In 2021, the DNR constructed a trail segment between Grand Marais and the Cut Face Creek State Wayside. While this was good news for the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, it came with an unexpected, weather-related hiccup: the native seed mix applied to both sides of the trail failed to anchor the soil. Between the severe drought of 2021 and the equally severe rain-and-snowmelt related runoff of spring 2022, the seed that the DNR laid down was quickly washed away and the slopes on either side of the new trail began to erode.
The Gitchi-Gami Trail Association sprang into action. GGTA, which has partnered with the DNR and MnDOT on stewardship of the trail since 1996, already had a strong relationship with both groups and was able to work with them to come up with a game plan. With this paln in hand, the GGTA wrote an application for habitat restoration funding from Parks & Trails Council. They proposed using the requested funding to purchase native seed mix and an oat cover crop to restore the sides of the new trail segment and prevent further erosion. The grant narrative was convincing, and it was an easy decision to issue the funding to GGTA.
The first half of the project went smoothly – on May 11, 2023, 37 students from ISD 66, as well as the GGTA and a number of valued community partners all went out to the site and scattered seed at the site. In addition, the students from ISD66 got a lesson in trail etiquette, bicycle and helmet safety, trail corridor geology, climate change, and how to restore an eroded slope. The students had a great time, and the community partners were able to strengthen their bond with GGTA – a win all around.
GGTA planned to partner with Great Expectations School in Grand Marais for the second half of the grant, but unfortunately, circumstances beyond their control intervened. The teacher who they had been working with left the school, and while their successor was enthusiastic and supportive about the idea of using the trail planting as an educational opportunity, the training requirements proved to be logistically impossible to fulfill by the end of the project implementation period in December. The GGTA asked for an extension and was granted one, and in the meantime worked hard to schedule a planting day for May 2024. But even this new “rain date” fell through when, well, more rain fell. The Great Expectations students lost out on a field trip, and the GGTA was left to figure out how to salvage their now twice-delayed plans.
Never ones to be defeated, they came up with a solid plan C. After extensive outreach campaign via the local paper, the UMN Extension website, social media and the airwaves, as well as through their network of Friends Group members, they held a community-led restoration event at the site. The weather finally cooperated; June 25th was bright and sunny, with only the faintest of clouds in the sky. The group worked to add to last year’s plantings with the remaining seed and provide water to the green blades of new growth that poked out from either side of the road. While they worked, they had the opportunity to converse with walkers, runners, roller-skaters and countless bicyclists that passed by, sharing the important work they were doing and their connection to the GGTA.
Not all projects go exactly to plan, but that isn’t necessarily the end of the world. Despite logistical challenges, unexpected rainstorms, and last-minute changes of plan, the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association managed to address a pressing issue on this iconic state trail. As the old saying goes: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!
Photo: Michelle Pierson/Gitchi-Gami Trail Association
