Cottage Grove PSC approves annual Star Trail snowmobile map, pledges to work with developers to preserve routes

The Cottage Grove Public Service Commission approved the city’s annual snowmobile map after a presentation from the East Cairo Scramblers and city staff.

Jeremy Goble, president of the East Cairo Scramblers, told commissioners the club maintains Star Trail routes south of Valley Creek Road and that the group is concerned about several possible developments that could affect a field the trail currently uses near Keats Avenue and another parcel near the Walmart area. Goble described three possible routing options — using existing gas-line and Met Council sewer easements, routing around the area to the east, or routing via the planned Ravine Parkway corridor — and asked the city to “leave us a spot” through any new housing so riders can remain in open-field corridors rather than ditches.

City staff said the current presented map showed no changes from last year and recommended approval. Commissioners asked about trail use patterns, noise and parking; Goble said trails see their heaviest use from sunrise through shortly after sunset and that the Lamar ballfields parking lot now serves as a primary staging area. The police captain said anecdotal incident counts were low and he could not recall recent citations tied to snowmobile offenses.

Vice Chair Ron Kath moved to approve the snowmobile/Star Trail map for the year; commissioners seconded and approved the motion by voice vote. Commissioners said they want staff to continue the dialogue with developers and the club and to seek opportunities to use easements where possible to keep trails safe and accessible.

The commission did not attach conditions to the approval; staff and the club plan ongoing coordination as development plans near Keats Avenue and other parcels proceed.