For more information about the Lower Phalen Creek Project, contact Amy Middleton, Project Manager at 715/483-1414, amiddle@centurytel.net

The Mississippi River is an incredible resource for all of the communities it touches on its long journey. Local choices about riverfront land uses have an immeasurable impact on the health of the great river, and communities across the nation are working to embrace and celebrate their urban riverfronts in a way that benefits river ecology as well as local quality of life. 

Here in St. Paul's East Side and Lowertown communities, there is exciting work underway to reclaim a former rail yard on the Mississippi River floodplain and transform it into the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary at Lower Phalen Creek - a vibrant urban park with a trail link and restored habitat for birds, waterfowl and other wildlife. 

This effort began as a grassroots initiative to reestablish a link from Swede Hollow Park, a wooded ravine in the midst of some of St. Paul's oldest neighbor-hoods, to the Mississippi River along the path of the now buried Phalen Creek. The initiative, known as the Lower Phalen Creek Project, has grown to encompass work to restore native vegetation across the watershed, educate and involve youth in stewardship efforts, improve water quality, and make key state and regional trail connections. 

Powered by a commitment to revitalization, activists from the East Side and Lowertown communities have generated widespread support for this multi-faceted initiative. Twenty-five stakeholder groups are now pledged to the project, including community councils, economic development organizations, nonprofit environmental groups, and government agencies at the city, state, and federal levels. 

As work to redevelop the floodplain site moved forward, it became clear that the Lower Phalen Creek Project needed to contract professional services to advise, illustrate, and articulate the project's emerging goals. Project partners secured important planning resources and tapped the skills of Marjorie Pitz of Martin & Pitz Associates, Inc. Marjorie's familiarity with the site (her home sits on the bluffs just above the former confluence of Phalen Creek, Trout Brook, and the Mississippi River) and passion for the project are strengths she brought to the task. She also possesses a potent sense and appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of the project as evidenced in her artful articulation of its history, background, and possibilities. 

The Lower Phalen Creek Project has made strong progress toward achieving the goals presented in this Community Vision. After long negotiations we are poised to purchase the land for the nature sanctuary. An enthusiastic array of private foundations and government agencies have earmarked funds for the acquisition. We have also leveraged significant federal funds for the trail link that will connect St. Paul communities to the river and each other. 

With much work ahead, project partners have great confidence in the strong foundation and solid relationships built over the past several years and in the continuing energy and commitment of our communities. The Lower Phalen Creek Project Steering Committee extends our appreciation to everyone who played a role in moving the project forward thus far. Together, we can reclaim this precious riverfront land and turn it into something truly beautiful and lasting.
 

Tale of an Urban Creek Corridor 

Lower Phalen Creek was once a spring fed stream flowing from Lake Phalen through a deep ravine and into a low delta on the Mississippi River floodplain. Surrounded by forests and wetlands, the creek formed a natural corridor for migrating songbirds and other wildlife traveling between the Mississippi and Phalen Chain of Lakes. Native American tribes offered prayers and held councils in the nearby caves and a small Dakota trading village called Kaposia was located at Lower Phalen Creek's confluence with the Mississippi River. 

As European immigrants settled in the area, much of the natural landscape disappeared. Lower Phalen Creek was buried by the railroads, and the creek's delta was filled and used as a rail yard. The bluff-tops became the Railroad Island and Dayton's Bluff neighborhoods of St. Paul's East Side. The ravine became known as Swede Hollow, and waves of new immigrants lived in a shantytown there until the 1950s. By the 1970s railroad use declined, and the abused floodplain was abandoned. 

Today, Lower Phalen Creek is primarily a storm sewer, its water largely comprised of rain and snowmelt that has become polluted by contaminants on our city streets and sidewalks. Swede Hollow has been made into a park, and neighborhood activists are working to improve its ecological quality. The floodplain is struggling to health as nature reclaims the industrial wasteland, but the valley floor still acts as a barrier keeping East Side neighborhoods from downtown and the Mississippi River. 

Despite many years of degradation, an exciting revitalization effort is underway for the Lower Phalen Creek area offering hope for the community that surrounds it. This effort - called the Lower Phalen Creek Project - is a multifaceted, community-driven initiative to restore the area's remaining environmental assets and use the work as a springboard for broader neighborhood improvement and urban revitalization. 

The Lower Phalen Creek Project emerged from efforts to improve Swede Hollow Park. Early visions grew to include the entire creek corridor and create an area rich with ecological, recreational and social value. East Side neighborhood organizations began work in 1996 to connect their communities to the Mississippi River. In 1997 the neighborhoods and the McKnight Foundation asked the Lowertown Redevelopment Corporation (LRC) for assistance. Since that time, LRC has been working closely with East Side neighborhoods, contributing financial resources, planning expertise and partnership experiences. 

The enormous potential of the creek corridor - and the commitment of East Side and Lowertown neighborhoods - has generated widespread enthusiasm for the Lower Phalen Creek Project. The Railroad Island Implementation Task Force, District 5 Payne-Phalen Planning Council, and the Dayton's Bluff District 4 Community Council have supported the project since its inception and residents of these neighborhoods have participated actively in the project's development. 

More than 20 organizations are now partners in the Lower Phalen Creek Project, including the Lowertown Redevelopment Corporation, Upper Swede Hollow Neighborhoods Association, Friends of Swede Hollow, The Capitol River Council, St. Paul Riverfront Corporation, City of St. Paul, Ramsey County, Department of Natural Resources and Trust for Public Land. 

The Lower Phalen Creek Project is managed by a multi-stakeholder Community Advisory Board, while a Technical Advisory Board provides tailored expertise in ecological restoration and urban design. A Steering Committee provides the leadership and coordination. 

The Lower Phalen Creek Project began with broad research and an action-planning process. The area's ecological assets and challenges were identified and documented in an urban watershed profile report. Through surveys and public meetings, partners developed a set of concrete planning steps and published their objectives in an action plan. 

As a result of this work and neighborhood input, four overarching goals were defined for the project: 
 o Improve the water quality of Lower Phalen Creek and the Mississippi River. 
 o Build long.-term environmental stewardship programs with local youth. 
 o Enhance the ecological and social value of Swede Hollow Park. 
 o Transform the land area between Swede Hollow Park and the Mississippi River into a healthy urban green space. 

A number of significant accomplishments have already brought the community closer to reaching these goals. Swede Hollow Park has been steadily improved since the 1970s when neighborhood volunteers and the St. Paul Garden Club began its clean-up and convinced the city to bring a section of Phalen Creek above ground. Today, the creek cascades into a series of small ponds, adding a great deal of beauty to this urban park and providing habitat for owls, green heron and numerous small mammal species. 

Tree plantings and stewardship efforts by volunteers have steadily improved the ecological value of Swede Hollow Park and Lower Phalen Creek in the past few years, assisted by Great River Greening. 

In the heavily-paved East Side neighborhoods, Lower Phalen Creek Project partners are creating a network of mini wetlands - called "rain gardens" - to capture and filter storm water runoff. Dayton's Bluff Elementary School students have been involved in planting projects and are learning about watershed stewardship as part of their science curriculum. 

Perhaps the most ambitious goal that evolved out of the Lower Phalen Creek community visioning process is the stewardship planning for the floodplain between Swede Hollow Park and the Mississippi River. Close examination of this 25-acre abandoned railroad property has revealed an area with a fascinating history and important ecological attributes. 

The floodplain is central to Lowertown and the East Side neighborhoods and will play a key role in their revitalization efforts. The Community Vision for Lower Phalen Creek calls for the industrial land to grow in ecological health, and stimulate similar growth and vitality in the surrounding urban community as they enjoy the open space. 

Though surrounded by pavement and dense urban structure, this potential green oasis is not isolated. Connected to miles of river valley being reclaimed as a continuous green corridor, this floodplain is an important link. Indeed, the land plays a strategic role in connecting regional trails to each other and to the river, as revealed in this Community Vision. 

The 25-acre floodplain site, long owned by Burlington-Northern Santa Fe (BNSF), was initially for sale to industrial buyers. The land became the focus of Lower Phalen Creek partners who saw an opportunity to purchase it for wildlife habitat and open space. The Community Vision for Lower Phalen Creek was commissioned as a key step in clarifying the community's priorities for reclaiming this unique, critically-located site. 

Martin & Pitz Assoc., Landscape Architects and the Lower Phalen Creek Project Steering Committee facilitated the planning process, and prepared this document. The Community Vision for Lower Phalen Creek illustrates how this floodplain can interpret history, provide wildlife habitat, teach us about nature's reclamation process, carry a key regional trail link, and support the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. 

Just east of downtown St. Paul below the towering bluffs, there is a wedge of floodplain bounded by railroad tracks, Interstate 94 and the Mississippi River. Much of this land is owned by Burlington Northern-Santa Fe (BNSF) and was abandoned 30 years ago when the railroad moved switching and maintenance operations elsewhere. Filled and altered from its natural floodplain habitat, and polluted by years of industrial use, the area has been transformed several times. 

This derelict floodplain on the Mississippi River is not yet a riverfront jewel. But it is an area ripe for recovery and revitalization. Utilizing its key location on the river, this open space can fuel the "Return to City" movement to rejuvenate our central city and urban neighborhoods. 

The Community Vision for Lower Phalen Creek illustrates the dreams of the neighborhoods surrounding the site and their vision for improving the ecological health and social benefits of this land. The Community Vision calls for transformation of the land into the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. This plan calls for protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat for songbirds migrating along the Mississippi River Flyway as it connects together important open space along the river. 

The vision includes a bicycle/pedestrian trail that traverses the site and links neighborhoods to the river. A nature interpretive area is created that teaches about the reclamation of industrial sites and nature's process of healing. Interpretive exhibits highlight the unique features of the site, including bluffs, caves, and natural springs. Historic sites and events are remembered through site design and exhibits. 

The first section of the Community Vision explores the site context of existing trail systems, open spaces and parks. Strategically located on the river and near downtown, this land touches several neighborhoods, parks and regional trails. With just a few miles of new path, trail corridors will interconnect at the river and extend up to 85 miles farther. The proposed trail also connects East Side residents to jobs, commerce and cultural activities in Lowerlown and downtown St. Paul. Community and environmental revitalization efforts nearby are reviewed in this chapter on current site context. 

Human history on the site is presented in the second section, along with history of the natural features in the area and results of recent ecological investigations. Findings of this research paint a picture of an area where natural reclamation is taking place after years of abuse, pollution, and neglect. Natural healing and re- growth have created a refuge that supports a range of migrating songbirds as they journey along the Mississippi flyway. 

At the center of the Community Vision is a conceptual proposal for the BNSF portion of the floodplain and small adjacent parcels. In this section plans are presented for the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary showing spring-fed ponds, protected tree cover, and interpretive sites that focus on nature, history, and reclamation. The proposal details the creation of the trail link that will connect regional trails to the river. 

