Trail connectivity, park improvement, and educational enhancement to Martin-Island Linwood Lakes Regional (MIL RP) within Linwood Township and to its surrounding areas would greatly benefit the inhabitants of this and surrounding communities. There are health (trail usage), economic (construction and links to downtown shopping), social/community (links to gathering areas), environmental (nature awareness and less motor travel), and educational (Linwood School Forest and Windswept Prairie linkages) advantages to name a few. Linwood is in the heart of an area that has already been designated by several organizations as being ideal for trail connections particularly the planned bike path, so it is more a matter of funding and legalities than a question whether improvements should be made (e.g., Legacy Act funding). All of the included trails listed herein are intended to be primarily non-motorized and will utilize existing transportation easements when possible. (Note, habitat restoration thru such means as eliminating invasive species may be necessary on some trails and is covered by several grant sources, but will not be addressed in this proposal.)

The following plans are the first stage of trail connections to regionally significant public land, park improvements, and educational enhancement. This addresses connections to specific parks of high local quality in the heart of Linwood (Appendix A) and regional significance in an important corridor within Anoka County and near adjacent counties. Initial trails are not likely to be paved as the primary objective of the committee is to establish the pathways to make them accessible to the public, while later funding via grants or other means may be utilized to improve the trails. Linwood Township, Anoka County, and all other affiliated parties will work closely under the guidance of a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) for these improvements.