Everyone can see the work being done to the 6.2 mile stretch of the Shooting Star recreation trail.

The segment from the west edge of Lake Louise State Park near LeRoy westward to Taopi is the longest link of the trail to be constructed.

Motorists along Minnesota Highway 56 can see Landwehr Construction, Inc., general contractor for the project, etching the biking and hiking trail along the roadside.

However, there is more to the recreation trail's expansion than meets the eye.

Work is also continuing at the trail's head in LeRoy.

Craig Blommer, trails and waterways supervisor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, is excited about the work near the entrance to the trail at LeRoy.

The DNR has acquired a 14-acre parcel on the west side of Highway 14 and north of the LeRoy – Ostrander Elementary School building.

It includes a 5-acre pond that is known locally as "Roe's gravel pit."

"The parcel was bought as a corridor to the Shooting Star recreation trail," Blommer said. "Actually, two years ago the DNR began to restore the land with native grass seedings. Those plans are continuing today."

The work has also involved removing unwanted weed growths and willows in the area. The seedings of native grasses began in the upland area and will continue in the lowlands.

Also to come is a fishing pier over the waters of the former gravel pit.

"There was no funding in this year's budget for the fishing pier, but we are hopeful it will be there next year," Blommer said.

The DNR's plans call for a small parking lot on the west side of Highway 14. This will alleviate traffic safety concerns for those using the recreation trail.

Coupled with a handicapped accessible fishing pier/ramp over the waters of the pond, the entire project should serve both functional and aesthetic purposes.

"Future plans include making a trail access under Highway 14," Blommer said. "This would reduce some of the concerns about the safety of bikers and hikers who would have an underground passage to the trail on the west side of the highway. It is just an idea at this time."

The improvements to the east and west sides of Highway 14 at LeRoy are seen as a means of making the Shooting Star trail more accessible and to expand the opportunities for enjoying the outdoors.

The former gravel pit is well-known for its population of

bass, crappie and sunfish.

If funding cannot be obtained for a fishing pier over the waters, a shoreline ramp could the alternate.

Either way, the public's access to both the pond and the trail head will be enhanced making both more user-friendly to citizens.

The Mower County Highway Department plans to pave Highway 15 from LeRoy to Highway 16 next year, which means the heavily-traveled access to the community, Lake Louse State park and Shooting Star recreation trail will be even more inviting to motorists.

Eileen Hutchins, president of Prairie Visions, shares Blommer's excitement over the improvements.

"We're seeing the largest segment of the Shooting Star trail constructed this year. It should be completed by late summer," Hutchins said. "And with the changes happening at the entrance to the trail, that is another boost to the project. We appreciate what the DNR is doing."

Prairie Visions is a joint venture of the communities of LeRoy, Taopi, Adams and rose Creek.

A sub-committee of Prairie Visions is coordinating the Shooting Star recreation trail project across Mower County from LeRoy to Austin.

(Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at

lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com)