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| New Trail Approved for 2010 Dog DerbyThe Crow Wing County Land Services Department has approved a new expanded route for the 2010 Crosslake Dog Derby, slated for February 20-21 in Crosslake. The County’s action was the result of extensive planning and collaboration between County, State and City policy-makers, as well as local citizens to design a route that meets the race organizer’s needs while protecting area wetland resources. “This action is a great example of citizens and government working together to achieve what’s best for our local economy and our environment,” said Kirk Titus, County Land Services Supervisor for Natural Resource Management. “It starts with the County’s genuine commitment to customer service, and came to fruition due to the resolve of a diverse group of leaders who devoted themselves to the common purpose of finding a solution that works for everyone.” Last year’s race was cancelled after the County declined to approve a proposed route expansion through County-managed lands due to concerns with the creation of new trails leading to sensitive wetland areas. Although dog sled traffic on frozen wetland was not the concern, new trails leading to such areas in non-winter months create opportunities for unauthorized ATV access, which can cause damage to wetland resources. “Our number one priority is to protect our natural resources,” Titus noted. “We can preserve our high quality natural areas and open spaces while providing outstanding recreation experiences for the public and economic opportunities for our community at the same time. The 2010 dog sled route is a prime example of this.” Titus singled out the efforts of Jake Frie, a Natural Resource Manager for the County who led the efforts of a public-private task force formed soon after the 2009 race was cancelled. “We made a commitment to find a workable route for 2010, and Jake did the legwork to make sure it happened,” Titus stated. “Heather Becker of our staff also provided exceptional administrative support.” The task force included County and DNR staff, private citizens and business representatives, race organizers, and local elected officials. A series of five planning meetings were held starting in March through July of 2009. The meetings were held to gather input from all stakeholders regarding environmental concerns, trail location, design, and potential impact the race has on the Crosslake area economy. By the end of the process, the task force reached a consensus on the best route to achieve the goals identified. In addition to Frie, task force members included: Crow Wing County Commissioner Paul Thiede, Crosslake City Council members Steve Rowe and Dean Swanson, Dog Derby Race organizers Roger Roy, Joel Knippel, Steve Anderson, and DiAnne Bubalo, Crosslake residents David and Mary Kolesar, Craig Schultz and Cary Shoutz of the, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Ruth Ann Hanson, Area Director of the Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Titus said that the new expanded route utilizes several acres of County tax forfeited property. Crow Wing County manages more than 100,000 acres of forestland for timber production and recreation opportunities. The sale of timber at public auctions during the year funds the County’s management of these lands, while providing revenues to local communities under a revenue-sharing formula. Titus explained that in 2009, timber sales on County managed lands generated $575,000.00, 30 percent of which – $172,500 – was distributed to Townships, Cities and School Districts within Crow Wing County to offset local tax levies. He added that for every dollar of timber sold, an estimated $41.60 of value added economic activity is generated, or nearly $24 million based on 2009 County timber sales according to a 2004 State of Minnesota study. According to Titus, in addition to its recent work on the dog sled trail, the County Land Services Department is working with Dovetail Partners, Inc. to develop a comprehensive trails plan for the County identifying sensible routes for motorized and non-motorized trails devoted to protecting natural resources while providing recreation opportunities for the public. Information about this planning process may be found at the Crow Wing County website www.co.crow-wing.mn.us under the Land Services Department heading. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Northland Press | P.O. Box 145 | Outing, MN 56662 | (218) 692-5842 Email: news@northlandpress.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
