Speak Up, Speak Out – and Listen

ROOT RIVER VALLEY—From water quality to e-bikes to talking trails, here are three action-items for Root River Current readers to take note of in June:

Forum invites participants to speak up about water quality

Water quality in Southeast Minnesota’s Driftless region will be the topic of an educational forum in St. Charles on Tuesday, June 24.

Hosted by the Winona County Clean Water Coalition, speakers will address prevailing land-use practices and karst geology – both of which have contributed to the high levels of nitrates and other contaminants in the region’s groundwater – as well as related health concerns.

Topics will include the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s rules governing animal feedlots and how feedlots can contribute to nitrate pollution; the state’s response to the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s intervention to addressing existing problems; and how the public can access private well testing and treatment.

The forum will also allow members of the audience an opportunity to ask questions or make comments regarding their concerns. 

This public forum will be held Tuesday, June 24, 6:30-8:00 p.m., at the St. Charles Community Center (830 Whitewater Avenue). Members of the hosting Winona County Clean Water Coalition include the Will Dilg Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, Minnesota Trout Unlimited, the Minnesota Well Owners Organization and the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy. 

MnDOT invites Minnesotans to speak out about e-bikes

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is seeking feedback on bicycling, e-bikes and electric scooters as it updates its Statewide Bicycle+ System Plan. The plan was last updated in 2016; a new draft plan is expected in 2026.

This information, according to MnDOT, will inform its statewide plan which develops a vision, goals and strategies for ways the agency can support bicycling and bike-like modes of transportation statewide. It also aims to create safer and more enjoyable places to ride in Minnesota.

Having a timely plan is increasingly important as the use of e-bikes and electric scooters continues to grow in communities and on the state’s trails (read Root River Current’s “On Your Left!” | E-Bikes on Regional Trails to learn about the growing use of e-bikes in Southeast Minnesota).  

Of particular interest are perspectives related to how people use bikes, e-bikes and other individual transportation like electric scooters; the physical or socioeconomic barriers people face when biking; and suggested infrastructure improvements needed to better accommodate these modes of transportation.

MnDOT is gathering public input through this fall online and in conjunction with various community events including La Crescent Live on Wednesday, June 25, beginning at 5:30. MnDOT will have a survey/information booth at this outdoor music event located at 322 South 1st Street behind the La Crescent library. 

For more information or to take the survey online, visit the Statewide Bicycle+ System Plan project website.  

Listen up: Talking Trail is now live

Already recognized as a major crossroads for hiking, biking and canoe trails in Southeast Minnesota, Lanesboro has added one more ‘trail’ for adventurers: The Lanesboro Talking Trail.

This free self-guided audio tour went ‘live’ this month, featuring over 30 stops in and around Lanesboro. The stories spotlight the history of how the railroad helped shape the community, buildings and businesses that contributed to the town’s growth, and some of the notable historic figures who lived in or visited the area.

These audio stories are accessible through a Talking Trail mobile app (Google Play, Apple Store) or online at the trail’s website.

The project was created through a partnership between the Lanesboro Area Chamber of Commerce and the Lanesboro Historic Preservation Association, with stories written by local author Steve Harris, and funding provided by the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council and a private foundation. Learn more about the collaborative work behind the project in this article by Root River Current.