Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as the Responsible Governmental Unit for environmental review of the Blazing Star State Trail, Myre-Big Island State Park to Hayward Project in Freeborn County, Minnesota, has issued the attached Record of Decision regarding the Need for an Environmental Impact Statement for the project.
The DNR has concluded that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required because the project does not have the potential for significant environmental effects. The justification for this determination is contained in the Record of Decision. The Record of Decision also contains the Department's responses to all substantive written comments received on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet during the 30-day review and comment period.
Issuing this Record of Decision concludes the State environmental review process for this project according to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board rules, Minnesota Rules, parts 4410.1000 to 4410.1700. This project can proceed to permitting and approvals.
For additional information, or copies of the Record of Decision, please call (651) 259-5157.
Attachment: Record of Decision signature date - March 4, 2014
Proposed Project
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources proposes to extend the Blazing Star State Trail 2.4 miles from Myre-Big Island State Park to Hayward in Freeborn County. The trail will consist of a 10-foot wide bituminous surface for pedestrian, bicycle and other non-motorized uses, and requires a new bridge crossing Albert Lea Lake. The 100-foot single span pedestrian bridge will be adjacent and parallel to the existing railroad bridge.
Review Period
Public notice of the availability of this EAW is in the December 23, 2013 EQB Monitor. A 30-day public review and comment period is open from December 23, 2013 through January 22, 2014.
Documents
- Blazing Star State Trail, Myre-Big Island State Park to Hayward Project EAW w. cover letter
- Blazing Star State Trail, Myre-Big Island State Park to Hayward Project Figures
- Attachments A & B
- Attachment A – MDNR NHIS Rare Features Database report letter (July 2013, Project No. 201300293).
- Attachment B – Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office correspondence (June 2013).
Send comments
Written and signed comments on the EAW must be received by Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at 4:30 p.m.
By mail:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Ecological and Water Resources, Box 25
Attn: Ronald Wieland
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4025
Electronically:
Send to [email protected] . "Blazing Star EAW" must be included in the subject line. Include your name and mailing address so that you can be added to the mailing list.
By fax:
Submit signed comment letters by fax to (651) 296-1811.
Questions
Please call (651) 259-5157.