Erin Reed updates Dickinson County on trail projects, fundraising and maintenance concerns

Erin Reed, a trails presenter, told the Dickinson County Board on Feb. 3 that the group completed three major projects over the past year, including the Lake County Connection, the Plaque Loop Trail and the West Okoboji Trail connection. "I don't know if you all been out to the Plaque Loop Trail yet, but it's pretty remarkable," Reed said, adding that the group also began tree clearing and minor grading on the rail-trail corridor heading east.

Reed said the organization plans to complete the first two miles of the Clay County connection in 2026 and expects the third mile to be delayed until 2027 because planned power-pole relocations are scheduled for the fall. She said a bid letting was scheduled that morning for work in Milford and reported nearly $15,000 was raised across two ride fundraisers this year.

The presentation included examples of small volunteer projects: Reed highlighted work by a local scout, Brayden Youngbluth, who helped improve the Emerson Bay Bridge area. Reed also thanked partner cities and local contributors for what she said was "almost 8 and a half million dollars" in funding over the last five years.

Board members praised the trails' economic benefits and urged continued attention to long-term upkeep. One member raised a technical question about pavement reinforcement: whether bids should require rebar or similar measures to reduce cracking and freeze-thaw damage. Reed replied that the trails generally do not use rebar unless sections will carry heavy vehicle loads and said thermal effects from freeze-thaw cycles are the main concern; she called the decision a cost-benefit tradeoff.

Reed said the trails group plans to develop maintenance and reconstruction plans as parts of older trails reach the end of their useful life.