Zumbro Bottoms: How did we get here?
ZUMBRO BOTTOMS MANAGEMENT UNIT
The first efforts by the DNR to purchase land in what is now the Zumbro Bottoms unit of the Richard Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest were in the very early 1960s. Conservation officer Willis Kruger approached the land owner in the area of what is now known as Paddy's hill to purchase the 240 acres he owned. In 1938 there were 17 buildings in existence at the sharp left turn as you go up the hill. He offered $1 to purchase a 1 year option to purchase the 240 acres for $1200. The DNR was unable to come up with the money that year so it was extended another year for another $1. Still there was no money to purchase the land so a third year option was secured. During the third year another buyer came forward and the DNR let the landowner out of the contract so the land was sold. The purchaser acquired most of the land during the next decade with plans for a dude ranch.
The DNR was able to purchase 400 acres around the west assembly area and prevented the dude ranch plan from being completed. A deal was made to purchase the land now defined as the Zumbro Bottoms in 1977. The use of the Zumbro Bottoms was largely uncontrolled initially with little conflict as a result of low numbers of users at any one time.
In 1982 a Sub-Unit plan for the Richard Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest-Wabasha County portion was completed as part of a state mandated study. It included Kruger, Snake Creek, Trout Valley, and Zumbro Bottoms.
ZUMBRO BOTTOMS MANAGEMENT UNIT
Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest Recreation Sub-Area Plans
Wabasha County, August 1983.
The bulk of the land in the Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit was acquired in 1977. Because of the requirements of the Outdoor Recreation Act, no development other than that done by volunteer groups has been accomplished to date. Various horseback riding groups have taken a great interest in this area and are willing to invest their time and money assisting the state in its development.
The old bridge which crosses the Zumbro River within this unit has deteriorated. Engineering studies are necessary to determine if the bridge's superstructure will bear heavy enough loads to make redecking feasible. If the structure is found to be unsound the cost of building a new bridge would be prohibitive. While not absolutely essential to the recreation use of the Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit, the bridge conveniently ties the north and south portions of this unit.
The only existing recreational facility in the Zumbro Bottoms Unit is a canoe landing near the bridge on the Zumbro River. Existing hill and field roads are presently being used as a trail system mainly for snowmobiling and horseback riding. The Zumbro Bottoms Unit is used heavily for deer and grouse hunting in the fall and for turkey hunting in the spring. Fishing is available in the Zumbro River which bisects the Unit.
Existing Recreational Facilities
Access
- canoe launching and landing area
Proposed Renovation and Development
Cost estimates are in 1983 dollars.
Access
This access serves the Zumbro River, a state canoe & boating routes river. Signs identifying this access from the river are lacking.
Proposed Actions Estimated Cost
1. Place signs for user convenience upstream from access. See Sign Section
Trails
Although no trails have been officially designated in the Zumbro Bottoms Management
Unit, field and hill roads provide a basic trail system. For winter use
the Zumbro Bottoms Area provides an ideal setting for snowmobile trails. During
the summer the Zumbro Bottom Unit provides excellent opportunities for
horseback riding and hiking. Levels of use are not expected to cause conflicts.
Use will be monitored, however, and appropriate action taken if the uses become
incompatible. No motorized summer use will be allowed on the Zumbro Bottoms
Management Unit's summer trails because of the high potential for conflict with
other uses. Horseback riders have expressed interest in connecting the Zumbro
Bottoms Unit to the Kruger Unit with a trail. If this connection is desired, horseback
clubs should work with private landowners to secure a legal right-of--way.
Proposed Actions Cost Estimated Cost
1. Monitor trail-use and take appropriate action if conflicts arise. $ 1,000
2. Develop an 14 mile snowmobile (winter) horseback
and hiking (summer) trail system. $15,000
3. Provide connections for multi-purpose trails to county grants-in-aid 0
snowmobile trails.
TOTAL $16,000
Walk-In Campsites
The topography and vistas available at Zumbro Bottoms provide an excellent opportunity
for the development of low cost walk-in campsites. Only three should be developed initially
so that demand can be analyzed.
Proposed Actions Estimated cost
1. Develop three single unit walk-in campsites with fire rings, picnic
tables and open air toilets. $ 1,500
TOTAL $ 1,500
Parking Areas
Parking areas are necessary to allow user access to the Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit. Five small parking lots located to provide convenient access for trail users and hunters would disperse use and maximize enjoyment of the unit's land base. An easement from a private owner is necessary for one of these lots because of location. One larger (8 to 10 vehicle) parking lot is necessary to accommodate the vehicles and trailers of horseback riders. In conjunction with this larger lot an open grassy area for vehicles and trailers should be developed in an existing field to serve the parking and camping needs of organized horseback trail rides. Vault toilets should be provided for user convenience at the horseback lot
and the lot nearest the public access.
