As a part of its Riverpointe project, the city of St. Charles takes over maintenance of the popular outdoor destination from St. Charles County

By Brett Auten

Protecting and preserving Bangert Island was at the forefront of conversation around St. Charles City Hall.

Last week, at a press conference at the Foundry Art Centre, St. Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer announced that he is forming a Mayor’s Task Force on Bangert Island to ensure representation from all parties interested in the preservation of it and the Riverpointe Development.

As part of the initial phase of development in the Riverpointe project, the city is making a significant investment in the amenities of- fered at the Bangert Island Nature Preserve, including the addition of a lake feature separating Riverpointe from the preserve.

Nearly 40 acres of new wetland area is being created, as well as an additional 17.5 acres being added to the Bangert Island preserve. According to officials, this will substantially increase the preserve’s biodiversity and create a serene aquatic resource surrounding the existing bicycle and pedestrian trails located within the island. New kayaking and other non-motorized recreational water activities will also be made possible thanks to this additional natural feature.

“Our investment in this natural preserve will make the Riverpointe development more attractive to residents and visitors alike; and, hikers, bikers, and kayakers will love exploring the incredible new wetlands feature we’re adding to the development,” Borgmeyer said.

Bangert Island is a 3.6-mile loop trail that was generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of one hour and five minutes to complete. This was a very popular area for birding, hiking and mountain biking.

It was announced in mid-February

See ‘ISLAND’ page 2 that after discussions between the St. Charles City and St. Charles County, it was determined that the ongoing maintenance and control of the park was better suited under the city. Both entities mutually agreed to terminate the existing maintenance lease to ensure the improvements were completed on time and according to the development plan.

“Bangert Island has been a popular destination for off-road cycling for many years,” County Executive Steve Ehlmann said. “But with the development of the city’s Riverpointe in that area over the next several years, Bangert Island Park will be inaccessible for us and it would be difficult for us to continue to maintain the trails.”

Ehlmann said the county council passed an ordinance in 2007 authorizing a 30-year lease on the land with an agreement with the Missouri Conservation Commission that the use of the island was limited to use as a nature preserve and trail system.

In 2015, the Conservation Commission reverted the land back to the original donor family, who in turn sold the land to the city of St. Charles. The agreement stipulated that the 30-year-lease, which would have expired on Nov. 30, 2037, to the county remained and that the original Bangert Island of approximately 160 acres would be maintained as a wildlife area.

“Over the years, the county has maintained trails and has provided a recreational area for residents and visitors,” Ehlmann said. “The parks department developed

Boone Trails hosts ‘Winter Survival Skills’ event

the original trail system, cleaned up after flooding and maintained the area.”

The city of St. Charles will oversee the area and has agreed to reimburse the county $236,000, which is the county’s actual costs for leasing, constructing trails and maintaining the island for the past 16 years.

Last week was dubbed an important step in the future of the Riverpointe project. It was previously reported that Chicken N Pickle, a bar-restaurant with indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, bocce courts and more, is the first piece lined up for the development.

Public access to Bangert Island trails will be temporarily cut off while the city removes trees that have grown in the channel.

On Jan. 28, the Boone Trails District held its annual Winter Klondike event, themed “Winter Survival Skills,” at Beaumont Scout Reservation. Just under 200 Scouts and adult volunteers came to the event where scouts earned Search and Rescue, Wilderness Survival, and Fire Safety merit badges. Scouts also participated in the highlight of the event – the “Klondike Derby” sled race.

“All in all, the 2023 Winter Klondike was a huge success,” said Alexavier A., a scout from Troop 533 of Cottleville, who served as an assistant campmaster for the Klondike. “I don’t think we could’ve asked for better weather or a more fun event!”

Alexavier was one of many Scouts who planned and carried out the event.

Boone Trails District serves the youth of St. Charles, Lincoln and Warren counties and is one of over 20 in the Greater St. Louis Area Council. Winter Klondike is one of many events Boone Trails hosts that keeps scouts busy throughout the year.