Becker County to Ask State Transportation Commissioner to Reconsider Planned Cutting of Trees Along Lakes Country Scenic Byway

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – The Becker County Board of Commissioners will send a letter to the State of Minnesota asking them to reconsider their plan to clear 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.

The Lakes Country Scenic Byway Association had asked the County to pass a resolution to stop the cutting, however the County wouldn’t have the authority to halt the project.

“I’m not one to tell another agency that we don’t have any control over what they should be doing…but in this case we ask that they reconsider the cutting to that degree and feel there isn’t any benefit to do that extreme cutting,” said Commissioner Barry Nelson during Tuesday’s Board of Commissioners meeting.

Instead, the County will send a letter of support for residents, vacationers and organizations that have been concerned with the proposed tree cutting to the State Transportation Commissioner. The planned cutting is scheduled to begin in the Fall of 2022.