Proposed Action Estimated Cost
1. Construct five parking lots for 3 to 6 cars each. $ 3,000
2. Secure easement for one of the small parking lots
from adjacent private land owner. 1,000
3. Construct one parking lot (8 to 10 vehicles and horse trailers). 1,500
4. Develop grassy area for parking and camping convenience of 2,000
those participating in large organized trail rides--approximately 50
horses and riders.
5. Develop 2 vault toilets at horseback riders lot and at lot near public 6,000
access.
TOTAL $13,500
Roads
Roads in this unit are in a deteriorated condition and need repair. These roads are necessary for recreational user conveyance
Proposed Actions Estimated Cost
1. Repair existing roads (this project isnecessary for
recreational use of the unit). $10,000
TOTAL $10,000
Bridge
The bridge at Funk Ford on the Zumbro River has deteriorated and should be redecked or closed for user safety. A decision concerning the bridge is pending the results of an engineering study to determine structural integrity. If it is feasible to redeck the bridge, the cost of repair will also be taken into account before a final decision is made. If the bridge is not redecked, a ford across the Zumbro River should be provided in association with the development of the horseback trail.
Proposed Actions Estimated Cost
1. Complete engineering study of bridge. in progress
2. Repair bridge if structurally stable pending and cost effective
outcome of engineering study
3. Construct ford of Zumbro River if bridge is not repaired
(in association with horse trail development).
Horse Watering Area
An area is necessary for watering horses. A well at the old building site adjacent to the proposed horse parking lot and open field area can be converted for this purpose. This well does not meet Minnesota Department of Health standards for human consumption, however, and must be signed notifying the public.
Proposed Actions Estimated Cost
1. Develop watering area at old well site. $ 1,000
TOTAL $ 1,000
Signs
Proper signing of an area is necessary for users' convenience and safety. The Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit is not properly signed at present. Proper signs are detailed in the DNR sign manual.
Proposed Actions Estimated Cost Estimated Cost
1. Properly sign all use areas and trails. $ 2,500
2. Provide "you are here" at all trailheads. 500
TOTAL $ 3,000
Incompatible Development
Unused old buildings in section 27 near the proposed parking lot and a hole containing an unused pressure tank near the public access are a hazard to users and should be removed.
Proposed Actions Estimated Cost Estimated Cost
1. Dispose of unused old buildings near proposed parking lot in section 27. $ 500
2. Fill hole and bury pressure tank near public access. 300
TOTAL $800
Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit Total Estimated Costs for Recreation Related
Development:
Grand Total $45,800*
*Figure does not include bridge redecking costs (see text)
The first efforts by the DNR to purchase land in what is now the Zumbro Bottoms unit of the Richard Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest were in the very early 1960s. Conservation officer Willis Kruger approached the land owner in the area of what is now known as Paddy's hill to purchase the 240 acres he owned. In 1938 there were 17 buildings in existence at the sharp left turn as you go up the hill. He offered $1 to purchase a 1 year option to purchase the 240 acres for $1200. The DNR was unable to come up with the money that year so it was extended another year for another $1. Still there was no money to purchase the land so a third year option was secured. During the third year another buyer came forward and the DNR let the landowner out of the contract so the land was sold. The purchaser acquired most of the land during the next decade with plans for a dude ranch.
The DNR was able to purchase 400 acres around the west assembly area and prevented the dude ranch plan from being completed. A deal was made to purchase the land now defined as the Zumbro Bottoms in 1977. The use of the Zumbro Bottoms was largely uncontrolled initially with little conflict as a result of low numbers of users at any one time.
In 1982 a Sub-Unit plan for the Richard Dorer Memorial Hardwood Forest-Wabasha County portion was completed as part of a state mandated study. It included Kruger, Snake Creek, Trout Valley, and Zumbro Bottoms.
ZUMBRO BOTTOMS MANAGEMENT UNIT
Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest Recreation Sub-Area Plans
Wabasha County, August 1983.
The bulk of the land in the Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit was acquired in 1977. Because of the requirements of the Outdoor Recreation Act, no development other than that done by volunteer groups has been accomplished to date. Various horseback riding groups have taken a great interest in this area and are willing to invest their time and money assisting the state in its development.
The old bridge which crosses the Zumbro River within this unit has deteriorated. Engineering studies are necessary to determine if the bridge's superstructure will bear heavy enough loads to make redecking feasible. If the structure is found to be unsound the cost of building a new bridge would be prohibitive. While not absolutely essential to the recreation use of the Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit, the bridge conveniently ties the north and south portions of this unit.
The only existing recreational facility in the Zumbro Bottoms Unit is a canoe landing near the bridge on the Zumbro River. Existing hill and field roads are presently being used as a trail system mainly for snowmobiling and horseback riding. The Zumbro Bottoms Unit is used heavily for deer and grouse hunting in the fall and for turkey hunting in the spring. Fishing is available in the Zumbro River which bisects the Unit.
Existing Recreational Facilities
Access
- canoe launching and landing area
Proposed Renovation and Development
Cost estimates are in 1983 dollars.