Sections Four and Five reach beyond the boundaries of the floodplain site area, recommending revisions to Fourth Street and Lower Landing Park so they better connect to the proposed trail system and nature sanctuary. Finally, the Community Vision recommends that two additional trail corridors in the floodplain valley (Trout Brook and Canadian Pacific Rail) be acquired to fully connect regional trail and open space systems. 

Creating the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and trail system from an abandoned industrial site makes a powerful statement to our children about respecting and improving the health of our Earth. This Community Vision shows how we can make it happen. 
 

This Community Vision focuses on a 25-acre area owned by Burlington Northern-Santa Fe (BNSF) just east of downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. Part of the Mississippi River floodplain, this land is bounded by railroad tracks, Interstate 94, and the bluffs of Mounds Park. 

To better understand this land's potential as a key link in St. Paul's open space system, the context of surrounding parks and trail systems are reviewed in this chapter. Findings reveal a gap in St. Paul's tremendous riverfront open space that is occupied by this land. 

Community revitalization efforts nearby are also reviewed in this chapter, as they provide the context for understanding why the Lower Phalen Creek Nature Sanctuary is being proposed. This neighborhood-driven Community Vision fulfills ongoing ecological initiatives of the Lower Phalen Creek Project, and supports redevelopment efforts in Lowertown and the East Side. 

Position Within the Regional Trail and Open Space System 

Federal and state efforts are creating a continuous open space corridor along the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers. The impetus for this 40 mile-long regional green corridor is threefold: to protect the floodplain zone, to permit wildlife movement, and to allow humans to enjoy natural environments. 

St. Paul is fortunate to have more than 15 miles of continuous park land along the Mississippi River that connects to this regional system. St. Paul offers large regional parks that occupy the valley floor including Hidden Falls-Crosby Farm Regional Park (674 Acres), and Lilydale/Harriet Island Regional Park (636 Acres). The bluffs are mostly owned by the city as well, and linear parks wind along the crest offering views into the river valley. 

The connectivity of this park system breaks apart as you approach downtown St. Paul. Transportation systems and heavy industry claimed the city shorelines for over a century. East of downtown, the largest gap occurs at the floodplain site where the railroads took over the valley floor for a hundred years. This is where the 25-acre BNSF former rail yard lies. 

Three parks surround this industrial gap: Lower Landing Park, Indian Mounds Regional Park, and Swede Hollow Park. These parks offer a striking range of character - from working river edge, to majestic bluff top, to secluded ravine. The parks touch three neighborhoods (Lowertown, Dayton's Bluff, and Railroad Island) that are currently isolated from each other by the valley floor, freeways, and bluffs. It would be a great accomplishment to connect these parks and neighborhoods together. It would benefit the entire region to continue the swath of green along the rivers from Belle Plaine through St. Paul to Newport. 

Lower Landing Park (22 Acres) clings to the working river's edge, and is dominated by boats, barges and water. Created by moving Warner Road away from the shoreline, the park is an isolated banana-shaped sliver of former industrial land. The park presently has one mile of scenic trail along the river accessed only from the west end where Sibley Street tunnels under the railroad platform. Future construction will extend the west end past the Science Museum to Hidden Falls-Crosby Farm Regional Park. On the east, the trail ends where available land tapers to a narrow sidewalk. In relation to Lower Landing Park, the BNSF property lies on the north side of Warner Road and the railroad tracks. 

Indian Mounds Regional Park (296 Acres) commands the top of Dayton's Bluff, rising to 200' above the river to provide outstanding city views along a mile-long prospect. The park contains six Indian burial mounds. The wooded slopes provide a wildlife corridor along the river that connects to Battle Creek Park and Pig's Eye Lake. Interstate 94 cuts off Mounds Park from most of the Dayton's Bluff neighborhood, and terminates the park's west end. In relation to Indian Mounds Regional Park, the BNSF property lies at the west end, at the bottom of the bluffs. 

Swede Hollow Park (40 Acres) hides wonderfully in a ravine where Phalen Creek once flowed from Lake Phalen to the Mississippi River. The tree-covered slopes enclose visitors, and create a wild retreat in the heart of the city. The former creek has been recalled in a tumbling cascade that flows into small pools. The park's habitat is being restored by planting native vegetation. Once home to immigrants living on the slopes and creek edges, the park has a rich history. In relation to Swede Hollow Park, the BNSF property lies to the south, separated by Seventh Street and I-94. 

Several important regional trails currently dead-end as they approach downtown St. Paul. While most of these bicycle/pedestrian trails were conceived as recreation corridors, they could double as scenic transportation routes for the growing number of downtown employees who commute by bicycle - if only they connected into the heart of the city. 

St. Paul would gain a good deal if trail connections could be made, as parking pressure in downtown would be reduced, personal and environmental health would improve, and city neighborhoods would become more desirable as people sought out homes from which they could bicycle along a scenic trail to their place of employment. 

The following regional trails all dead-end near the center of St. Paul:

The Gateway Trail Segment is part of the ambitious Willard Munger State Trail planned to connect the Capitol City to Duluth (currently 87 miles long). The Gateway Trail Segment is presently 18 miles long from Stillwater to St. Paul, where it dead-ends northeast of the capitol area at Cayuga Street by 35E. The current terminus of this trail, a long bridge crossing over railroad tracks, will be re-built when a new interchange at Cayuga Street is constructed as part of the Phalen Corridor Initiative. This affords an opportunity to anticipate new extensions of the trail, as proposed later in this Community Vision. 

It would be a powerful accomplishment for the Gateway Segment of the Munger State Trail to reach not only the State Capitol, but the river, and so join two important waterways, Lake Superior and the Mississippi River. 

The Bruce Vento Regional Trail connects Keller Lake/Phalen Park trails to the Gateway Trail, and flows south along the Phalen Creek valley through Swede Hollow Park to its terminus at Seventh Street and Payne Ave, providing 14 miles of traffic-free bicycle and pedestrian trails. It is important to note that construction of the Phalen Boulevard will create changes in the trail between the former Hamms Brewery and Johnson Parkway. 

The Indian Mounds Park Regional Trail to the east of downtown has a terminus on the bluff top by I-94 and Mounds Boulevard. The trail flows east from there along the top of the bluff to Highway 61, where it crosses Warner road on a bridge and descends to a floodplain. The trail follows along Highway 61 and connects to Battle Creek Regional Park trails, providing a total of 15 miles of continuous off-road trail through tree-covered parkland. 

The East Bank Mississippi River Regional Trail Corridor provides 6 miles of trail along the Mississippi River bluff top from Hidden Falls to Battle Creek. Additional mileage extends beside the Mississippi River Blvd. north towards Minneapolis. This river trail also connects to the Hidden Falls/Crosby Farm Regional Park below the bluff to add considerable more mileage through the river's floodplain. At the Ford Parkway Bridge, trail users can cross the Mississippi River to Minneapolis' Minnehaha Park, connecting then to 50 more miles of trails in the Minneapolis Park System. Part of the trail from downtown to Battle Creek Park is not yet completed. 

The Lilydale/Harriet Island Regional Park Trail across the Mississippi River from downtown terminates near the railroad lift bridge, then continues west through Harriet Island and along the Mississippi River for 7 miles to Lilydale. There, Big River Trail continues along the Mississippi River and the Minnesota River for 19 miles. 

As previously state, a gap results as these regional trails end near downtown St. Paul. The gap is small, yet so densely developed it is difficult to find a vehicle-free corridor to safely thread bicyclists into the urban fabric. Imagine the accomplishment then, of interconnecting these trails. If each trail could reach downtown and connect to the rivers edge, it would be a powerful gain for St. Paul. 

The Community Vision will illustrate a possible solution that interconnects all trails, greatly increases the mileage a cyclist can travel, provides new loop routes, and offers a scenic arrival into downtown with the addition of only a few miles of new trail. 

Adjacent Ecological and Community Revitalization Efforts 

Partners of the Lower Phalen Creek Project are working on various projects that contribute to a better environment, increased economic health, and improved livability of the neighborhoods. Each project builds upon the value of other projects, and the cumulative impact is making important changes for the community. The initiatives that follow help explain the context of neighborhood efforts that complement the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. 

Lower Phalen Creek partners began planning a trail route to connect Swede Hollow Park, Dayton's Bluff, Railroad Island and Lowertown prior to the undertaking of this Community Vision. Using land already in public ownership, the partners advocated for a route primarily using Fourth Street to connect the neighborhoods. 

Successfully obtaining a commitment for $700,000 in federal transportation TEA21 funds, matching local funds must now be found for work to begin. An additional TEA21 grant of $400,000 for Livable Communities is also promised due to the trail's potential to revitalize the neighborhoods it connects. This early project is intimately woven into the Community Vision, and is presented in Chapter IV, Plans for Fourth Street and Prince Street. 

The Maria-Bates Rain Garden demonstration site was created by the Upper Swede Hollow Neighborhoods Association (working with the City of St. Paul Department of Public Works) to intercept drainage before it runs into street sewers. This garden, next to the Swede Hollow Cafe, demonstrates the environmental advantages of letting water soak into the ground to minimize run-off. The garden also shows how good design can create an enriched urban habitat that is both lovely and beneficial.

Additional watershed improvements are being realized from the distribution of pamphlets that explain healthy lawn care practices. Storm sewers have been painted with "Don't Pollute" graphics, and students at Dayton's Bluff school and Metro State University are creating water quality learning opportunities. 

Swede Hallow Park is becoming continually cleaner and healthier through the efforts of Friends of Swede Hollow. Their efforts helped create the park, clean the park, daylight a portion of the creek, and restore the rare heliocoidal arch of an historic railroad bridge within the park. This group has led on-going replanting efforts to restore the park's native vegetation. 

Great River Greening has organized three native planting events attended by hundreds of community volunteers. Two plantings were conducted in Swede Hollow Park. An additional planting occurred adjacent to the Lower Phalen Creek Project area near Commercial Street. 

The East Side Neighborhood Development Company is working to create new jobs, revitalize historic homes, and create a tree-covered edge along Payne Avenue and Swede Hollow Park. These projects are adding economic vitality and ecological value to the Payne/Phalen neighborhood's primary commercial artery, which parallels and is adjacent to Swede Hollow. 

Both the East Side and Lowertown are promoting redevelopment projects that combine high-density housing close to jobs, recreation, green amenities and trail-commuting options. These projects - including Lowertown's Urban Cyber Village and River Garden Plan, Hamm's Brewery planning efforts, more than 100 new homes in Railroad Island, and the Phalen Corridor Initiative - mutually support each other, and all benefit from the access to nearby trails and open space described in this Community Vision. 

The Pigs Eye Greenway collaborative is working to improve and link the natural areas from Swede Hollow to Battle Creek Regional Park and Pigs Eye Lake. Led by Great River Greening, the Upper Swede Hollow Neighborhoods Association and District 1 Community Council, the project seeks to enhance habitat along this urban stretch of the Mississippi flyway. The BNSF property is a key part of the Pigs Eye Greenway system. 

