
FRESHWATER POND
LAKERIVERINE
Munger
Landing
CIT
Y O
F D
ULU
TH
Morgan Park
Neighborhood
Blackmer
Park
CITY OF DULUTH
CITY OF DULUTH
CITY OF DULUTH
STATE OF MN
SWANSON DONNA C
NACE JEFFREY P
FRANCISCO
RUSSELL CARL
CITY OF DULUTH
CITY OF DULUTH
STATE OF MN
NP
RY C
O
NP RY CO
SPIRIT LAKE
TR RY CO
St. Louis River
***
*********
*
DDDDD D AAAAAAVAVAVE AEEES OS OS OS OS OS S OS OS OF H LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLP
Wetland encroaless than 5’-10’
Bridge/culvert c
Segment 1 stop Segment 2 start
y
Munger
Landing
***
CITY OFCDULUTHDULUTHDULUTH
CITY OF DULUTH
CITY OF DULUTH
STATEOF MN
SWANSONDONNA C
NACE JEFFREY P
STATE OF MN
NP
RY C
ON
P RY
NP
RY
NP RY CO
AKE
Y CO
VOGTMAN DEAN
NP RY CO
CITY OF DULUTH
VOG
TMAN
DE
AN
TURNER MICHAEL
NP R
Y CO
STATE OF MN
AM STEEL AND WIRE CO
AM STEEL AND WIRE CO
US STEEL
Morgan
Park
Wire Mill
Pond
CITY OF DULUTH
FRANCIS
CO
GREGORY
J
St. Louis River
Slag
Point
Blackmer
Park
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. 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
STE
EL
AN
D W
IRE
CO
AM STEEL AND WIRE CO
MINNESOTA STEEL CO
AM STEEL AND WIRE CO
AM
STE
EL
AN
D W
IRE
CO
NP R
Y CO
Total Waterfront Distance, Segment 3: 9,250 LF (1.67 miles)
LEGEND
CITY OF DULUTH PROPERTYPARCEL LINENEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION
FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND
FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND
FRESHWATER POND
LAKERIVERINE
*
Bridge/culvert crossing
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
FUTURE TRAIL EXTENSION SEGMENT 4: BOATHOUSE POINT TO E MCCUEN ST
Start of Segment 4
End of Segment 4Start 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 PROPERTYPARCEL LINE
FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND
FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND
FRESHWATER POND
LAKERIVERINE
0’000’00’’0’’000000000 30033003000030000’0’300’00’0’3003003000033003 600’600600’60600600’060060000’600600’’006000000 12001200120020020022000000’1200’11200’22220000’1220001200’112001200000012001200220202002022202000001112020001222 0
SCALESCSSCALESCALE:SCALESCALCSCALE:CALCASCALESCALSCALESCALESCALESCALESCALESCALEALE::SCALE::SSSCALESSCALSC LCALE::L 1” = 3001” = 3001” = 31” = 3” = 30” 30” = 300= 30= 300= 3= 3003= 300= 30” = 300” = 30000” = 300300” == 3003001” = 300” = 31” = 3001” = 3001” = 300001” = 300= 3001” = 30001” = 3001”” = 30= 300= 300000= 30= 3001 = 3001 = 31 = 300= 3000= 3001 = 3001 = 30= 303001 3003 0300 ’’’’’’
E w StCo
mm
on
we
alt
h A
ve
PORT AUTHORITY TARGET AREA
Mud Lake
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
BOATHOUSE POINT SITE PLAN
0’ 100’ 200’ 400’
SCALE: 1” = 100’Original format = 22 x 34”
St. Louis RiverSHALLOWMARSH
BOATHOUSE POINTWOODED AREA
TO REMAIN
Western Waterfront Trail
Scenic OverlooksSignage 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 RestoredMud Lake
E McCuen St
Co
mm
on
we
alt
h A
ve
St. Louis River
Boy Scout
Landing
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
TRAIL EXTENSION SEGMENT 5: EAST MCCUEN STREET TO BOY SCOUT LANDING
STATE OF MNSTATE OF MN
STATE OF MN
STATE OF MN
STATE OF MNSKARMAN PAUL J ETUX
SMITHSON MARK C ETAL
KANGAS COREY L
DEDICATED ROW
DED
ICATED
RO
W
DEDICATED ROW
DEDICATED ROW
DEDICATED ROW
DEDICATED ROW
SPIRIT LAKE
TRANSIT RY
DEDICATED ROW
DEDICATED ROW
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
WIS
CONS
IN
CENT
RAL
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
STAT
E OF
MN
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 5LEGEND
CITY OF DULUTH PROPERTYPARCEL LINENEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION
FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND
FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND
FRESHWATER POND
LAKERIVERINE
Perch
Lake
St. Louis River
Perch Lake
Access
Hwy 23
Co
mm
on
we
alth
Av
e
Boy Scout
Landing
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
TRAIL EXTENSION SEGMENT 6: BOY SCOUT LANDING TO PERCH LAKE ACCESSTraditional 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
LAKERIVERINE
Traditional trail along existing old 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 MNSTATE 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 MNRANDALL
ARCHIE L III
Perch
LakeChambers
Grove
Perch Lake
Access
Nekuk
IslandAmik
Island
W 3rd St
13
0th
Av
e W
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
TRAIL EXTENSION SEGMENT 7: PERCH LAKE TO CHAMBERS GROVETraditional Trail (recommended) (4,130 LF) Wetland Encroachment Trail (required)(1,290 LF)
Perch
Lake
W 3rd StWW
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 MNSTATE 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 MNHANSEN
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 PROPERTYPARCEL LINENEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION
FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLAND
FRESHWATER FORESTED/SHRUB WETLAND
FRESHWATER POND
LAKERIVERINE
*******
STATEOF MN
STATEOF MN
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
COSTS ASSOCIATED FOR TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONSWESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL EXTENSIONCOST 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) $100Traditional next to existing rail (with gravel surface) $180Inland route on cleared alignment (with gravel surface) $225Inland route on forested alignment (with gravel surface) $270Inland route on forested alignment (US Steel site, segment 4 only) $240Wetland encroachment $275Tight to shoreline fill slope (not used in final recommendations) $375Tight to shoreline elevated structure (not used in final recommendations) $2,000Causeway widening (not used in final recommendations) $2,000
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
COSTS ASSOCIATED FOR ST. LOUIS RIVER + WATERFRONT IMPROVEMENTSWESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL EXTENSIONCOST 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, MinnesotaST. 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
• Offers 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
of corridor
• Segment 4 of trail will not be realized in short-term period
• LSMR + city will need to re-program excursion route to fit
modified plan
Benefits Trade-Offs
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL & PARK MASTER PLAN Duluth, MinnesotaST. LOUIS RIVER CORRIDOR June 13, 2017
THANK YOU
• Please fill out a comment card before you leave!
• Please check out the City Parks website at http://www.duluthmn.gov/parks