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Chisago County has secured three significant properties needed to complete the Swedish Immigrant Trail's East End. Pending final efforts to secure a Legacy Grant for trail development, the acquisition of these properties adds significantly to the likelihood of trail construction in Taylors Falls starting as soon as 2012. Ms. Karen Grossman, Mr. Joe and Mrs. Ruth Stein and Mr. Bob and Mrs. Gloria Wilberg provided for the purchase of land for the trail right of way. In response to a fundraising request from the Chisago County Parks and Trails Foundation, the Steins, of Triple Glen Farm Supply, LLC, donated $1,000 dollars, and Grossman donated $500, toward the construction of the trail.

"What a phenomenally awesome early Christmas gift for all the current and future residents of Chisago County, and future users of the Swedish Immigrant Trail;" says Joe Johnson, Chisago County Parks and Trail Foundation Board member.

The Chisago County Parks and Trails Foundation is currently raising funds to provide a local match for the anticipated Legacy Grant. Known as the Swedish Immigrant Trail East End Project, the grant will provide construction funding for a trail from the Taylors Falls Community Center, through Wildwood Campground, and out to Tern Avenue.

Foundation members expect to hear about the county's legacy grant application by the end of December. The project is being completed in cooperation with the MNDNR, Interstate State Park officials and the City of Taylors Falls.

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