A new marina is envisioned as a part of the River Garden Plan for the Lowertown neighborhood along the Mississippi as an addition to Lower Landing Park. The activity of pleasure boats would complement the park and welcome boaters to the downtown side of the river. Creation of urban housing is being considered in conjunction with the marina proposal to expand the Lowertown Urban Village and improve access to the river for the whole community. 

More than $400 million in investment has been generated for the Lowertown Urban Village. It is now home to 3,000 residents and 8,000 employees. It is an art community where 500 artists live and work, and a cyber village of high tech professionals providing internet services, website design, and other services. Current housing proposals that will expand the residential base of Lowertown include sites next to KTCA, Kellogg Boulevard, and the North Quadrant. 

Trout Brook-Lower Phalen Greenway Planning was started in early winter of 2001. Several city agencies are working together with community representatives to plan a Greenway from St. Paul's northern boundary to the Mississippi River. The Greenway will follow the corridor of Trout Brook, and pass through the Lower Phalen Creek Project area to reach the river, tying into trail corridors proposed in this Community Vision. 
 

Understanding a site is important in order to best fit a design upon the land. This involves looking at the human history and the natural features of the site, as well as current environmental health. 

From Native American culture to railroad industries, the human history of Lower Phalen Creek is rich and interesting. The fascinating transformation made to the site is described in this section, and serves well as an example of humanity's historic and changing relationship to our earth. 

Impacted by humans, the site's natural features have dramatically changed over time. Even so, nature has begun to take back the land and restore its own health. Part of the background information provided in this plan includes assessment of the status of recovering wildlife, vegetation, and soil pollution. 

Diverse natural features including bluffs, caves, springs, forest and prairie are found in Lower Phalen Creek. In close proximity to the river and downtown, these features capture the essence of St. Paul's unique landscape character, and guide planning decisions for the land's future. 

Human History 

The floodplain site lies at the foot of the Mississippi River bluffs, in low land that once held the mouths of Phalen Creek and Trout Brook. Next to this natural river landing, tall bluffs rise sharply up from the rivers edge, affording a commanding view of the entire river valley. This prospect over the river - a vitally important transportation corridor - was strategic and sacred to early Native American cultures.

Six Indian mounds remain of the 32 or more bluff-top mounds that were built by the Hopewell culture thousands of years ago. The mounds were revered by centuries of later Native American cultures that journeyed from the Dakotas and the Great Lakes to bury important chiefs at this sacred overlook. Arriving by canoe on the Mississippi River, they first offered prayers and held councils within a large cave they called "Wakan-tebee," or Dwelling of the Great Spirit, at the base of the sacred bluff. 

Between 1730 and 1830 a small Dakota Indian trading village called Kaposia was located near the confluence of Phalen Creek and the Mississippi River. During that period, a British explorer, Jonathan Carver, found the cave Wakan- tebee in 1767 while searching for the elusive Northwest Passage. He wrote about it, noting "strange hiero-glyphicks" (sic) cut in the stone, and described the cave as having an entrance three feet high by ten feet across, and a lake sixty feet from the entrance that disappeared into the darkness. White people thereafter called it "Carver's Cave." 

The village of Kaposia relocated to South St. Paul in 1830, and the land treaty of 1837 with the Dakota and Ojibway opened the doors for settlement. Early farmers harvested marsh hay from the low floodplain to feed livestock. 

Steamboats began arriving, and used the lower land to unload and transport goods into the city on the downtown bluff. Commerce began in earnest, and the city began to grow rapidly. During this period of growth, Carver's Cave became a tourist destination. 

Railroad construction began here in 1862. The floodplain area at the mouth of the two creeks was a flat and spacious area, and the railroads wanted that space near the city center to create a switching yard and to perform maintenance operations. The railroad companies also used the floodplain as an ideal place to climb gradually up from the valley floor to higher city land. 

The railroads prompted massive earthworks. Many hills and bluffs were demolished to fill in low areas and downtown ravines. For example, Mears Park in Lowertown was originally 50' higher than at present. The floodplain of Trout Brook and Phalen Creek was raised 10'to 15'with enormous amounts of fill, and Phalen Creek was buried. Trout Brook was confined to a canal that fed into the Phalen Creek sewer pipe at Fourth Street. By 1880, St. Paul had become the railroad hub of the northwestern United States. 

Irish immigrants settled in a small shantytown called Connemara Patch near Commercial Street on the edge of the rail yards in the 1880s. The residents were destitute refugees from a scheme of Bishop John Ireland's that brought 300 immigrants from Ireland to farm the western Minnesota prairie. After the farm experiment failed due to poor planning, Bishop Ireland paid their transportation to St. Paul, where many secured jobs on the railroad near Connemara Patch. 

The railroads removed 75'  off the face of Dayton's Bluff in 1885 to expand their rail area. Carver's Cave was lost in the process. The dry chamber of the cave was destroyed, and failing debris from explosions buried the remainder of the cavern. Interest in the lost cave revived in 1913, as promoters felt it could perhaps again become a tourist destination. Electric illumination of a huge Carver's Cave sign on the bluff was proposed to capture the interest of passing train passengers. The cave entrance was dug out and during exploration, three water-filled caverns were discovered, of 40' x 100', 75' x 150', and 25' x 75', with underwater entrances to the two farthest caverns. Nothing came of the effort to renovate the cave, and it became buried again by landslides. 

A newspaper reported in 1889, that "Every inch of ground (in the valley) is utilized. At many points the bluffs have been so cut down that retaining walls of massive masonry were needed to keep the surrounding country from sliding into the abyss." 

In 1917 the river's edge was pushed out 300' to gain more space for the railroad. The flat rail yard became a locus of industrial activity, with machine shops, repair shops, oil and gas storage areas, and related rail services. Standard Oil built a large brick building in 1914 that still stands near the corner of Commercial and 4th Streets. Bulk storage tanks for petroleum, kerosene and fuel oil were part of Standard Oil's business at this location. Nearby, two different companies manufactured coal gas. In 1936 the river's edge was pushed out another 200' to add land next to the rail lines for a road. 

Interstate I-94 was built during the early 1960s, following the construction of NSP's substation in the 50s. Freeway construction destroyed homes on the lower slopes of the bluff between Sixth Street and Commercial Street, and changed the area's street patterns. Fill from massive excavations reshaped the bluffs and created the Mounds Park overlook. Freeway travel reduced the use of rail lines, and by the early 1970s, the rail yard was largely abandoned. Buildings and track were removed by the 1980s, except for the foundation of a wheel shop. 

In 1991, the Minnesota Department of Transportation re-built the freeway in this area. At this time, a large earthen embankment at the Sixth Street on-ramp replaced an earlier bridge that spanned across the Phalen Creek corridor and a former rail line. Trail users who stand inside the heliocoidal railroad bridge beneath 7th Street - a structure that is on the National Registry of Historic Places and one of only a handful nation wide - now look into the freeway embankment instead of seeing through a bridge towards the river. 

Remnants of railroad history exist in two areas. Along Fourth Street, 400' of Trout Brook canal still exists, with three railroad bridges crossing overhead. The bridges include trestle construction and stone construction, using enormous blocks of stone. 

The other remnant of railroad history is a long field of ten parallel concrete strips. Train cars used to pull between these strips on tracks for service and maintenance, but the tracks and adjacent buildings were removed by the 1980s. The remaining concrete strips are 6' wide, 13' apart, and stretch 800' in length. 

Carver's Cave (Wakan-tebee) is now closed by iron plates and lies almost invisible at the base of the bluff below Mounds Boulevard and Short Street. A spring emerges from the 3' high cave opening, and the visible portion of the cavern appears to be buried and almost entirely filled in. The cave is important historically, but is disappointing to viewers because its cave qualities are gone. 

"Montana Bill's Cave" is much more exciting to the eye. Upstream from Carvers Cave, it also has springs emerging from its mouth, but it is tall enough to enter, and has a small sandy floor that remains above water. The cave bears the mark of Montana Bill (most likely a hobo riding the rail) dated 1917, evidence that it has served as a temporary shelter for decades. Part of this cave has been mechanically tunneled, which suggests it might once have been used for commercial purposes. The cave still serves as a refuge for homeless people. 

Homeless people often visit the floodplain site. Connected by the Trout Brook rail corridor, this land is easily accessible from the Union Gospel Mission at University Avenue and Tedesco Street. Most homeless people use the area during the day, and some make temporary camps that occasionally last for years. 

Dumping of household furniture and illegal wastes has proliferated since BNSF has relaxed their patrol of the land in recent years. The 25-acre site is scattered with abandoned tires, appliances, mattresses, furniture and illegal wastes. 

The pattern of human history on this land makes a fascinating story to be told to future generations. Early cultures revered the site's dramatic features and treated it with respect for thousands of years. European settlers were more interested in the land's commercial value and, in the course of 150 years, they built formidable infrastructure on the land. At rest for the last thirty years, nature has begun a come-back. 

Nature's Process of Healing 

After industry left the rail yard, nature began to reclaim the area. Soils have gotten a rest from continued compaction, and winds and rains have brought in new seeds. 

The first plants that survived the site were "pioneer species," commonly called weeds. The aggressive, tough nature of these "pioneers" is important to the step-by-step healing process nature follows. 

Pioneer species can take full sun, harsh winds, hard soils and little nourishment - yet they loosen compacted soil as their roots drive through, and enrich the soil with organic material from their fallen leaves. The abandoned rail yard is currently in this pioneer stage, with full vegetative cover over all land except roads and dump sites. Pioneer trees on site show approximately fifteen years of growth. 

As pioneer plants begin providing shade, wind protection, and improved soil moisture conditions, the land becomes more hospitable. New plants claim the territory where they can survive best and the habitat continues to evolve. 

This process of natural succession evolves slowly over decades and contributes to an ever- increasing diversity of species. Plant and animal habitat becomes healthier and more stable as this process continues, although some exotic species can become dominant and wipe out diversity. 

Wildlife is assisting in the habitat evolution. Small mammals have discovered that air space exists beneath the parallel concrete slabs remaining from railroad operations. These slabs - each about 800 feet long - provide long corridors safe from predators. Animals have dug tunnel entrances alongside the concrete, and are loosening compacted soils, and nourishing adjacent trees with their wastes. 

Plant succession is particularly interesting at these same concrete slabs. Here trees have grown up clinging to the immediate edges of the slabs, creating long rows of trees in perfect alignment. 

The development of vegetative cover on this site helps shield soils from wind action, thereby reducing the likelihood that contaminated soils become airborne. Plant roots also draw water in, and can potentially reduce the migration of some toxins that move via water flow towards the aquifer. 

This industrial land has made significant progress towards vegetation diversity and improved animal habitat. We can learn many lessons from nature's slow and incremental process of reclamation, and should take care to retain the progress made to date. 

