Cornell City Council - Land acquisition means more miles for Ice Age Trail
Matt Hansen, Chippewa County Forest administrator, showed Cornell City Council members a map July 18, of a proposed land acquisition to increase the miles on the Ice Age Trail. Hansen is looking for support for the project, in order to apply for a federal grant to buy the land from the property owner. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
It’s been in the works for several years, but is now becoming public, that a proposition is in the works to acquire more land for the Ice Age Trail. The corridor plan would help to complete the trail from Cornell, east to the Taylor County line.
Matt Hansen, Chippewa County Forest administrator, spoke about the matter July 18, at a Cornell City Council meeting. An obstacle that would need to be overcome, is that the land owner, where the trail would run through, does not wish to provide an easement of his almost 2,500 acres.
Nor does he wish to sell off a portion of the land, but did intimate that he might negotiate to sell all the property, if the price is right.
“And he realizes that this is a potential boon,” said Hansen.
By gaining local support for the project, Hansen can apply for a federal grant, which could almost entirely fund purchasing the land.
While there is no cost to Cornell, the land acquisition through the townships of Estella and Arthur would cost residents in the long run. The tax levy would remain the same, but how it is distributed would be the question, to if a piece of property is removed.
For each $100,000 of land/home, Cornell city residents would pay $44, per year, on their taxes. Hansen says the taxpayers have to weigh whether the benefit to the community from an acquisition like this, would provide national quality to many sightseers or not, giving additional tourism opportunities.
“And you’re an extension of those opportunities, which already exists here, but improving them is even better,” said Hansen.
If the land is acquired, there could be outdoor recreational activities, including public hunting, hiking, trapping, fishing, cross country skiing, horseback riding and even an ATV trail. The county forest program sets the rules, so public input is needed.
“I think it’s a benefit to everyone,” said Hansen. If the land is not acquired, Hansen can still seek easement from multiple property owners, creating an alternate trail, but it’s a lot more work. It was agreed to have Hansen return at the second council meeting in September, as he didn’t have certain information that was requested.
It also gives the council time to talk to community members, to gauge their support or opposition to the project.
Members also heard a request from coordinators of the Stacker City Farmers Market, who wish to rent the pavilion for $1, to host a “Food Truck Frenzy,” during the Tuesday, July 30, market, as part of Christmas in July.
City ordinance says that food trucks cannot set up on public property, but if the Mill Yard Park is rented, say for a birthday or anniversary party, a food truck can be brought in to feed the guests.
“We’re not looking to do it once a month or every week, or anything,” said Ashley Carothers. “We want the people who are coming down there to sell their homemade stuff to have more people coming down to buy those things.”
Because the farmers market doesn’t charge a fee for vendors, there are no funds to pay for the rental fee, unless the council granted special permission, which is stated in the ordinance (for special interest groups or nonprofit organizations).
The council agreed to rent the pavilion for the $1 fee and wished the market luck with the venture.
“It’s good for the community,” said mayor Mark Larson.
