ST. PAUL – The Minnesota DNR has completed a detailed Environmental Assessment Worksheet concluding that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required for further expansion of Mountain Bike Trail System at the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. That completes the final steps of the environmental review process necessary before major construction work can now move forward on the $3.6 million expansion of the Mountain Bike Trail System and other amenities at CCRSA.
State Rep. Dale Lueck, R-Aitkin, said this decision will allow work to move forward on developing an additional 50 miles of new trails, making major trailhead improvements and constructing a new outdoor event space within CCSRA.
“This is great news for the CCSRA and the surrounding communities,” Lueck said. “This project will take the CCSRA to a new level, ensuring the rec area will continue to provide a very positive economic impact on our part of Minnesota. We truly have a gem right in our backyard. Repurposing the once very active iron mining range into a set of pristine lakes and adventure trails is a testament to the strong will and ingenuity of our citizens. We can look forward to the Cuyuna continuing to be an integral part of a robust local economy.”
Lueck was integral in delivering a $3.6 million bonding investment from the state during the last biennium to significantly upgrade the CCSRA through a multi-year enhancement project of its facilities.
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