DETROIT LAKES (KFGO KDLM) – Senator Kent Eken is speaking up after MNDOT has announced a plan to move forward on a tree removal project along the Highway 34 Lakes Country Scenic Byway.
MNDOT plans to clear portions of trees as soon as November 1 before beginning a resurfacing project on Highway 34 from Becker County Road 29 to west of Osage. Trees would be removed to create a “clear zone” where an out-of-control vehicle could come to a safe stop. Additionally, selective logging would be done on portions of the road to allow better penetration of the sun which could help with snow and ice melt.
Eken, a Democrat from Audubon, said the argument to remove trees along the road has always been for public safety, but he worries the information provided by MNDOT may not be strong enough. “A lot of the evidence that they used to try to justify the removal of the trees is anecdotal. I think we need to do more research to make sure the evidence is concrete that it is actually going to achieve the goal of increasing public safety,” Eken said.
Some residents, conservation, and tourism groups have tried to stop the logging. They contend the project would significantly alter the character of one of the most scenic drives in Minnesota.
The cost of the project, including the resurfacing, has increased from the initial estimate of $8.9 million to approximately $13 million.
