The MN DNR is planning a segment of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail that will run from the Cut Face Creek Bridge on Highway 61 to the west limits of Grand Marais, Minnesota for a distance of 3.29 miles. The budget for this trail segment is $5.148 million. The trail needs to cross the Fall River. Shown in the photo are the Fall River Falls and pool. Lake Superior and the view from the beach to the falls make this a special piece of wilderness that local residents and visitors have visited and enjoyed for decades. It is also a designated campsite on the Lake Superior Water Trail.

The current trail design calls for the trail to cross the Fall River at the falls on a bridge as shown in the above photo. We don’t understand why we are being asked to sacrifice the feel of this special spot for another use when everyone could be accommodated by moving the trail north to near a concrete box culvert where the river emerges after running under Highway 61. Please, show your support for relocating the trail by signing this petition.

We're petitioning the MN DNR: When completing this section of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, please, move the proposed bridge from the location in front of the Fall River waterfall to near the concrete box culvert next to Highway 61. Doing so will keep this loved area feeling natural; it will help prevent user conflicts between paddlers and bikers; and it accommodates all users.