Keep advocating for trails

While taking a closer look at the City of Storm Lake's comprehensive plan during an open house this week at King's Pointe, I heard the same thing over and over while eavesdropping on residents: "We want more trails!"

A joint county and city committee, Buena Vista Trails Advisory Council, has been putting forth effort to resurrect the round-the-lake trail idea, after others before them have failed to secure easements or enough funding.

Fingers crossed that works out, because riding around the lake is a game of Russian roulette - a semi can run you off the road or a loose, vicious dog could cause a collision. If you are lucky, you might make it to Frank Starr in one piece.

Unfortunately, as a Carroll resident heavily involved in trails funding for 20 years told me last year, expect trails to take a very, very, very long time.

Many money tree raids will be necessary, too.

Dickinson County recently completed a half-mile of trail for $200,000 - imagine the cost for a full, county-wide system, or just a loop around the lake.

But before those statistics prove to be too depressing, having the right people to push for the project will make the difference.

"It takes time and patience; it's a process," the Carroll resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said. "But it can be done, if you have a plan and get it going. You need people who are avid, and who will stay with it."

Right now, those people are in place on the committee, but addressing misconceptions and providing an understanding of benefits proves an obstacle as Storm Lake continues to miss out on extra tourism revenue.

Lakeshore Cyclery Owner Larry Godfredson said he frequently receives calls from cyclists inquiring about trails in Storm Lake, and after receiving disappointing news, they vacation or day trip elsewhere.

The Iowa Bicycle Coalition has seen small towns' economies stimulated as cyclists begin to trickle in on newly-completed trails. In Woodward, the High Trestle Trail has brought businesses trailside, and La Porte City's Cedar Valley Nature Trail has reconnected trail riders with local businesses, after the town's bridges were swept away in the 2008 flood.

Every year, Storm Lake's local option sales tax has been steadily creeping upwards, but to get to the big pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, a little bit of elbow grease will be needed first.

* Ashley Miller is a member of the Pilot news staff. Reach the columnist at amiller@stormlakepilottribune.com