DNR, Ameren Missouri Reach Rock Island Trail Agreement

Ameren Missouri and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have reached an initial agreement to advance the conversion of a former railroad line into a 144-mile bike trail. 

In December, the two organizations signed an Interim Trail Use Agreement to transfer ownership of the Rock Island Line Corridor to DNR after fundraising efforts are complete. The Missouri Central Railroad Company, a subsidiary of Ameren Missouri, currently owns the line and took the first steps to donate it to the state in late 2014. 

“Today’s trail agreement marks a significant milestone in Ameren Missouri’s efforts to donate the remaining 144 miles of the scenic Rock Island Corridor to the state for possible use as a recreational trail,” said Mark Birk, senior vice president of customer and power operations for Ameren Missouri. “Over the last several years, we have been preparing the land for future use by clearing vegetation and removing steel and railroad ties. We will continue to work toward the vision of this trail one day becoming a world-class biking destination that will benefit the communities along the trail.”

The Interim Trail Use Agreement ensures the preservation of the former railroad corridor for future transportation use and facilitates the eventual donation of the property to the department for recreational trail use. 

“Successfully negotiating an Interim Trail Use Agreement was a crucial first objective in this process, and I’m glad we finally reached it,” said Dru Buntin, deputy director of the Department of Natural Resources. “It’s important to remember that this was just the first step on what promises to be a long journey. We can all envision a world-class trail while acknowledging there will be some challenges between here and there.”

The state noted that if adequate funds are raised, the trail – which would stretch from Windsor, Missouri, to Beaufort, Missouri – would be developed in sections. Once the trail is developed it is planned to connect to the Katy Trail, creating a 400-mile trail loop in the state.

Leading the fundraising effort is the Missouri State Parks Foundation, a nonprofit organization established to support Missouri’s state park system. 

“We are looking forward to working closely with the Missouri State Parks Foundation on this project,” said Mike Sutherland, interim division director of Missouri State Parks. “The scope of this project is massive, but the foundation is uniquely positioned to bring together a wide array of supporters into a diverse partnership that is unified behind a single goal.”