Land buy to expand trails SW of Twin Cities

Half of the purchase price was paid with a grant from the Outdoor Heritage Fund that was created following the 2008 voter-approved Legacy Amendment that dedicates a percentage of state sales tax to preserve natural and cultural heritage.

The land skirts the 440-acre Savage Fen Wetland Complex, 42 acres of which is a Scientific and Natural Area, according to the Savage Pacer newspaper. Savage is southwest of the greater Twin Cities metro area.

The Scott County Board and the Savage City Council recently approved construction of a 10-foot-wide, hard-surface trail through the newly purchased property and along the Credit River. According to the newspaper, allowed uses of the trail will include walking, biking, cross-country skiing and picnicking. Dogs on leashes will be permitted, and motorized vehicles will be prohibited.

The city of Savage will be responsible for all construction, maintenance and managing of the trail corridor. Although funding for the trail is not currently included in the city's five-year capital improvement plan, the city will work with the county to secure grant money for construction, a city official told the newspaper.