Wheels turning to locate bike trail
between Eagle River, St. Germain

By Ken Anderson
News Correspondent

The town of Cloverland Plan Commission wants to gather more information and public support on developing a bicycle trail that would link St. Germain and Eagle River.

“We’re the missing link between St. Germain and Eagle River,” said commission Chairman Joe Eisele at a meeting last week. “Both (communities) have active trail construction and we’re here to gauge local interest, to learn what costs are involved and try to identify persons who want to become more involved.”

At the meeting last Tuesday, a number of communities with established trails presented some of their experiences in getting a bike trail built.

And as a result of that meeting, a quasi Cloverland bike trail group will organize this Thursday, May 24, at 7 p.m. at the Cloverland Town Hall.

“Anyone interested in assisting in this community effort is encouraged to attend,” said Eisele.

Jim Bollmann of MSA Professional Services, told the commission about his experience with the newly developed Three Eagle Trail between Three Lakes and Eagle River. Bollmann described the transportation enhancement grant that pays 80% of the engineering and construction costs.

“The application process is once every two years, with 2008 starting the next grant cycle,” he said. “Only about 25% of the applications get funded and you need to have good cost estimates for engineering and construction two years out from submitting the application. Connecting and linking to existing bike routes gains you points.”

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