ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
We are committed to a multi-purpose trail through Buffalo County with a connection to Winona Mn. via the Flyway Connector Trail . We hope it will make all of us healthier and bring new people and businesses to the area.
We recognize the unique qualities in Buffalo County and surrounding area that make a multi-use trail a perfect fit. In fact, it already is a state recognized trail! Unfortunately, the trail is on a busy highway. This portion that runs through Buffalo County will connect to existing trails on the South and North and at long last to our friends in Minnesota with the completion of the connection to Winona.
In the photo below we are checking the property lines under the CapX 2020 lines above Highway 35 past the Alma Cemetery.
HISTORY
2014
The Bike Trail Committee was established and charged with initiating plans for a trail from Nelson to Winona.
The Great River Trails Program, initiated in the 1970’s, includes the Nelson to Winona stretch as part of the Master Trail Plan. This is a major advantage as it could otherwise delay the project by years.
In early March, an informational meeting was held for representatives of area municipalities that would be affected by the proposed multi-use trail. Everyone in attendance was very supportive of the idea.
2015
The committee made huge strides after raising close to $70,000 in initial funding in 2014 and 2015. Buffalo County provided support from the CapX 2020 fund, as well as many townships along the proposed trail path.
Letters of support were also received from many townships, which will be used during the grant application process. Many businesses in the area gave substantial donations, allowing the committee to take the next step toward a feasibility study.
Alta Planning + Design was chosen to perform the feasibility study. The study includes resource inventories, site analysis, design guidelines, alternative analysis, evaluation of alternatives, and recommendations.
2016
With the feasibility study in place, the committee is now ready to get the word out to the community and raise additional funds to support the project.
Upcoming events, online campaigns and fundraising meetings will be the focus for the new year. The committee is asking area businesses and individuals to take part in this incredible opportunity to build something for the community that will bring a positive impact.
Please show your support by donating or volunteering today!
2017
This year we recognized the need to start on the trail! We decided to begin the preliminary planning work on a section from Alma to County Road OO near Cochrane. We have had verbal permission so far from Dairyland Power to use the area under the CapX 2020 lines on their extensive property in this section. We also purchased an easement on personal property between Dairyland property. Some of the trail may need to go on the highway right of way if we cannot get easements in a few areas.
We had hoped to apply for state grants but realized that we had more work to do to insure success of our applications by obtaining the necessary matching funds. Without matching funds lined up we were not likely to be awarded the grants.
We continue to work hard on the project and look forward to 2018.
2018
This year our organization known as Buffalo County Land & Trails Trust changed our name to Flyway Trail. We believed that this change would integrate our plans for the future with a recognizable name for the public.
We hired Crescendo Fundraising Professionals to begin a study of the public’s support for our projects. This was called the Campaign Readiness Study. Our main concern was to complete the bridge over the BNSF railroad between Wisconsin and Winona Minnesota. This bridge and about a couple miles south to the Buffalo Town Park had been funded by various state and federal grants. We needed to generate support and financial commitment to meet the 20% grant match requirements.
Doug Kane joined the Flyway Trail Board.
2019
The Flyway Trail Board determined that there was support in the communities along the Mississippi and in the Winona area to forge ahead with our efforts to fundraise. Crescendo Fundraising Professionals created several committees to begin the work. These committees engaged and energized many in the area to support and promote the project of the Flyway Trail. It was truly amazing and heartwarming to see the tremendous amount of work these committee members did on behalf of their community.
The Buffalo County Board of Supervisors agreed to partner with us on the Flyway Trail Fundraising. Sonya Hansen and Administration Staff pledged to do much of the accounting. This help was invaluable.
Planning continued for the Launch of the Campaign in 2020.
Construction began on the Flyway Trail bridge in the fall and through the winter. After so many years of planning….starts and stops the bridge and trail was becoming a reality.