Agenda - Council - 12/13/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mississippi River Mississippi Northwoods Mississippi Headwaters Mississippi Crossings Paul Bunyan/Heartland Trail MRT Alternative Route Open Water Trails State Parks Interstate Highways US Trunk Highways State Trunk Highways County Boundary Lake Bemidji Bemidji Hubbard Paul Bunyan State Trail ,/ Casg Lake Trail Heartland State Trail Welke 0 J Heartland State Trail Leech Lake 41-0 Lake Winnebigoshish Chippewa National Forest Mississippi River Trail Bikeway- The MRT is a bikeway, largely on the shoulders of low volume, paved roads, offering the safest and best bicycling experience along the length of the Mississippi River through ten states, from the headwaters at Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Character of the River The river widens into lakes and transforms back into a tangible, gentle brook. Low bridges bring the route near the water. ICI Deer River Schoolcraft State Park MISSISSIPPI NORTHWOODS ROUTE COMPOSITION: 96% On -road Route 4% Off -road Trail r Taconite 1' State Trail '� Hill Annex Mine State Park 1 Gran Rapids La Prairie ROUTE CHARACTERISTICS: Surface: Paved Distance: 124 miles Mesabi Trail Key Themes '' Rythms of the road - cycle to your own beat, attend a pow wow, and visit the fairs and festivals of the Northwoods. "Nopeming" (meaning place of rest in Ojibwe) - enter the Northwoods rustic and primitive natural areas to seek respite from your daily life and find rejuvenation in the crisp Northwoods air. Timber! - experience the influence of the logging industry in Minnesota's Northwoods. Bald eagles soar - The Chippewa National Forest is home to the highest breeding population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. BEMIDJI TO GRAND RAPIDS For more information: www.dot.state.mn.us/bike/mrt.html IRustic nature settings sheltering g a variety of birds and an abundance of wildlife greet your every turn from Bemidji to Grand Rapids. Try to spot the elusive gray wolves amidst the boreal ecosystem and picturesque wetlands that wrap closely around the route. As you travel through the Chippewa National Forest enjoy opportunities for Bald Eagle watching and learning about the Native American Ojibwe culture and Minnesota's logging history. The Mississippi River gains strength while emerging from Lakes Bemidji, Cass, Winnebigoshish, Andrusia, and Pokegama. In this rural setting, the culture and communities are linked inextricably with the land. The Mississippi Northwoods destination area is anchored by Bemidji and Grand Rapids. Many traditional practices, such as hand picking wild rice, harvesting maple syrup, and creating unique crafts from birch bark and local materials, still thrive in this region. Learn about the skills and processes used to create the distinctive products found in the local shops. The Forest History Center in Grand Rapids gives visitors an opportunity to experience a logging camp up close. You will also find a wide range of services, museums, lodging, and dining options.