Mission Details
Advocacy:
Participate actively in Duluth area trail-related discussions and planning to advocate for current and potential natural surface foot trail users in the area who are not directly represented by skiing, biking or through-hiking organizations.
We are “at the table” with the City and other groups working on foot trail-related issues. (An example is the controversial 2020 Chester Park Mini-Master Plan. There was no organization to advocate for the walkers.) Get a seat at the table of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee of the Metropolitan Interstate Council. Work with existing walking groups such as We Walk Duluth. We will also support community efforts to find funding for trail development and maintenance.
We work to assure that all users have their needs met. (Examples are users desiring off-leash dog trails and trail users with mobility or other challenges.) Reduce barriers and improve accessibility and connectedness to support all Duluth area residents using trails for a variety of purposes, including transportation (pedestrian trails and sidewalks) and recreation (running errands, commuting, enjoyment).
We want to better communicate the value of our foot trails to the region for both residents and visitors. This includes understanding the economic value of events such as large races (Minnesota Voyageur Trail Ultramarathon, Eugene Curnow Trail Marathon or Wild Duluth Races); smaller local events (Northern Minnesota Track Club race series, etc.) and hiking events (the Grand Traverse and City of Duluth guided hikes, etc.). This also includes how our trails improve quality of life and the health of community members. We will work to seek funding for such a study.
Interface with other trail and user groups to maximize cooperation and create a more inclusive trail community.
The Duluth area’s trails are used in a variety of ways, and several existing organizations represent many of these users, including cross country skiing, mountain biking and horseback riding. We will represent the interests of foot trail users while working to maximize cooperation among these and other existing organizations to promote harmony among all trail users. We will actively work to avoid potential conflicts or safety concerns that may arise and coordinate education to ensure consistent messages about sustainable and safe trail use.
Action
Identify and address barriers to use of foot trails by all community members
DuFTA recognizes that with the diversity of people that currently use, or would benefit from using, the Duluth area trails, there are a number of different things that can act as barriers to trail use. For example, some may not have access to trails nearby; others may not know which trails are within their capabilities to negotiate; others may not know how to navigate among the various trail types, are nervous about other trail uses, or are uncomfortable about “fitting in.” We also understand that we don’t necessarily know all of the barriers at this time.
DuFTA will actively seek input from our diverse community through a variety of methods, beginning by recruiting a diversity of trail users to participate in and lead this group. We will incorporate methods to continuously request feedback on trail accessibility issues. An inclusive survey on trail use, reasons for non-use and perceived barriers to trail use will provide a solid, data-driven foundation for determining critical barriers. Once these critical barriers have been identified, we will work to find solutions and minimize or eliminate these barriers.
Recruit community members to participate in trail development, construction, and maintenance
It is important, as trail users and stewards, that we assist in keeping our trails in good condition and that we collaborate with the City of Duluth and other governmental bodies, as well as with other user groups, to enhance connectivity between neighborhoods and our natural spaces. We will solicit foot trail users as volunteers to help plan, build, and maintain trails and connect volunteers to groups who are doing that work already. If no group exists, we will organize volunteer efforts as needed.
Education and Outreach
Educate new and current trail users related to trail etiquette, best practices, and sustainability
As the Duluth area’s trail system expands and more diverse users discover this resource, sustainable trail use and trail etiquette become more important to maintaining a quality experience for ALL.
Trail users “never know what is around the corner – a parent with kids, a trail runner with earbuds, dog-walkers, bird watchers, kids on bikes, someone recovering from surgery...“ (https://pricklypearlt.org/trail-tips/). Trail etiquette relates to safety, courteous sharing of trails, respecting private land, cleaning up pet waste and trash, etc. It is important for trail users to know and follow best practices that ensure long-term trail sustainability, such as staying on established trails, not skirting muddy areas and following guidelines for staying off trails when they are most prone to damage.
This group advocates for a wide variety of trail users, from young to old, fast to slow, newbies to experienced trail users, and everyone in between.
Engage, orient and familiarize people new to the Duluth area’s natural surface foot trails through outreach to community groups
We will work with local nonprofits and community groups that work with youth and other underserved people as a means to reach new audiences with opportunities to learn about and experience Duluth’s extensive trail system. Based on potential user interests and needs, outreach might include online guidance (e.g., loop-hiking opportunities, connections among trail systems, access from neighborhoods, trail difficulty, accessibility/useability/functionality for diverse types of trail users) and/or in-person training (e.g., group hiking opportunities).