Assessment of Environmental Health 

To benefit the community visioning process, several investigations reviewing the ecological health of the land were conducted between 1998 and 1999. Barr Engineering completed a Phase One Site Assessment, Plant Material Assessment, and Wildlife Assessment. The Pollution Control Agency (PCA) and their contractor, Terracon, assisted with preliminary Phase Two soil investigations that sampled 15 different sites for contamination and ground water elevation. The PCA also investigated the property for asbestos. 

The Phase One Site Assessment identifies previous land uses on the site, and includes names and addresses of current owners. Maps indicate historical and current uses. Searches were conducted of recorded pollution offenses and cleanup efforts. The Phase One indicates a high likelihood of soil pollution due to heavy industrial use of the land, especially from petroleum products, solvents, acids and metals. The report also indicates a likelihood of finding asbestos material from building demolition. Septic systems on the property were not anticipated, but wells were found. 

For initial Phase Two investigations, the PCA and their contractor, Terracon, conducted 15 soil explorations on the section of the site owned by BNSF to provide preliminary data for review of soil pollution levels. The results show soil contamination differing at various locations. Contamination from poly aromatic hydrocarbons (carcinogenic PAHs: such as from creosote, coal clinker, gas manufacturing), Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Metals (RCRA metals: arsenic, chromium, lead, mercury), and cyanide were found on the site in concentrations harmful to wildlife and people. The contaminants were found at various levels beneath the soil surface, as soils were sampled at depths ranging from 3' to 13' below ground surface. 

The PCA conducted a search for asbestos on the BNSF property, and found sources scattered, with a concentration occurring around the remaining building foundation slab (wheel shop). This material must be picked up by a licensed asbestos removal contractor, and be either legally disposed of off-site, or be buried below ground on-site in a way that is permanently recorded and protected from future excavation. 

The Plant Material Assessment report identifies existing species that are growing within the Lower Phalen Creek property. Native species include cottonwood, box elder, slippery elm, black willow, smooth sumac, jewelweed, woodbine, beggartick, smartweed, stiff goldenrod, hoary vervain, aster, common milkweed and dogbane. Non-native weedy species include black locust, Siberian elm, tartarian honeysuckle, common buckthorn, knapweed, crownvetch, birdsfoot trefoil, smooth brome, reed canary grass, curly dock, black nightshade and sweet clover. 

The report states that original soils and vegetation have been removed, and the current plants are fast growing pioneer species that are preparing the sterile soils for colonization of more desirable species, following a natural recovery process called "old field succession." These pioneers plants are contributing organic matter to the soil and loosening the soil through root growth, to continually improve plant habitat. 

The Wildlife Assessment report identifies the animals and birds currently using the land. The report concludes that the site provides adequate food and space for small mammals such as squirrels, rabbits, woodchucks and mice. Deer currently live on the site, which is also capable of supporting other mid-sized mammals such as fox, raccoon and skunk. However, the site does not provide larger animals with sufficient breeding territory. Animals currently move on and off the site, though the active rail line, the freeway and Mounds Boulevard make migration difficult. 

The Wildlife Assessment states that the greatest ecological benefit would be to provide habitat for bird species, especially migratory birds. The site is large enough to provide nesting habitat for summer-resident and year-round birds, and can become a stopover site for tropical bird migration. Deciduous forests on the flyway can harbor a high density of birds, of which nearly 70% are migrant species. By restoring native woody vegetation, the variety and density of bird species may increase. A list of 66 bird species likely to inhabit this property is included in the Wildlife Assessment. Finally, the wildlife assessment recommends removing exotic vegetation, and restoring a riparian habitat. 

Description of Natural Features 

The floodplain site is blessed with a variety of distinctive and exciting natural features, including bluffs, caves, strange outcrops, springs, and unusual trees. Each of the features are reviewed below to understand their significant contribution to the Community Vision. 

Towering stone bluffs rise above the floodplain with a steep face of over 100'. Partially forested, much of the bluff is sheer stone. The stone bluffs are the most remarkable in the city, and are important to St. Paul's image and character. 

A natural castle with sculpted sandstone pinnacles projects from the bluff face. The sand castle is midway on the bluff face, located below the overlook of Indian Mounds Regional Park at Cherry Street. A popular haunt of teenagers, the sand castle offers stunning views of the city. The sandstone's sculpted features create a bowl-shaped area that is secluded and wonderful. 

A limestone cap on the top of the bluff was fractured by the weight of the last glacier. Beneath the limestone is soft sandstone that erodes very easily. Water runs through fissures in the limestone until it hits the sandstone. Then the water either seeps out at the seam between the two types of stone, or it finds weak areas in the sandstone to travel downwards to the toe of the bluff. 

Caves were created by the force of this descending water. Two important caves remain at 
the base of the bluff, and the water that created them still flows from their mouth. Caves are tremendously appealing. Their darkness, coolness, and quiet stir a primitive response. Caves create a powerful memory of place, a memory that is special and unique to St. Paul. Despite the city's history of walling up caves, they are important natural features that should be treated with special attention and care. 

Spring water emerges from the caves at three locations on the floodplain site. The water flows year-round without freezing. The black pools steam in the winter landscape, and serve the local wildlife well. Because the water doesn't freeze, watercress grows over its surface even in the winter, providing a shockingly green carpet next to white snow. The springs presently flow in a hidden ditch that is pinched alongside the toe of the bluffs. The water flows unceremoniously into a storm pipe that dumps the water into the river. 

Enormous cottonwood trees all in a row are the most significant trees on site, located within the former rail yard. With trunks over 5' in diameter, the trees are striking sentinels in the abandoned floodplain. 

Bleached tree skeletons partly up a forested slope stand in a line behind the building slab of the former wheel shop. These trees create curiosity as to the cause of their death, and offer interpretive possibilities.

Parallel rows of young trees cling to the edges of abandoned concrete runways, creating a dramatic and puzzling scene. These trees have created several linear archways hundreds of feet long that impart a mysterious and spiritual feeling when discovered. 

The community visioning process benefitted from studying the site's history and background, and makes use of this knowledge as shown in the Concept Plan that follows. 
 

Based upon knowledge of the surrounding open space and community revitalization efforts, this section of the report looks specifically at the future of the 25-acre BNSF property. 

Shaped by the site's cultural history, its ecological condition, and the land's distinctive features, a concept plan is proposed that allows the land to continue healing while serving multiple needs as a St. Paul park protected from development in perpetuity through a conservation easement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 

This Concept Plan proposes the creation of the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, a place to observe and learn from nature just a short walk from downtown. Bruce Vento loved the East Side, and focused his efforts on conserving open space for better environmental health. The preservation of this open space honors Bruce Vento's efforts and leaves a permanent legacy to inspire others. Preserving this open space assists migrating songbirds in their journey along the Mississippi Flyway, and connects three adjacent parks to strengthen the green corridor along the river. 

Interpretive exhibits uniquely focused on nature's healing process are also recommended as part of the nature sanctuary. Fulfilling a deep need for educating St. Paul residents about nature, the site lends itself to cutting-edge exhibits on the reclamation of disturbed urban sites, polluted soils, and bio-remediation. 

The land's history would be interpreted and kept alive to enrich visitors with a sense of place and belonging. Connections between past and present conditions would be clarified to guide visitors to improved land ethics. 

An important new trail corridor strategically connects this sanctuary to surrounding neighborhoods and regional trails, and brings pedestrians and bicyclists to the river's edge. 

The plan resulted from years of inquiry and input from the Lower Phalen Creek Project's Community Advisory Board and Technical Advisory Board (listed in the Credits and Acknowledgments page at the front of the Community Vision). The number of project partners continues to increase as support for this plan grows, and more agencies embrace the proposal. Momentum is building. 

Many struggles were faced in early years, however, that nearly ended the neighborhood's dream. Crises over the sale of BNSF's land to industry and other parties repeatedly challenged the vision of creating a connected wildlife habitat. Future neighborhood leaders should take heart that obstacles can be overcome with vision, partnership skills, and persistent effort. 

The Concept Plan for BNSF's property is presented and described in this section. Components of the Nature Sanctuary are reviewed sequentially, as follows: Nature Interpretation, Historical Interpretation, Soil Remediation, Riparian Wetland Demonstration Site, Trail Design, and Relation to Commercial Street. 

Nature Interpretation 

Lower Phalen Creek is ideal as a nature preserve because of its strategic location, natural features, and environmental history. 

Situated on the Mississippi River within walking distance from downtown, the site is visited by thousands of birds that migrate along the Mississippi Flyway. Office workers in downtown could walk through the park during lunch break and be soothed by the natural world. School children could witness the unique geology of St. Paul. Science Museum classes could take field walks to the sanctuary. The location of a nature sanctuary on the edge of a downtown is a remarkable attraction unparalleled in other cities.

The need for interpretation is great. School children are currently bussed to suburbs and beyond to experience outdoor environmental programs. With its remarkable natural features close by, the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary at Lower Phalen Creek can fill the need for understanding nature's important functions right in the center of St. Paul. 

The Lower Phalen Creek site is rich with natural features for interpretation. These include bird migration, bluff geology, cave formation, natural springs, drainage to the river, soil contamination and nature's process of recovery after industrialization. The site offers visually dramatic and diverse teaching opportunities in a compact and accessible site. 

An interpretive trail should loop through the site to visit the natural features and explore different habitat types. The trail should be accessible and of minimal width using natural surfacing. At key places for interpretation, the trail could widen out to provide enough space for a class to gather. On the Concept Plan, these interpretive stopping points are shown with a circle. Some of the gathering areas are for nature education, and some are for historic interest. 

The nature interpretation discussion areas shown on the plan are:

• Skeleton trees and city view - discuss bird habitat and migration, role of decaying trees, and cause of the trees' death. 
• Montana Bill Cave and spring - discuss cave formation, water seepage, and visible forces of erosion.
• Spring-fed pond and island - discuss stream flow, wetland habitats, and the Mississippi River watershed. 
• Carver's Cave and spring - discuss the Sandcastle, views to bluff geology to explain sedimentary rock formation, and changes made by glaciers. 
• Prairie area - discuss plant identification, the food chain, and the value of prairie root systems. 

Lower Phalen Creek offers a new twist in nature interpretation - the study of environmental degradation and reclamation. Few places have undergone such dramatic alterations and then emerged as a nature preserve. 

The dramatic physical transformations this land has seen include:

o Channeling the Mississippi River. 
o Burial of Phalen Creek. 
o Putting Trout Brook into a canal. 
o Cutting back the bluff line. 
o Raising the former floodplain with 10' - l5' of fill. 
o Contamination of soils by industrialization. 
o Abandonment of the rail yard. 

Despite the physical alterations, nature has adapted and begun to reclaim the land. The site clearly demonstrates before our eyes the science of evolution, and how survival depends on adaptation. Important lessons on how nature heals itself can be learned from this land. 

As the land transforms from industry to open space and nature sanctuary, a variety of landscape habitats will be encouraged. Areas with mature trees, shrub edges, prairie and riparian wetland all should become habitat areas on site. This diversity will benefit wildlife as well as the interpretive potential of the nature preserve. 

