Southeastern Minnesota Association of Regional Trails (SMART)
The SMART way to build a regional trail system
Friends groups play an important role in planning, developing, maintaining and advocating for Minnesota's parks and trails. Meet SMART, a group with representatives from 11 counties that works together to connect trails locally, regionally and to neighboring states.
Q: Who is SMART and what does the group do?
The Southeastern Minnesota Association of Regional Trails (SMART) was organized by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) District 6 and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Region 4 to connect trails locally, regionally and to neighboring states. The 11 member counties each appoint a commissioner or staff person and a trail advocate who meet bi-monthly in Rochester.
Q: What projects are you working on or have you recently completed?
By lobbying as a coalition during the 2006 bonding session at the state Legislature, SMART received funding for six southeastern trails and state designation for a seventh. Working with the DNR and each other, we presented a strong case for our trail projects. In fact, the Mill Towns State Trail was awarded $1 million for development during 2007-08, allowing bridge and underpass connections to the Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail at its new trailhead.
Q: Does SMART have any upcoming events planned?
On Sept. 14, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. SMART will host a Trail Symposium on Shared Right-of-Way at the Rochester Public Utilities Service Center, 400 East River Road NE in Rochester. As fewer rail beds are being abandoned, the opportunity for shared right-of-way with low-use rail lines or utilities has become an important issue. Trail advocates are invited to share their needs and experiences with experts.
Q: What else should people know about SMART?
The bi-monthly meetings have brought together a rich source of expertise from the National Park Service, Mn/DOT planners and DNR trail experts. The meetings have also been a great networking platform for trail advocates. The SMART vision for building a regional trail system focuses on providing support for member trail groups to acquire funding and achieve the regional vision. SMART also aims to educate the public about trail use and trail benefits in Southeastern Minnesota. For more information on SMART, please visit www.dot.state.mn.us/transit/SMART.
If you would like to join or form a friends group, please contact the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota at 1-800-944-0707.
