Blaine Wetland Sanctuary Boardwalk Project

For nearly two decades, the City of Blaine, Minnesota, worked to create a pathway through the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary—a unique and ecologically sensitive area designated as an exceptional natural value wetland. Home to a wide variety of wildlife and rare native plants, including endangered species, the sanctuary presented significant challenges for trail development.

A Pathway with Purpose

The boardwalk was designed to serve as both a key connector between neighborhoods and a destination for nature exploration. It needed to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic, while preserving the integrity of the wetland environment.

Engineering Around Environmental Constraints

Due to the fragile nature of the wetland, no vehicles could be driven on-site during installation. Additionally, the project required two 33-foot free-span bridges, one of which had to be removable to allow for periodic dredging every five years.

Innovative “Top-Down” Installation

Modular Trail Structures (MTS) rose to the challenge with a custom-engineered “top-down” installation process. This method allowed the boardwalk itself to support equipment and materials during construction, minimizing ground disturbance and protecting the sanctuary’s delicate ecosystem.