Becker County Asked to Pass Resolution to Stop MnDOT From Cutting Trees Along Lakes Country Scenic Byway

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – The Becker County Board of Commissioners have been asked to help stop the proposed cutting of trees along the Lakes Country Scenic Byway.

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 traverse 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. Members of the Lakes Country Scenic Byway Association have sent the county a proposed resolution that if adopted would attempt to restrict the cutting of trees along the highway.

“The resolution will go with letters of support to legislators, the transportation commissioner and so forth that have a little more leverage…this is their (MnDOT District 4) protocol for highways and we’re saying this is a scenic byway that was designated in 1999 by a program under MnDOT so shouldn’t it have different protocols for what you do on it.” said Cleone Stewart, Director at Detroit Lakes Tourism Bureau and Regional Chamber of Commerce. “A lot of byways you don’t see these mature majestic pines that they just want to cut down – you can’t replace them.”

It’s not clear if the county has the authority to stop or alter the MnDOT project, but a resolution would at least give opponents of MnDOT’s current plan a little weight.

Commissioners plan to review the proposed resolution at their next Commission meeting.

A copy of the proposed resolution is below, for a full breakdown of the project visit the MnDOT project website.