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Max Trail/Malmo corridor grubbed; 1,900‑ft boardwalk planned as water permits are cleared
Summary
Contractor Big Wolf Site Works has grubbed the Max Trail/Malmo corridor on county land and the project will include a 1,900‑foot boardwalk called 'Punchins'; Johnson said two water permits and multiple environmental reviews are in process before final construction resumes.
Chris Johnson, recreation specialist with the Aitkin County land department, said the Max Trail/Malmo project has cleared major early steps and is moving toward surface work once road restrictions lift.
"We actually were able to uh secure a bid. We have Big Wolf Site Works. They are our contractor right now and we have officially got the trail completely grubbed out," Johnson said, describing recent construction progress and a 30–45 day window before dirt work resumes due to road restrictions.
Johnson said the project includes a 1,900‑foot boardwalk called "Punchins," designed 8–12 feet wide with bypass pads to allow riders to pass. "It's a giant. It might be the biggest one in Minnesota actually for I want to see it," he said, and the county plans a grand opening and volunteer opportunities when the feature is complete.
He also said two water permits for culvert extensions are in process and expected to be routine, and that the project required archaeological and rare‑species surveys as part of planning. "You're doing archaeological studies, you're doing the rare plant studies, rare animals studies," Johnson said, describing the environmental and cultural work completed to shape the alignment.
Johnson characterized most permitting and environmental work as low‑scope but necessary steps before final trail surfacing and opening.
