Proposed Tree Clearing Along Highway 34 Causing an Uproar

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – A proposed tree clearing along Highway 34 this winter in preparation for a MnDOT resurfacing project has Lakes Area residents and vacationers up in arms.

The resurfacing project on Highway 34, from Becker County Road 29 to west of Osage, County Road 26/47 (old MN225) is schedule for construction in 2023. In preparation for that project, MnDOT says it is partnering with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to complete selective logging within the state right of way on the south side of Highway 34 from west of Snellman to the Shell River, and potentially on the north side of the highway in three locations near Toad Lake.  This winter, trees and vegetation will be cleared from the remaining portion of the future project, from County Road 29 to west of Snellman.

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 known as the Lakes Country Scenic Byway. “Large mature trees—iconic Red and White Pine, lofty Balsam, beautiful Spruce, Birch, Oak and more—are slated to be logged off and sold. These are the very trees that so majestically frame this memorable, picturesque drive and that helped qualify the stretch of highway for scenic designation in the first place,” said Willis Mattison with the Izaak Walton League, a national conservation organization.

MnDOT, however argues that the trees must be removed because they cause too much winter shading of the highway preventing the sun from melting snow and ice from the road surface.

A loose coalition that includes members of the local Izaak Walton League chapter, the Lake Country Scenic Byway Advisory Committee and local tourism groups have persuaded MnDOT officials to hold a public meeting to inform more people of the project and gather more input from the public. MnDOT officials in the Detroit Lakes office will hold a virtual public meeting on Wednesday, January 12th beginning at 5:30 P.M. with time for questions to follow the project presentation.

To register for the meeting you’re encouraged to visit https://www.dot.state.mn.us/d4/projects/hwy34/