Bird habitat can be improved by planting additional and diverse vegetation that offers good food and shelter. Some non-native plants that provide exceptional bird value should be considered, as long as they are not invasive. The wooded slopes attract most of the birds, and would form the heart of the nature sanctuary. The soils here are probably healthier than those on the flat land, and should sustain a greater diversity of vegetation. 

A transitional edge of shrubs is needed to link transition areas of tall trees to the open grassland. By offering a full height range of vegetation, the greatest number of bird species is accommodated. These plantings affect park safety, however, as they screen views of people and offer places to hide. For this reason, the major trail traversing the park is located through the more open prairie area. (Night use of this park would be discouraged.) 

The open prairie increases park safety, and people can see over the fields to appreciate the stunning views. The prairie area provides valuable habitat for insects, which in turn provide food for bird and animal wildlife. As the prairie grasses improve soil structure, the prairie will increase in diversity and provide a colorful array of flowers and butterflies. 

An attractive, open-air shelter for rain protection should be considered when interpretive trails are built. Perhaps the design could recall Dakota Indian architecture, in response to the former village of Kaposia. The shelter could include displays and an orientation map. The use of composting toilets would provide an educational opportunity. 

The Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary can succeed as a place for interpreting nature because of its central location, delightful features, and its survival from land abuse. Here we can give the earth time to heal, respect its natural processes, and learn to live in harmony with nature. 

Historical Interpretation 

There is great value in remembering our history and retaining a sense of the past when sites are redeveloped. This site's history has been repeatedly and dramatically erased, but now it is time to remember and interpret the events that have changed this land. 

The astonishing changes to the Mississippi River floodplain should be interpreted. It is difficult for us to imagine that the river here used to spread out a thousand feet wide, and was shallow enough to walk across during dry spells. It is hard to imagine Trout Brook and Phalen Creek flowing through a marsh into the Mississippi River at this location. 

The streambed of Phalen Creek should be represented on the site in abstract form, until perhaps some day it could become real again. The original creek location is shown on the Concept Plan. This could be visually interpreted on the land by placing a run-off swale, or a row of objects along the path. For example, a linear evergreen planting is one possibility. 

The symbolic creek bed should be visible from the aerial prospects of the Kellogg Street Bridge, Mounds Boulevard, and the bicycle bridge. Interpretation should be provided at these vantage points to explain the creek's history. Visible markers should also highlight the 1847 and 1917 mouths of Phalen Creek where it flowed into the Mississippi to help visitors understand that the river was once wider. 

The history of Phalen Creek should be recognized at the sewer's mouth within Lower Landing Park. Currently it is a giant concrete culvert surrounded by riprap that is hidden from view. The mouth of the creek should be re-built as proposed later in this Community Vision. 

No artifacts remain of the Dakota Indian trading village called Kaposia, which was located near the confluence of Phalen Creek and the Mississippi River. However, information about the use of the area by native people should be made available. 

Wakan-tebee - "Dwelling of the Great Spirit" (Carver's Cave) deserves recognition. Although little remains of its former enclosure, the story of the cave's role in Native American ceremony is important. The sacred site should receive our respect, and perhaps its original name. The Concept Plan shows a narrow woodchip trail leading to the cave's mouth for interpretive information, where signage should request visitors to respect the sanctity of the place (as at the burial mounds). A sensitively designed gate should be installed over the cave entrance to replace the rusted steel plates. The spring flowing from the cave's mouth is illustrated with a pool of water in front of the cave to discourage close investigation.

"Montana Bill's Cave" should be interpreted. An interpretive exhibit about hobo life and riding the rails would be fascinating at the cave's discussion area shown on the Concept Plan. A foot bridge should cross the flowing stream to the cave entrance. 

Visitors should be allowed to enter "Montana Bill's Cave." A twenty foot square patch of sand provides a dry landing in the otherwise flooded cave. Above this dry floor, a circular shaft through the roof reduces potential fire hazards. Attractive gates could be installed inside the cave to keep people from wading through the shallow water into more remote areas. Simply stepping inside the cave's mouth provides the magical experience of dark, cool refuge. A safe cave like this should be part of the park system's experiences. 

There are only a few visible industrial remnants in the project area. The foundation of the old wheel shop survives, but it is hazardous and unattractive. Retaining walls and deep pits remain, as do demolition materials. It has been suggested that this asbestos-littered area be filled over as a potential tomb to contain hazardous products (such as asbestos) that can safely be buried. 

The stone-lined canal on Fourth Street beneath the three railroad bridges is a place where history can come alive. The canal is mysterious, and tells the story of how streams were manipulated here. The site illustrates beautiful masonry work using enormous blocks of stone of three different types. The canal carries a constant trickle of spring water that seeps across Fourth Street and falls into the canal near this location with a pleasant tinkling sound. 

Railroad bridges surround this canal and add great character. Trestle construction was used for one of the bridges, and its sculptural qualities blend well with the encroaching woods. A small wooden bridge with large ancient planks crosses the canal, and could be used to reach a proposed interpretive rest area tucked into the woods between the two rail bridges. 

The "Lost Tunnel Portal" should be interpreted. Before the sewer separation project that re-routed Trout Brook Sewer, a beautifully crafted stone tunnel carried Trout Brook to Fourth Street Canal. The tunnel portal was a fine stone arch on Fourth Street where the white patch of concrete now scars the historic wall. An explanation of the former tunnel is needed, and potentially the wall could be painted to re-create the former masonry arch. An existing tunnel remains nearby. 

A field of abandoned concrete strips left from train maintenance is critically important to the area's history. The linear patterns of the parallel slabs offer a unique opportunity for interpretation. Because of their historical value and interpretive potential, some community members prefer to preserve some concrete slabs. However, to facilitate ecological restoration, slabs will be removed or buried on the portion of the land specifically protected by the DNR. More information is needed before the actual number of slabs to be retained is determined. The slabs that remain should be interpreted through signage and perhaps old photos of the once busy railroad. 

The historic interpretation discussion areas shown on the Concept Plan  with a circle are: 
• Lost Tunnel Portal. 
• Historic Railroad Bridges and Trout Brook Canal. 
• Montana Bill's Cave and Spring. 
• 1847 Shoreline and Creek Outlet. 
• Wakan-tebee, or Carvers Cave and Spring. 
• Phalen Creek Outlet. 

The interpretation of history and nature should be done with the creative hand of artists along with historians, naturalists, educators, and exhibit designers. The exhibits should be coordinated and yet offer a variety of experiences. Local materials such as limestone and sandstone should be utilized in creative ways to signal visitors that they are at an interpretative site. Exhibits should be artistically pleasing, include three dimensions in their design, and be participatory in nature. 

Soil Remediation 

As development pressure increases and rail business fades, abandoned rail yards across North America are becoming available for re-use. Dealing with the damaged soils and the toxins left behind is a major problem facing our nation. 

When reclaiming a rail yard for park use, an inexpensive remedy for soil pollution is desirable. After purchasing abandoned rail yards, efforts to establish new ground cover often fail. The harsh conditions of the compacted soils are too extreme for nursery-grown plants and available seeds. Cost effective solutions to railroad soil problems need to be found. 

St. Paul could be a leader in researching bio-remediation of abandoned railroad soils. Research is needed to study natural, inexpensive methods of de-toxifying and aerating soils, including the introduction of micro-organisms, nutrients, and organic matter into the soil; learning which plants mediate contamination best; and which plants can thrive in railroad soils. 

The bio-remediation concept is an exciting science that is still in its infancy. It is slow, but affordable and safer than many options. Bio-remediation uses nature's process of recovery, and supplies the ingredients to encourage healing. The alternatives to soil remediation are removal or encapsulation. Both processes are very expensive, destroy existing vegetation, release toxic dust into the air, fail to mediate the problem, and create a false sense of safety. 

Lower Phalen Creek could be the location to study various methods of improving soil quality in small test plots, and evaluate differing solutions to soil problems. The bio-remediation program can involve the community and include a demonstration lab. The focus of bio-remediation work would be primarily on its educational value. The data and knowledge gained through the project would also help other railroad sites across the country. 

The abandoned concrete strips may provide an ingenious location for research, as they separate panels of earth into distinct narrow strips with an agriculture feel. The spaces between concrete slabs could be treated and planted with various experimental trials. The concrete pathways allow separation of experiments, allow access for scientific study, and provide space for interpretive exhibits on toxic waste, soil compaction, and bio-remediation. 

The research project could be beautiful and prestigious, following the lead of international artist Mel Chin, who won world acclaim for his artwork "Revival Field" at Pig's Eye. Brought to St. Paul in 1991 by the Walker Art Center, Chin built a two-year experimental artwork that explored the ability of plants to draw toxins out of the soil. Chin's work impressed the science world as well as the art world, and set a precedent we should build upon. An even more significant public arts project could now be planned at the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. 

Grant money could be sought that would support creation of a Soil Remediation Demonstration Project. As bio-remediation gains public attention, the time is ripe for this idea. Jointly conceived by artist and scientist, the project could win honors for St. Paul for its foresight and dedication to cutting edge environmental research. 

Riparian Wetlands and Grading Design

Spring water running out of the earth is a natural phenomenon that should be appreciated. It is magical and rare. The Concept Plan proposes to restore the springs that emerge from the base of the bluffs into a riparian wetland habitat. 

Flowing water will move in a stream from four springs at the base of the bluffs into an enlarged pond basin and wetland area shown in black. The present sewer outlet for the spring-fed flow will be abandoned, to enable the water to spread over a larger area. The new outlet is shown at the 1847 creek mouth interpretive site, where water flows into the Phalen Creek Sewer. Here an attractive drop structure should be fashioned that capitalizes on the sound of falling water as an artistic component of the stream's interpretation. 

An island is proposed in the wetiand to create a place of beauty and a place for observation. The interpretive trail is shown crossing the island with two bridges, adding an element of fun to the trail. An interpretive discussion area is planned on the island as well, providing a controlled area for rambunctious school children to study wetlands. Here people will be free to play and touch the water, while off the island, habitat will be protected by vegetation barriers and trail alignment. 

Wildlife will benefit from the increased volume of water and shoreline of the pool, allowing more birds and mammals to safely find sustenance from the fresh water. A pond basin with gentle side slopes will nourish more riparian plant species and improve wildlife habitat. 

The flow of water will soak into the ground as it moves over a longer distance to the outlet pipe. The size of the pond will vary depending on seasonal fluctuations. As the water flows farther from its underground source, its temperature will modify, creating a mix of open water and ice in the winter.

Additional soil testing must be done in the vicinity of the proposed wetland to determine contamination levels and clean-up requirements so spring water does not become polluted. Polluted soils removed to create the riparian wetland may be used to construct the earth embankments for the bridge ramps, if capped with clean soils. 

