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The persistent rain was just letting-up last Tuesday, as a host of happy people cut the ribbon and officially opened the “east end” of the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail.  Beneath this be-ribboned bridge, one of three on the trail,  Lawrence Creek was alive with running water,  on its way to the St Croix, a rare occurrence so late in the year we were told.

Speeches and official recognitions had been shifted to the Wildwood Campgrounds recreation building, where about 60 people kept dry before the ribbon-cutting.
 
In brief acknowledgements  Joe Sausen recalled the opening in 2007 of a demonstration portion of the trail, within Eichten’s farm and off the west side of Shafer.  

Sausen, who spearheaded formation of the non-profit Chisago County Parks and Trails Foundation years ago, spoke fondly of one elderly trail supporter confined to a wheelchair, who would periodically be brought out to the demonstration segment. She would count the days between those field trips to the trail, he said.

That Shafer piece provided some visibility for the Swedish Immigrant Trail movement, but it wasn’t until the Legacy Amendment was approved by Minnesota voters in 2008,  that dedicated sales tax became available and development of this regional route seemed attainable.  

Sausen also listed people associated with the county to be thanked, also the Taylors Falls city officials who made things happen. The brush-whackers and contractors, the engineering (WSB) team and bridge installers also deserve kudos for what Sausen has nicknamed  “Three Bridges Trail.”

Chisago County won over a million dollars from that Legacy Amendment  for the east end segment completed over this summer.  Paving of sections left in gravel, can be accomplished next year with state funds as well.

County Parks Director Laird Mork remarked that the sales tax has a 2025 sunset date and he only hopes the county system can be completed by that time.

Judith Erickson,  represented St Croix Falls-Taylors Falls businesses, speaking for The Falls Chamber.  She added that the momentum needs to keep going for this trail, both for quality of life and as an engine for tourism and commerce.

County Commissioner Rick Greene said the County Board has been glad to be part of this effort.  

Commissioner George McMahon added there was one legislator who really fought for this.  Phyllis Kahn was a key player earmarking monies for Chisago County. McMahon  hopes to see the trail continue to serve figuratively as a project where government units find common ground,  and literally, connecting the county.

And, then there are the landowners.  Pieces of trail landmass for easement for the trail have been purchased in some cases, partly-donated in others. Sausen said, “I always like doing thank-yous,” and called out Don and Shirley Nasman; Lynette Cook; the Herbergs; Dan Raedeke and Amy Frischmon; the Steins; Karen Grossman; Charles and Shirley Jackson; Bob and Gloria Wilberg; Bob and Rita Hughes; Mike and Lori Gorecki and Xcel Energy for being supportive of the process and accommodating the trail project.  

Next phases will connect Center City to where the trail ends in Shafer,  and there’s a section in the Interstate Park in Taylors Falls that the DNR needs to complete.

The route is called Swedish Immigrant Trail because it is an approximate east-west path used by settlers, when they took boats up the St Croix River, to the Taylors Falls landing.  This trail someday will connect with the Sunrise Prairie Trail to the west, the Wisconsin Gandy Dancer Trail to the east and the extension of the trail along #95 out of Stillwater

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