STEP taking hard look at trails with residents’ help

STEP wants to hear from residents on trails.

Until Feb. 16, a public survey is available from St. Paul and Elk Point Economic Development Alliance where they want to hear interests, knowledge, and concerns about their area trails and trail systems.

They are leading the charge for a trails tourism master plan, which is hoped to highlight the uniqueness and attractive elements of their trails with residents and visitors.

It’s also thought to point out the benefits that trails tourism can bring to the local economy and quality of life, as well as ensuring the region’s values are respected and negative effects are minimized.

All forms of trails, including motorized, non-motorized and mixed-use summer and winter trails in urban, rural and backcountry areas, as well as water routes, are under consideration.

“Plan development will seek to understand the current supply of trails tourism experiences in the region, assess support for pursuing trails tourism, identify target markets, understand visitor interests and expectations, identify signature trail experiences that can be capable of motivating travel to the region, and identify strategies and actions that could strengthen a network of signature trail experiences that could benefit residents and enhance the region’s trails tourism potential,” the survey reads.

More information and the survey can be found here.