The quantity of soil excavated for the pond should match the quantity of soil needed for other grading projects on site. The goal is to minimize unnecessary grading by matching the cut from one area to the fill of another, though possible soil contamination must be considered in the "cut and fill" process. The desire to minimize grading on site will result in minimum damage to soil and tree cover. The areas impacted by the pond and bridge grading are infested with non-native Siberian elm thickets that should be removed.

Two areas need fill: the bridge ramps and the wheel shop foundation. The bridge ramps should be sloped no steeper than 1:2.5 to maintain good growth. Grading over the wheel shop foundation and retaining walls would naturalize the hillside there. This area is devoid of vegetation currently, and won't be harmed by grading. (Soil tests should be taken in this area to determine the presence of contamination and its impact on vegetation.) A handicapped accessible path of natural materials should be graded into the new slope so visitors can reach the skeleton trees and a fine view across the land towards downtown.

The existing gravel roads should be removed to discourage vehicular access and illegal dumping on the site. Removing the compacted road will help vegetation fill the corridors in time. A gravel road will still be needed under the Kellogg Bridge so Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad has access to the tracks for their service vehicles. 

Trail Design 

The proposed trail will link East Side neighborhoods to Lowertown and downtown St. Paul. Connecting these centers of employment, commerce and cultural activities will have many benefits for commuters desiring an alternative to cars and buses. The Concept Plan illustrates a seamless, exciting corridor for both recreation and daily commutes. 

With the addition of a mile and a half of new trail on the site, 85 miles of important regional trails will finally connect together. The link between Swede Hollow Park and Indian Mounds Park will join a 14-mile and 15-mile segment together, and connect both to the 18-mile Gateway Trail to create 47 continuous miles of off-road trail. 

Most important, cyclists on these trails can reach the river. The connection to Lower Landing Park will bring the Gateway Trail to the Mississippi, and all trails into downtown St. Paul. When funded extensions of the trail along Shepard Road are built, a 13-mile segment will also be connected. By crossing the Mississippi River, 26 more miles of trail will be connected. 

Trail users will enjoy mysterious remnants of the past, pleasing views, and sinuous motion along the route illustrated in this Concept Plan. They will cause minimal impact to the land as the design uses existing roads and pavements when possible. To visualize the plan, please follow the description below of the trail from Swede Hollow Park towards the river, guided by the numbers on the Trail Design Plan. 

Between Swede Hollow Park and the BNSF section of the site, the trail passes below the I-94 bridges onto land owned by Ramsey County Rail Authority, a project partner. (1) The trail passes near the NSP substation on level ground and crosses over Fourth Street on a fascinating abandoned railroad bridge. (2)

Views from the railroad bridge reveal stone walls, more historic bridges nearby, and a view down into the Trout Brook Canal. The sound of failing water reaches your ears and arouses curiosity about the historic area. Continuing towards the river on level ground, the trail leaves Ramsey County property as it passes under the Kellogg Bridge. (3) 

At the Kellogg Bridge the trail splits off a spur that connects to Commercial Street and Fourth Street. (4) This spur connects to MNDOT's frontage road that climbs uphill to the Indian Mounds Regional Park Trail. In addition, the spur connects to the Fourth Street Trail that can be used as a route into Lowertown. These options are discussed more fully later in this document. 

From Kellogg Bridge to Warner Road, the trail passes through the land owned by Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF). (5) Placed upon an existing gravel road along a row of mammoth cottonwood trees, the trail provides two important views. Straight ahead people see a new bridge crossing the railroad tracks and Warner Road, suggesting a connection to the river hidden from view. This glimpse offers hope of discovery to trail users seeking the river. 

Another important view is through the line of cottonwoods towards the skyline of St. Paul and the Capitol. This contrast between the flat prairie and the vertical towers of the city is awe inspiring. It seems wonderful to be in a natural place so close to the urban world. 

The trail curves away from the gravel road and divides into two lanes. (6) Sinuous curves create a thrill of motion. Attention to the design of vertical curves with horizontal alignment will accentuate the pleasure. After passing through the markers of the former Phalen Creek, the divided lanes flow onto two of the parallel concrete slabs - an exciting re-use of these paved runways. (7) 

Here the eye is pleased by the sight of long parallel strips diminishing into the distance like field rows. This adds to the sensation of motion as you travel down the rows. The trail then lifts off the runway and begins its climb to the bridge. (8) 

Rising at an easy grade of 5%, the ramp embankment allows space for people and wildlife to pass around its base on both sides without fear of entrapment. 

The bridge is one great sweeping arc, carrying people high into the sky for a succession of wonderful views. Trail users can look down upon the spring-fed pond, and to the magnificent bluffs of St. Paul. 

The curving bridge deck keeps the views changing and prevents the tunnel-vision of other long trail bridges. The proposed bridge deck is 20' wide to allow trail users to stop anywhere along its length without blocking traffic. The bridge affords a vantage point for interpretation of Phalen Creek, the wetlands, and the bluffs. (9) 

As the bridge curves to the river, it descends gently while offering panoramic views of the river valley and the city skyline. The bridge ties into the side of Warner Road, (10) using its embankment to slope downhill, and curve around the small wetlands The trail intersects Lower Landing Park trail at the circular observation deck on the river's edge. (11) 

Prior to bridge construction, the regional trail can be constructed from Fourth Street to the concrete slabs (7). At that point visitors can transfer to the interpretative loop trail to enjoy the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary. Regional trail users who wish to travel to the Mississippi River will be able to follow the Fourth Street trail segment to Prince Street and then through Lowertown to the river. 

Relationship to Commercial Street 

Adjacent to the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary is a remnant of the former industrial activity of the floodplain. Commercial Street used to be an important link between rail lines and city streets, used by industry to supply the city's needs. Now it is isolated from the rails and the roads that used to exist.

Sewage trucks arrive regularly to dump their contents into the sanitary sewer line that goes to the Pig's Eye sewage treatment plant, using a station at the terminus of Commercial Street. Trucks create a steady flow of traffic on the frontage road, often arriving at ten-minute intervals. An alternative dump station is located nearby at Fifth Street under the I-94 Bridge, by the Downtowner Car Wash. The possibility of eliminating the Commercial Street dumpsite should be studied, due to future traffic and odor conflicts. 

The Standard Oil Building of 1914 still remains on Commercial Street. Petroleum storage and coal gas manufacturing took place on site, so soil pollution is a likely possibility. The brick building has continued over the years as a tax-paying industrial space. The yard areas are littered with abandoned equipment, and parking areas are excessively large. 

New owners purchased the property in 2000, and they are interested in redeveloping the site as a sustainable urban village. The development will possibly include housing, artists' lofts, a restaurant and bike station offering bike rental, repairs and other services to support non-motorized commuting to downtown. (Updated plans are available online at www.lowertowndepot.com.) 

The property enjoys quick access to I-94, and is also within walking distance from downtown. Building users would enjoy the proximity to the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and the river. The orientation is ideal, as the bluff shields winter winds, and visitors would have spectacular views facing the sun and the city skyline. 

The owner's enthusiasm for sustainable development, solar energy and bicycle commuting shows potential compatibility with the Concept Plan. Lower Phalen Creek Project partners are working with the owners to maximize the benefits of redevelopment and work out ways to connect the site with the area's proposed trail system. 
 

The Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary is bordered by public space including Fourth Street to the north, and Lower Landing Park on the south. 

These adjacent public areas would benefit from infrastructure improvements to accommodate the new trail design and make it a pleasing experience for trail users. Suggestions for improved ecological and interpretive changes, and proposals for aesthetic value, are described below. 

Plans for Fourth Street & Prince Street 

Earlier planning efforts looked at Fourth and Prince Streets as a desirable trail route because it was entirely in public ownership, connected neighborhoods and parks, and offered many points of interest. A proposal to MNDOT for TEA21 funding was submitted in 1999 for trail design and construction, and $1.1 million was approved in 2000. Matching funds must be found from local sources to secure the federal dollars before implementation can proceed. 

Fourth Street connects Lowertown to Mounds Park and I-94. The road offers a potential bike route across the floodplain by avoiding conflict with some of the busiest railroad tracks in the United States. Vehicular traffic on Fourth Street is very low, which makes the road even more pleasing to bicyclists and pedestrians. Downtown joggers often run on Fourth Street to connect to Mounds Park trails. 

The challenges and interests along the Fourth Street Trail are described below, moving from Mounds Park to Lowertown (maps, page 43 and 44, which are referenced with numbers to the text). 

The connection to Mounds Park requires two improvements for safety of trail users. (1) The freeway frontage road should be widened to allow painted lanes for bicyclists to share the road. The roadway is steeper than desired for a bicycle trail, but it is unavoidable due to the bluffs. The second change is needed at the bottom of the hill, where the road curves to Fourth Street. 

The intersection of Fourth Street and Commercial Street needs to be re-designed. (2) Vehicles come down the hill from Mounds Boulevard (a steep 7% slope) and enter an irregular, dangerous curve that causes most drivers to veer into the opposite lane. Poor visibility compounds the problem, and prevents drivers from seeing oncoming traff ic. The existing street design violates all safety standards. By creating a curve with a constant radius, and by lengthening sight lines, the intersection can be made safe for motorists and bicyclists.

After turning onto Fourth Street, the roadway should be re-configured to create striped bituminous lanes on each side. Existing granite curbs should be re-used along the new edges of the road. Granite cobbles lie below the asphalt, and should potentially be exposed for car lanes or in the center median where bridge piers are located to create slower vehicle speeds. 

Historic stone retaining walls rise up alongside the road, holding aloft four railroad bridges that cross overhead. The walls and bridges were built in the 1800s, and offer old-world charm and character. Huge stones and varied architecture add excitement to these artifacts. One bridge overhead is proposed for the new bicycle trail connecting to Swede Hollow. (3) 

Trout Brook Canal offers mystery and intrigue as it parallels Fourth Street under the bridges. It is constructed out of huge blocks of stone, and emerges from a black arched tunnel under the active rail bridge. The floor of the canal is five feet lower than Fourth Street, and close to the original elevation of Trout Brook, as it is only a few feet above the river's surface level. Trout Brook Sewer no longer flows through this canal since it was separated from Phalen Creek Sewer. Now, the shallow flow of water in the canal comes from nearby trickling springs and local run-off. 

Sewer gas is a problem at the mouth of the canal. Most people think the canal water smells, but it is probably quite pure. The smell has a different source. Sewer gas travels from the sanitary bypass into Phalen Creek Sewer where it emerges out of the canal. A flap valve added at the by-pass might be successful in trapping the gas within the sanitary sewer and eliminate the odor problems near the canal. 

Natural springs emerge from the stone walls of this low area and flow continuously across Fourth Street and into the Trout Brook Canal. The constant trickle of water across the road causes algae slime in the summer and ice in the winter. It causes slick road surfaces and deteriorates the pavement. 

