May Trail Talk
TREE PLANTING ALONG RAIL TRAIL
The City of Spirit Lake received grants through Black Hills Energy Power of Trees and Alliant Energy Branching Out programs through Trees Forever to plant trees along the section of trail connecting Peoria Avenue to 15th Street. Nearly 30 volunteers from Spirit Lake High School, Dickinson County Conservation, Black Hills Energy, Alliant Energy, Trees Forever, DCTB and City of Spirit Lake worked together to plant 52 trees along the trail segment. Thanks to everyone for their help and Ferguson’s Garden Center for the wonderful stock of trees!
TRAIL MAINTENANCE PROJECTS CONTINUE
The Dickinson County Trails Board is starting another maintenance project on the Spine Trail this week. Diamond Concrete will be doing the work to stabilize the bank and replace 200 feet of trail pavement in the East Okoboji Slough area south of Gingham Inn. The trail will be closed in the area for approximately two weeks. Trail users will not be able to access the trail from Hill Avenue but can use an alternative route from the Spine Trail to Peoria Avenue to the west. Work by Ranch Okoboji is nearing completion as we wait for the drain grate to be manufactured. The trail should be ready by Memorial Day Weekend for the start of summer biking season.
SALT PATROL
Thank you the many volunteers that ride the trails through SALT (Seniors and Lawmen Together) who are out patrolling the trails for the season again. The riders are there to provide information, water and help in emergencies as well as let DCTB know of any issues along the trail. They provide a great service to the community and we are grateful for their help.
RAIL TRAIL RALLY FUNDRAISER
DCTB is planning our 2017 fundraiser event that will be held on Saturday, June 24 at the Arnolds Park Pavilion. This year’s event will highlight the Rail Trail and kickoff the effort to raise local matching funds for its construction. The DCTB has obtained $2 million in Federal Grants to purchase 37 miles of right of way and rehabilitate the rail bridges & crossings. Local Matching Funds needed for this project are over $400,000. Please consider getting on board and be a sponsor for this great event. You can find more information at www.dickinsoncountytrails.com . Thank you for your support!
Until next time, as always, Happy Trails to you and yours. Erin Reed, DCTB Executive Director