DNR Looking For Public Input On Extension Of Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is inviting the public to an open house to review and comment on the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail Master Plan Amendment.

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The Amendment is proposing a 6-mile trail extension from Harmony to the Iowa border and Niagara Cave. According to the Master Plan Amendment website, the proposed extension will include a 10-foot wide paved asphalt trail. The current Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail is an 18-mile asphalt paved trail that a multiple uses including biking, walking/hiking, in-line skating, and cross-country skiing.

DNR Open House For Extention Of Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail

The open house will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 12th at the Harmony Community Center gymnasium. At the open house, the public will have an opportunity to review the plan amendment, ask questions and submit comments. There will not be a formal presentation made.

According to a news release from the Minnesota DNR, the purpose of the master plan amendment is to "guide the development, management, and operation of the proposed state trail extension and to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities provided by the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail."

A master plan amendment has to be approved by the DNR before any funds can be used to construct the proposed trail extension.

The Creation Of The Preston-Harmony Valley State Trail

The Minnesota DNR says the original Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail Master Plan was approved in 1995, and then trail construction began in 1997. The paved trail surface was then completed in 1998 extending from the Root River State Trail north of Preston to Harmony. Also in 1998, Trailhead Park was constructed in Harmony which serves trail users and the community.

Can't Make The Open House? Submit Comments Online

Those who can't make the open house, but would like to review and prove written comments on the amendment can learn more on the Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail Master Plan Amendment website.

Written comments may also be submitted by email to diane.k.anderson@state.mn.us or by U.S. Mail to: Diane Anderson, MN DNR Parks and Trails, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4039.

Comments will be accepted through Friday, Aug. 27.