A trench drain is needed to channel the seepage below the street surface to prevent hazardous conditions. The trench drain should run along the north side of the street and then cross Fourth Street into the canal. It should have a grate that withstands vehicular traffic, and be sized to carry only the natural seep (not storm run-off). The outlet of the trench drain should empty into the canal and still let the water fall to the canal floor to create a pleasing sight and sound. 

Floods occasionally plague Fourth Street because of its low elevation. Heavy rainfalls can send too much run-off, and scour the roadway. In addition, when the Mississippi River floods, the river sometimes backs up through the Phalen Creek sewer and floods out from the canal to inundate the area. Fourth Street will never be free from the occasional flood and will sometimes need to be temporarily closed. 

An interpretive site is proposed next to the canal to discuss the engineering and history of the Trout Brook Canal, walls, and bridges. 

Passing beneath the large bridge with active rail lines overhead, travelers pass the Lost Tunnel Portal. (4) Here was once an arched opening carrying Trout Brook into the canal. 

Cyclists then pass beneath the last bridge - an abandoned rail crossing that has potential to carry the Trout Brook Trail proposed later in this plan. 

Traveling towards downtown, cyclists come to an unattractive pile of riprap cascading down a slope with a tiny wetland. Presumably the riprap reduces the force of occasional flash floods, but a more environmentally healthy solution should be built. The slope should be sculpted to suggest a rocky stream in honor of Trout Brook, and serve as an actual stream in storm events. (5) 

A wetland at the base of the rocky stream should be enlarged into a small pool to retain water for flood control and for aesthetics. A trench drain could carry overflow across Fourth Street into the canal. Interpretive signage here should address the history of Trout Brook, the Lost Tunnel Portal, and the remaining water flow. 

As Fourth Street heads to downtown St. Paul, it runs into the former Gillette Company. (6) Vehicular traffic turns north up a steep hill (10% slope) to join Fifth Street. The Community Vision suggests that bicycle lanes turn south instead, using the right-of-way beneath the Lafayette Bridge, if access rights can be obtained. (7) 

The area below Lafayette Bridge was fenced off by new owners of the Gillette Building. Ownership of the land beneath the bridge should be researched, as well as easement rights. If access can be obtained, this plan recommends that special paving be installed in a designated right-of- way to create a safe zone for the bicycle trail. This could be a central strip of cobblestones surrounded by two separate lanes for bicycles, paved with bituminous. 

The trail should turn west onto Prince Street - a short street rich with potential. (8) Historic warehouses frame the view towards downtown, and lend character and charm. Artists have created a garden on Prince Street, and the street bustles with activity on weekends due to the Farmer's Market. It is important to note that because the right-of-way on Prince Street is only 20' this section of the trail would require extensive investigation. 

Prince Street is currently dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists, however, and needs re-design. A combination of parallel and ninety degree parking makes vehicular movement hazardous. The street is in poor repair and there is a lack of sidewalks and lighting. Due to the large number of people walking to the parking lots east of here, this is a serious problem. 

A new streetscape can enhance Prince Street's charm  and solve safety issues by providing the following: 
• Sidewalk on the south side. 
• Bicycle lanes sharing the road. 
• Street trees and landscaping on both sides. 
• Street lighting. 
• Renovation of the cobblestone paving on Prince Street (except at bicycle lanes). 

The City should clarify land deed issues that trouble the right-of-way, and work with parking lot owners to re-define ambiguous travel lanes at all parking lots. A parking ramp should be considered to address the sprawl of parking lots, and to support the growing residential community. (9) 

The termination of Prince Street occurs at the attractive Lowertown Commons Building where travelers jog onto Fourth Street (at the Farmer's Market) - the lowest volume city street and a rare two-way street. At this location, bicyclists would use city streets to go where they wished. (10) 

Lower Landing Park 

The proposed bridge crossing over Warner Road and the railroad tracks to Lower Landing Park necessitates some modifications to the park. An abutment and bridge piers will need to be constructed in the park. Re-grading is required to create a ramp at the end of a bridge. 

The bridge ramp works well with the existing slopes of the park, and allows for a pleasant descent to the river's edge. The trail circles the revised wetland, and provides good views of it from various elevations. The trail slopes gently to the river's edge, and joins the Lower Landing Park Trail at an intersection by the circular overlook. 

The existing wetland needs to be shifted to accommodate the new trail connection. The wetland was constructed when Lower Landing Park was built, and has an artificial sealed bottom. The plant habitat is young and would adjust readily to expansion of the west end. A permit would have to be acquired for its alteration. 

The mouth of Phalen Creek should be re-constructed. Lower Landing Park should be changed to acknowledge the presence of Phalen Creek. Currently the trail crosses over the sewer with barely a hint that an outlet is located there. You can't see into the gaping hole of the box culvert except from the river, and the mouth is surrounded by sloping riprap. 

Moving the culvert's mouth inland would allow people to peer into the opening and reflect upon the creek's history. The stream should be allowed to flow more naturally from the culvert's mouth to the Mississippi River. Side slopes could be designed with large blocks of stone that could step attractively down to the water. Many people fish at the creek mouth (despite its inaccessibility and smell of sewage), and would appreciate stone ledges to sit upon. Interpretive signage should talk about the creek's history. 

Sewage gas emerges from the culvert opening just as it does at the Trout Brook Canal. The sewer gas comes from the sanitary sewer emergency bypass that connects to Phalen Creek Sewer. Raw sewage would pour into the river here if the sanitary line became plugged. A flap valve added at the by-pass might be successful in trapping the gas within the sanitary sewer and eliminate the odor problems near the creek outlet. 

Lower Landing Park's trail should be extended to the east to the DNR Metro Regional Headquarters, where a trail connects through a forest to Battle Creek Park. Because the available land is too narrow, a cantilevered overhang along the shore might be built to continue the trail east. Traffic crossings on Warner Road should be resolved safely. 
 

Outside the boundaries of the Concept Plan area there are two corridors with enormous potential to further link area trails and parks. These trail links add important bicycle commuting options for hundreds of state employees and downtown workers. Both trail links connect to each other, to Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, and to downtown St. Paul. If implemented, all regional trails in St. Paul would be interconnected, and the gap illustrated in the Trail Plan would be closed. In this section of the Community Vision we explore some of the exciting possibilities of the Canadian Pacific Trail and Trout Brook Corridor. 

Canadian Pacific Trail 

The Canadian Pacific Railroad owns the elevated platform and tracks that run along the Mississippi River behind the Union Depot and across the lift bridge over the Mississippi River. Currently, the railroad is not interested in selling, but this platform creates an opportunity for a long pedestrian promenade and bicycle trail. Potentially the corridor may connect downtown St. Paul to the regional trail linkages proposed for the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary at Lower Phalen Creek without road or rail intersections. It could use the railroad lift bridge to connect across the river to the extensive regional trail system there. 

The elevated platform once fed dozens of rail lines into the depot building. After the Depot building was closed, the tracks were removed, and some of the land sold. Currently the Post Office uses part of the upper deck for their trucking operation and employee parking. The platform east of Broadway has long been abandoned, yet provides a surprising amount of space. Trees reclaimed the elevated area until fall of 2000 when it was cleared for surface parking. 

The elevated rail platform should be used for a park promenade and bike trail. The deck provides fantastic views of the waterfront, and provides an exciting gateway into downtown St. Paul. Compared to the narrow street-level constriction of Kellogg Boulevard near the Union Depot, pedestrians and cyclists on top of the platform will feel safe from vehicles and be delighted by the extensive views. 

An urban village could share the deck, providing additional housing within Lowertown, as proposed in the "River Garden Plan" by Lowertown Redevelopment Corporation. Facing the greenway corridor and river, residents would enjoy a spectacular location and immediate access to St. Paul's open space and trail system. Connection to open space along the river has been key to Minneapolis' residential boom upstream of the Federal Reserve Bank - a worthwhile comparison. 

The platform can link two possible routes at its west end. Most exciting, the tracks lead across the river using the railroad lift bridge. This affords a superb connection for a bicycle/pedestrian crossing of the Mississippi River that would unite the extensive park systems of both sides. 

The railroad lift bridge ties into the river esplanade on the south side of the river. Here the linear promenade connects to Lilydale/Harriet Island Regional Park, and thus to the Big River Trail. Current rail traffic on the bridge (one train a day) could possibly be re-routed further upstream. This fascinating landmark bridge could some day become an important link between the two sides of the river.

Another route from the elevated platform connects up to Kellogg Park and the Poet's Garden at the Robert Street Bridge. Grade changes are considerable, as the rail platform is much lower than the Poet's Garden. Space exists, however, to create a ramp or elevator to climb to the top of the bluff. A ramp need not touch the Ramsey County building, and could rest upon piers set into a tiny parking lot off Second Street. An accessible connection here could serve bicyclists as well as pedestrians, and extend Kellogg Park's esplanade a half mile further along the rivers edge, high above the river on the elevated rail platform. Alternatively, the "River Garden Plan" calls for a grand staircase connecting to Lower Landing Park. 

Connections to the sidewalks and streets below can occur at Jackson Street and near Lafayette Bridge to provide additional access to the proposed promenade. At Jackson Street, the road dives steeply down to tunnel under the rail platform, while the top of the platform is actually about level with Kellogg Blvd. A level walkway here could connect Kellogg pedestrians with the top of the railroad deck. The second access point uses an existing, unused roadway that already ramps up to the rail platform near the Lafayette Bridge. 

The rail platform slowly descends to ground level as you move east of the Lafayette Bridge. Passing the no-man's land where housing may thrive in the future, the trail curves north away from the river when the platform meets ground level. A service road for railroad maintenance and the trail would both follow the tracks through this area. 

The future trail passes by a detention pond that holds run-off from the parking lots north of Kellogg Bridge. The pond should be re-done to create wetland habitat, and city-owned land next to it could be improved as part of the park corridor. 

As the trail moves north approaching Fourth Street, cyclists have the option to continue north on the Trout Brook Corridor (described in the next section), or swing away from the tracks and join the Fourth Street Trail with its many important linkages. 

The Canadian Pacific Trail has tremendous potential to enhance the city's open space system for downtown employees and residential neighborhoods. It would: 

• Connect the regional trail system on both sides of the river. 
• Extend Kellogg Park esplanade along the elevated rail platform for stunning river views. 
• Attract investors for development of the rail platform in Lowertown to realize the "River Garden Plan."
• Provide a vehicle-free connection for bicycle commuters to reach downtown. 

The Canadian Pacific Trail creates a link between Lowertown and the Lower Phalen Creek area will help rejuvenate the East Side, launch the "River Garden Plan," and build the next Urban Village. 

Trout Brook Corridor 

Trout Brook once ran from McCarron's Lake to the floodplain of Phalen Creek on the Mississippi River. The railroad companies used the gentle gradient of Trout Brook for their tracks, just as they did at Phalen Creek. Several rail lines are now abandoned, and the sunken corridor could become a continuous greenway from McCarron's Lake to the river. 

