Hello,We made the news again! This piece by Bob Reinitz will give you an update on the CRVST project:

Some good news off the trail

By Bob Reinitz

Guest Columnist

 The Camp Ripley/Veterans State Trail (CRVST) has taken another big step toward becoming a reality. As of this week enough money has been raised to begin a formal Corridor Study which will analyze the feasibility of building a true multi-use trail, motorized and non-motorized, that will link the Paul Bunyan Trail to the North with the Soo Line Trail to the South. The long term intent is for the CRVST to extend down both sides of the Mississippi River and Camp Ripley. This trail was designated a “State Trail” by the 2009 Minnesota Legislature, meaning it will be administered by the Minnesota Department of Natureal Resources (DNR).

 Representatives from Region Five, Cass, Crow Wing and Morrison counties, in cooperation with the DNR formed a committee that selected the engineering firm of Bolten and Menk Inc. to conduct this corridor study. The study will analyze potential trail routes, identify issues/hurdles and develop budgetary cost estimates.An important part of this process will include taking input from the public.The CRVST is considered one of the most important “missing links” in Minnesota. With completion of the bicycle portion of this trail, Central Minnesota will claim ownership of “The Longest Paved Off Road Trail in the World.” But what makes this trail very unique is the fact that this trail from its conception will be designed to be a multi-use trail.

Completion of this trail will have a huge financial impact on all of Central Minnesota as it will bring a large number of tourists to our area. According to a University of Minnesota study competed in 2008, $3.2 billion is spent by trail users in Minnesota per year. Because of all the amenities offered in this area, the CRVST will become one of the premier trail user destinations in the State.The Camp Ripley/Veterans State Trail Committee has had help from several entities to make this trail study a reality: Cass, Crow Wing and Morrison Counties, the city of Little Falls, the city of Randall, the Little Falls Chamber of Commerce, the Little Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Randall Area Business Group, the Lincoln Area Business Association, Central Telephone Company, Minnesota Power, Eastern Morrison County Four-Wheeler Club, Brainerd Snodeos, Fort Ripley Trail Busters, Gull Lake Drifters, Baxter Snowmobile Club and the Bay Lake Sno-Packers.

Bob Reinitz is the chairman of the Camp Ripley/Veterans State Trail Committee

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