Access
This access serves the Zumbro River, a state canoe & boating routes river. Signs identifying this access from the river are lacking.
Proposed Actions Estimated Cost
1. Place signs for user convenience upstream from access. See Sign Section
Trails
Although no trails have been officially designated in the Zumbro Bottoms Management
Unit, field and hill roads provide a basic trail system. For winter use
the Zumbro Bottoms Area provides an ideal setting for snowmobile trails. During
the summer the Zumbro Bottom Unit provides excellent opportunities for
horseback riding and hiking. Levels of use are not expected to cause conflicts.
Use will be monitored, however, and appropriate action taken if the uses become
incompatible. No motorized summer use will be allowed on the Zumbro Bottoms
Management Unit's summer trails because of the high potential for conflict with
other uses. Horseback riders have expressed interest in connecting the Zumbro
Bottoms Unit to the Kruger Unit with a trail. If this connection is desired, horseback
clubs should work with private landowners to secure a legal right-of--way.
Proposed Actions Cost Estimated Cost
1. Monitor trail-use and take appropriate action if conflicts arise. $ 1,000
2. Develop an 14 mile snowmobile (winter) horseback
and hiking (summer) trail system. $15,000
3. Provide connections for multi-purpose trails to county grants-in-aid 0
snowmobile trails.
TOTAL $16,000
Walk-In Campsites
The topography and vistas available at Zumbro Bottoms provide an excellent opportunity
for the development of low cost walk-in campsites. Only three should be developed initially
so that demand can be analyzed.
Proposed Actions Estimated cost
1. Develop three single unit walk-in campsites with fire rings, picnic
tables and open air toilets. $ 1,500
TOTAL $ 1,500
Parking Areas
Parking areas are necessary to allow user access to the Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit. Five small parking lots located to provide convenient access for trail users and hunters would disperse use and maximize enjoyment of the unit's land base. An easement from a private owner is necessary for one of these lots because of location. One larger (8 to 10 vehicle) parking lot is necessary to accommodate the vehicles and trailers of horseback riders. In conjunction with this larger lot an open grassy area for vehicles and trailers should be developed in an existing field to serve the parking and camping needs of organized horseback trail rides. Vault toilets should be provided for user convenience at the horseback lot
and the lot nearest the public access.
Proposed Action Estimated Cost
1. Construct five parking lots for 3 to 6 cars each. $ 3,000
2. Secure easement for one of the small parking lots
from adjacent private land owner. 1,000
3. Construct one parking lot (8 to 10 vehicles and horse trailers). 1,500
4. Develop grassy area for parking and camping convenience of 2,000
those participating in large organized trail rides--approximately 50
horses and riders.
5. Develop 2 vault toilets at horseback riders lot and at lot near public 6,000
access.
TOTAL $13,500
Roads
Roads in this unit are in a deteriorated condition and need repair. These roads are necessary for recreational user conveyance
Proposed Actions Estimated Cost
1. Repair existing roads (this project isnecessary for
recreational use of the unit). $10,000
TOTAL $10,000
Bridge
The bridge at Funk Ford on the Zumbro River has deteriorated and should be redecked or closed for user safety. A decision concerning the bridge is pending the results of an engineering study to determine structural integrity. If it is feasible to redeck the bridge, the cost of repair will also be taken into account before a final decision is made. If the bridge is not redecked, a ford across the Zumbro River should be provided in association with the development of the horseback trail.
Proposed Actions Estimated Cost
1. Complete engineering study of bridge. in progress
2. Repair bridge if structurally stable pending and cost effective
outcome of engineering study
3. Construct ford of Zumbro River if bridge is not repaired
(in association with horse trail development).
Horse Watering Area
An area is necessary for watering horses. A well at the old building site adjacent to the proposed horse parking lot and open field area can be converted for this purpose. This well does not meet Minnesota Department of Health standards for human consumption, however, and must be signed notifying the public.
Proposed Actions Estimated Cost
1. Develop watering area at old well site. $ 1,000
TOTAL $ 1,000
Signs
Proper signing of an area is necessary for users' convenience and safety. The Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit is not properly signed at present. Proper signs are detailed in the DNR sign manual.
Proposed Actions Estimated Cost Estimated Cost
1. Properly sign all use areas and trails. $ 2,500
2. Provide "you are here" at all trailheads. 500
TOTAL $ 3,000
Incompatible Development
Unused old buildings in section 27 near the proposed parking lot and a hole containing an unused pressure tank near the public access are a hazard to users and should be removed.
Proposed Actions Estimated Cost Estimated Cost
1. Dispose of unused old buildings near proposed parking lot in section 27. $ 500
2. Fill hole and bury pressure tank near public access. 300
TOTAL $800
Zumbro Bottoms Management Unit Total Estimated Costs for Recreation Related
Development:
Grand Total $45,800*
*Figure does not include bridge redecking costs (see text)