Open space and trail systems already exist along Trout Brook corridor. The new Trout Brook Trail connects McCarron's Lake to waterworks parks in Roseville and to the Gateway Trail by using Arlington Avenue. The Gateway Trail follows the low land of Trout Brook along the west side of I-35E south to Cayuga Street where it currently ends. Neighborhood activists are working to create a nature preserve beside the Gateway Trail near Maryland Avenue. Land acquisition funds were partially allocated for this by the 1999 State Legislature. South of Cayuga, the Trout Brook connection is in the planning stages. 

A new freeway interchange at Cayuga is prompting extension of the Gateway Trail further south. St. Paul's Planning and Economic Development Department completed the Trout Brook Greenway Plan in 2001 to articulate plans for this and other areas. The plan allows the Gateway Trail to be extended along the railroad tracks behind the Williams Hill industrial development. The trail would continue behind the Union Gospel Mission and the State government buildings on Lafayette (which include the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Pollution Control Agency, and the Human Services Department). 

The trail corridor is exciting behind these state office buildings, because it follows a ribbon of green separating two different worlds. While the top of the plateau is office park, tree covered side slopes hide the valley floor full of rail lines from normal view. Here trains explode from under the earth out of arched tunnels, and tracks run on multiple levels, separated by walls of enormous stone blocks. 

Hundreds of state employees could use the trail for lunchtime pleasure, to commute to work, or to bicycle to downtown without ever using a street. An access point onto the trail could occur at the state employee parking lot at University Ave. and Lafayette Rd. due to the easy slopes there. This entry point would allow a bicycle connection to the State Capitol using University Avenue. 

South from the State Government area the trail passes behind Barber Electric, crosses under Seventh Street and I-94, and continues towards Fourth Street. An abandoned railroad bridge enables the trail to cross over Fourth Street, and connect to either the Canadian Pacific Trail, or the Fourth Street Trail with all of its important linkages. 

The Trout Brook Corridor has tremendous potential to enhance the city's open space system for state office employees and residential neighborhoods. With a modest amount of trail construction, it would: 

• Connect the Gateway Trail to the Mississippi River, the State Capitol, and to downtown St. Paul. 
• Conserve a green corridor from the Mississippi River north to McCarron's Lake. 
• Provide a vehicle-free commuter route for many hundreds of state employees through an open space system. 
• Link together with other regional trails to create multiple routes and opportunities. 
 

To realize the vision detailed in the Community Vision for Lower Phalen Creek we must take a number of steps in strategic phases. The key first step is to acquire open space in our project area along the river and near downtown St. Paul. Available tracts of abandoned land can fill the gaps in the local and regional park system. Once lands are acquired and conserved, we will begin planting and other stewardship activities. What follows are brief descriptions of the major phases through which we envision the work progressing. The tasks described here will be undertaken by the public and private entities that are part of the Lower Phalen Creek Project and by the many committed community members whose vision has long led this effort. 

1. Acquire the 25-acre parcel known as "Dayton's Yard" owned by Burlington-Northern Santa Fe Railroad (BNSF)
Timing: 2001 
This critical parcel is for sale, and negotiations and fundralsing are in progress. As part of this public acquisition process, the City of St. Paul, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Lower Phalen Creek Project partners will develop a management plan, and the DNR will purchase a conservation easement on the portion of the parcel that is a natural area, committing $600,000 to this end. Extensive private and public fundraising and marketing are underway to complete the acquisition. Acquisition of this key land area will raise the profile of the Lower Phalen Creek Project, further establish its viability, and improve chances of fund-raising for later site development. With this parcel in public ownership, restoration of the natural habitat and improvement of public access to the river can begin. 

2. Raise local funds to match federal dollars awarded through the TEA21 Transportation Enhancements Program for Fourth Street Trail improvements 
Timing: 2001 
Fourth Street Trail has been partially funded by a TEA-21 -Transportation Enhancements Program grant of $700,000. The Fourth Street Trail Project includes connections from Swede Hollow Park and Mounds Park to Fourth Street, improvements to Fourth Street itself, historic interpretation of the Trout Brook canal and railroad bridges, and construction of bike lanes under the Lafayette Bridge and along Prince Street. Additional support through the TEA-21 Livable Communities Supplement grant of $400,000 is offered for making further improvements to Prince Street. Significant local funding is needed to match this exciting federal support. 

3. Develop and implement plans addressing remediation, restoration, and resource management.
Timing: 2001 
These plans will highlight the level of cleanup needed, how restoration will occur, and how the natural resources will be maintained. 

4. Acquire small properties needed to complete the trail link between Swede Hollow Park and Fourth/Commercial Streets 
Timing: 2001-2003 
Three small parcels must be purchased or easements approved prior to installation of the trail segment that will link the East Side with Lowertown. Two parcels are tax forfeit properties and one is privately held, located along Fourth Street near Commercial Street. Purchase of these parcels and the BNSF parcel will put all land between Mounds Park, Swede Hollow Park, and Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary in public ownership. This property is key to connect East Side communities via a bicycle commuter route to centers of jobs and commerce. 

5. Pursue efforts to remediate soils with bio-engineering techniques 
Timing: Mid 2001-2002 (planning) 
             2003-2030 (implementation) 
As the project develops, locate partners within the scientific, environmental, and art communities to explore the creation of a bio-remediation demonstration project on site. Pursue design and fund raising for implementation of bio-remediation efforts and a public arts project within the nature sanctuary. 

6. Initiate stewardship and restoration activities
Timing: 2003 
Great River Greening hopes to work with local community groups to engage volunteers in implementing aspects of the restoration plan. Volunteer activities might include removal of invasive species and replanting with native plants. 

7. Clean up trash, install vehicle barriers, and construct foot paths within nature sanctuary 
Timing: Mid 2001-2003 
Removal of trash and hazardous waste must be accompanied by the installation of barriers to prevent unauthorized vehicles from further illegal dumping. The unpaved foot trails within the nature sanctuary can be installed as ecological improvements move forward to create the nature sanctuary. Funds will need to be raised and trail designs will need to be completed before clean-up and footpath installation can begin. 

8. Install trail segment between Swede Hollow Park, Mounds Park and Fourth/Commercial Streets
Timing: Mid 2001-2004 
See steps two and three for information on site acquisition and fundraising needed to complete this trail segment. While much of the concept work has been completed for this segment of the trail, detailed design and construction documents will be needed before installation can begin. 

9. Pursue design and fund raising for a trail bridge linking Lower Phalen Creek to the Mississippi River
Timing: Mid 2001-2002 (planning) 
             2004-2006 (implementation) 
Preliminary concept work for this important trail link and bridge is included in this Community Vision. It will be used as a basis for further design study and engineering to cross over the railroad tracks and Warner Road. (The proposed Fourth Street Trail offers a less direct, but viable, connection to the Mississippi River using city streets.). In addition to design and engineering work, fundraising for construction and installation will be necessary to complete this important trail link. 

10. Design and fundraising for a riparian wetland
Timing: Mid 2001-2002 (planning) 
             2004-2006 (implementation) 
In conjunction with the bridge-crossing project pursue design and engineering of a riparian wetland with a shallow basin area. Excavation from the wetland will ideally serve the needs for bridge embankment fill. Additional soil testing will be required to determine suitability of soils for their structural bearing capacity and their toxicity. Hydrological analysis of spring flow quantity will be required. Fund raising is required for design and engineering, as well as for construction. 

11. Design of Interpretation for the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and Fourth Street 
Timing: 2002 
Develop interpretive discussion sites related to nature education and history. The exhibits should consider special features, artistic interpretation and color signage. 

To Readers - 

In closing this Community Vision for Lower Phalen Creek and the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, I would like to thank my neighbors who spearheaded this vision. It has been an honor to help shape their dreams. These heroes are the Steering Committee members and the Project Staff listed on the Acknowledgements and Credits page. 

Motivated by their simple desire to build a healthy community, these individuals have worked with passion and commitment to develop the Lower Phalen Creek Project. Not content to sit idle, my neighbors grew and nurtured their dream, building a grass-roots constituency that swelled to capture the imagination of city and state agencies, and private organizations who have backed them financially.

Lower Phalen Creek Project is no longer just a dream. It is a responsible vision whose time has come. Money is on the table and plans are being made. The creation of the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary can happen with your support. 

Help us reclaim this abandoned rail yard. 

Help us knit together a green corridor, and create a sanctuary for migrating songbirds. 

Help us learn from environmental abuse, and create an interpretive center where our children can learn about and respect nature. 

Together we can create a new preserve where the natural features that awed early river travelers on the Mississippi River can once again be revered. 

Perhaps the voice of a child can most clearly speak to the heart. This simple poem by my daughter and her friend expresses the hope children hold that we will act responsibly, and heal our earth. 

Thank you for reading this plan. 
Majorie Pitz

For more information about the Lower Phalen Creek Project, contact Amy Middleton, Project Manager at 715/483-1414, amiddle@centurytel.net

Weiming Lu
Lowertown Redevelopment Corporation, CapitolRiver Council

Carol Carey
Historic St. Paul

Christine Baeumler
Friends of Swede Hollow 

Karin DuPaul 
Friends of Swede Hollow 

Colleen Ashton 
Friends of Swede Hollow 

Project Partners
CapitolRiver Council
City of St. Paul City Council
City of St. Paul Department of Parks and Recreation
City of St. Paul Department of Public Works
City of St. Paul Office of the Mayor 
City of St. Paul Department of Planning and 
City of St. Paul Economic Development
Dayton’s Bluff District 4 Community Council
District 5 Payne Phalen Planning Council
East Side Neighborhood Development Company, Inc.
Friends of Swede Hollow
Great River Greening
Lowertown Depot
Lowertown Redevelopment Corporation
Metropolitan State University
Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
National Park Service Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Phalen Corridor Initiative
Ramsey County Board of Commissioners
Railroad Island Implementation Task Force
St. Paul Garden Club
St. Paul Riverfront Corporation
The Trust for Public Land
Upper Swede Hollow Neighborhoods Association

Lower Phalen Creek Project Staff
Amy Middleton, Project Manager – amiddle@centurytel.net
Sarah Clark, Grant Writing and Communications – sclark@bitstream.net

The Community Vision was prepared by Martin & Pitz Associates Landscape Architects with Barr Engineering. The layout of this document was produced by DogTooth Design. 

We are especially grateful to the Department of Natural Resources Metro Greenway Program, City of St. Paul Department of Parks and Recreation and Lower Phalen Creek Project Steering Committee members who helped refine the plan. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency provided surveys that were very helpful. We also appreciate the cooperation of the Trust for Public Land and the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railroad in our efforts to acquire a key parcel of land on behalf of the greater community. Special thanks to Weiming Lu and Lowertown Redevelopment Corporation for their extraordinary support. 

Martin and Pitz Associates, Inc. 
1409 Willow Street, Suite 110 
Minneapolis, MN 55403 - 612/871-0568 

Funding for the preparation and printing of this Community Vision was provided by the McKnight Foundation and the Lowertown Redevelopment Corporation. 
Rev. July, 2001