Dunn and Pepin Counties are joining forces to expand the Chippewa River State Trail by acquiring a 6.5-mile stretch of former railroad corridor from Xcel Energy. This expansion, running from Trevino through Durand, will extend the existing 30-mile trail that currently runs from Phoenix Park in downtown Eau Claire to the town of Durand. The Chippewa River State Trail, known for following the Chippewa River through diverse habitats including river bottoms, prairies, sandstone bluffs, and wetlands, has long been a haven for hikers, cyclists, and bird watchers. Now, local stakeholders are working to ensure its growth and continued public access, as reported by The Leader-Telegram.
Menomonie-based Landmark Conservancy has applied for funding through the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program, which could cover up to 50% of the land’s cost. Additionally, Xcel Energy has offered to sell the property at half its appraised value. Since its creation in 1989, Knowles-Nelson has helped fund land acquisition, park development, and habitat restoration projects across Wisconsin, often through multi-stakeholder partnerships.
“Pepin County has been interested in acquiring the trail within the county limits but has never had the funding to be able to do so,” said Sarah Schwartz, Siting and Land Rights Manager for Xcel Energy in a 715 Newsroom article. “Having Landmark step in is a win-win for all.”
Landmark Conservancy Executive Director Rick Remington emphasizes the area’s importance: “The lower Chippewa River is one of the most amazing resources in Western Wisconsin, and possibly all of Wisconsin for that matter. You’ve got people canoeing, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, paddling, recreating along the river and it is one of the most biodiverse areas of the state.”
The acquisition, expected to conclude by late summer or early fall, will secure the trail’s future, preserving a key recreational and natural resource for generations to come.
Additional reporting for this story was provided by The Chippewa Herald and WEAU.
Featured image by Aaron Carlson, 2012.
