Nordic Ski Trail in West Duluth Raises Concerns

Proposed Trail Goes Through Buffer-Zone

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A proposed Nordic trail center near Spirit Mountain isn’t sitting well with some residents.

The trail, complete with light and snow-making capabilities from Spirit Mountain is part of a River Corridor initiative, generated by the city of Duluth.

Some locals are worried the trails would be built on a development-free buffer zone.

The area was established in the 1980’s when city councilors at the time passed a resolution prohibiting expansion of Spirit Mountain.

“It does not have any binding force on the current city council but from my perspective as a city councilor I think it’s important to take those kind of promises that we make seriously, because there is a moral obligation to respect promises that are made to neighbors,” said Second District Duluth City Councilor Joel Sipress.

The next step won’t come until this fall when a more detailed route and proposal is brought before city councilors.