Many of us are concerned about the future of the trails that currently exist along the banks of the Minnesota River.  We would like to see these trails preserved in their current natural state, improved and expanded into a network of natural surface trails.  Please read the following statement and consider adding your name in support.  The petition will be presented to the various government land managers and elected officials who will soon be deciding the fate of the river trails.

STATEMENT OF SUPPORT:  We believe that the Minnesota Valley Trail from the vicinity of Old Cedar Avenue to the former Bloomington Ferry Bridge trailhead should be designated, developed and preserved as a natural surface multi-use trail open to hiker, runners, cyclists and nature lovers.  The only needed improvements to the already existing natural surface trail should be restroom facilities as well as bridges, culverts and boardwalks to provide environmentally acceptable stream and drainage crossings.  Some minor re-routing and surface maintenance work may also be required to minimize rutting, erosion and pothole formation in the trail surface.

Improving and maintaining the existing natural surface trail would have almost no environmental impact and there would be only minimal costs associated with such a trail.  We believe that a natural trail would be more appropriate for the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and more in keeping with the activities of the users of the entire area.  This area is subject to periodic severe flooding and any asphalt, graded gravel or crushed limestone surface would require frequent and expensive re-building with adverse effects on the Refuge and the environment.