Lakes Country Scenic Byway (Photo: KDLM)
DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (KFGO KDLM) – Residents voiced their concerns to the Minnesota Department of Transportation over a proposed tree clearing along Highway 34 during a virtual public meeting Wednesday.
MnDOT plans to clear portions of trees along the Lakes Country Scenic Byway before beginning a resurfacing project on Highway 34, from Becker County Road 29 to west of Osage.
Trees will be removed 65 feet from both sides of the center of Highway 34 in what’s called a “clear zone” where an out-of-control vehicle can negotiate safely. Additionally, selective logging will be done on portions of the road to allow better penetration of the sun on the roadway which helps with snow and ice melt.
Many lakes area residents, conservation, and tourism groups contend the project would significantly alter the character of one of the most scenic drives in Minnesota.
Witt Corwin, who participated in the virtual public meeting said he fears a large swath of trees will be removed in the most beautiful section of the road, “I’ve been on this road upwards of 70 years, I went back yesterday with snowshoes and a measuring tape to get a handle on what the distances are. I wish it was 65 feet, but I typically measured 40 feet – which tells me a very wide swath of trees are going to be destroyed. It always impressed me that this is a highway that you drive down and feel like you’re in the trees.”
Nearly 70 people attended the meeting on, Wednesday and nearly all the comments directed at MnDOT were concerned with the number of trees that may need to be cut or the potential damage of meadows of Lady Slippers that highlight portions of the drive.
MnDOT said they had worked with a number of groups and individuals to reduce the removal of trees in some locations to make compromises to achieve everyone’s goals and felt the damage to Lady Slippers would be minimal.
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