After a year of deliberations and numerous contentious meetings, the Rochester Parks and Recreation Board has approved the Rochester Active Sports Club’s (RASC) proposal for a mountain biking trail in Northern Heights Park. The decision was made with a 4-2 vote at the board meeting on July 16.
The meeting featured a public comment period where neighbors and community members expressed their concerns about the 1.5-mile multi-use primitive mountain bike trail. Key issues raised included potential environmental impacts such as erosion and the safety of shared use by walkers and bikers.
Daniel Christinsen, a Northern Heights Park neighbor, voiced his apprehensions about erosion: “When I look at the plan, I see an uphill Decorah Edge. It’s not a question of if there will be erosion or if it will impact Decorah Edge and the wetlands, but to what extent.”
Safety concerns were also highlighted, with one resident stating, “There are many bikers who don’t care if I’m walking, and I’ve been hit by a bike before.”
RASC and board members addressed these concerns before moving forward with the vote. RASC President David Herbert commented, “We’ve tried to be as transparent as possible and are pleased with the approval, though we understand some will be unhappy with the decision.”
Christinsen reiterated his worries, saying, “My main concerns are the long-term impact on the Edge, the wildlife, and the overall environment.”
The next steps for the project include finalizing the trail design, with construction planned for next summer.
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