The Adopt-a-Trail program is a combined effort between the Luce Line Trail Association and volunteers, along with the cooperation of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Individuals, families, and organizations can be responsible for approximately one mile of trail. Some portions of the trail have two separate tread ways to maintain (limestone and grass trails).
Volunteers can help keep the Luce Line Trail free of unsightly litter, monitor conditions, and perform routine maintenance.
Volunteer Responsibilities
• Pick up litter and debris at least 3 times a year. • Make routine inspections for general damage, down trees, sinkholes, etc … and report these problems to the trail manager. • Pruning of brush and branches (trimmings can be scattered in brush and weeds alongside trail). • Removal of debris, such as tree branches, from the drainage ditches along side of trail. • Mowing and weed trimming along trail … or report the need for mowing to the trail manager.
Volunteers Agree to . . .
• Complete and return the Adopt-a-Trail application and the volunteer application. • Be courteous to trail users. • Have a sense of responsibility for safety for self and others. • Review the safety tips to be aware of the hazards of working on a trail right-of-way and take them seriously. • Pick up litter and perform other trail maintenance on a designated segment of the trail for at least a two-year period. • Work during daylight hours only. • Provide adequate supervision to participants 18 years of age or younger. • Stay within the area between the right-of-way boundaries that are marked by State Trail Boundary signposts. Trespassing on private property is not allowed. Pick up needed supplies from the trail manager during regular business hours. • Arrange litter pick up date in advance with the trail manager if needed. • Place filled trash bags at prearranged locations determined by the trail manager. You are encouraged to recycle appropriate materials for your own benefit. • Return borrowed or unused supplies to the trail manager at such time that you no longer need them.
The Trail Manager will . . .
• Provide trash bags and hand tools as needed. • Arrange to remove filled trash bags from the adopted trail. • Arrange to remove large, heavy, or hazardous materials as needed.
Trail Manager (Plymouth to Winsted)
Dick Schmidt DNR Trails and Waterways 3980 Watertown Road Maple Plain, MN 55259
Phone: (612) 475-0371
Trail Manager (Winsted to Cosmos)
Joe DeJaeghere DNR Trails and Waterways 20596 Highway 7 Hutchinson, MN 55350
Phone: (320) 234-7616
Adopt-a-Trail Coordinator
George Buehl Luce Line Trail Association PO Box 102 Watertown, MN 55388
Phone: (612) 955-2852
1. Volunteer forms must be returned to Adopt-a-Trail program coordinator. When others are helping you maintain your section of trail, make sure their names are included on the group volunteer registration and report form. Forms are available from program coordinator. These forms will be forwarded to the DNR. Please keep estimates of time spent on this program (these estimates will be collected in the future).
2. No motorized vehicles (except snowmobiles) are allowed on trail.
3. Litter Pickup: • If litter is not removed by volunteer, leave at nearest intersection and contact trail manager. • Preferred litter pickup dates: May 15, July 15, and September 15.
4. Mowing: • Mowing with self-propelled motorized equipment requires a DNR permit. • Mowing of main trail shoulder limited to within 5 feet of the limestone edge. • Mowing of grass trail limited to ten-foot wide path. • Mowing outside of these boundaries will destroy natural habitat for nesting birds and other creatures. No mowing of either tread way allowed prior to June 15, in consideration of nesting birds.
5. Weed trimming: around bases of all trail signs posts, rest benches, and bridge approaches.
6. Brush maintenance: limited to 5 feet from either edge of both tread ways. Branches and brush that reach into the “mowing zone” along the trail edge may be cut. Trimmings are to be left outside the “mowing zone” (can be scattered in brush and weeds alongside trail).
7. Tree cutting: limited to down trees only. Standing dead trees will be left for persons who have purchased firewood permits.
8. Ditches and culverts: remove branches and leaves as required maintaining proper flow of drainage.
9. Hazard Checks (contact trail manager): • Grass trail – sinkholes, rocks, blocking trees, bridge failures, and washouts. • Limestone trail – major erosions, sink holes, missing or damaged signs, damaged bridges and rest benches, and blocking trees.
10. Report any unusual or suspicious events on the trail (contact trail manager).
11. Hand Tools: • The DNR has available for use: pruning loppers, bow saws, pole saws, shovels, racks, and garbage bags. • Tools should be signed out and then returned soon after use so other volunteers can use them. • Please make prior arrangement for tool pickup. There are multiple places along trail where tools are stored (contact trail manager). • Note broken or defective (dull) tools so trail manager can replace (or sharpen).
Note: when you contact the trail manager at the number listed in your Adopt-a-Trail brochure, you will typically reach an answering machine. Be sure to leave your name and phone number, so that the trail manager may return call if there are any questions.
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