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A 21-mile road reclamation and resurfacing project on State Highway 34 in Becker County has caught the attention of environmentalists and nature lovers across Minnesota, drawing just over 80 people to a virtual open house on the project that was hosted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation on Wednesday, Jan. 12. Of particular concern: A plan to remove 75% of the trees and vegetation in the project's "clear zone," due to the route's status as part of the Lake Country Scenic Byway as well as being a known area for viewing large numbers of Minnesota's state flower...

The skeptics had their say at a virtual open house hosted by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) on Wednesday, Jan. 12, to discuss its plans for rehabilitating a 21-mile stretch of State Hwy. 34 between County Roads 29 and 47 in Becker County.

MnDOT says the tree-cutting is necessary to make the highway safer, but opponents say the plan violates the spirit of the state’s scenic byway program, which has included Highway 34 for over 20 years.

MnDOT says the tree-cutting is necessary to make the highway safer, but opponents say the plan violates the spirit of the state’s scenic byway program, which has included Highway 34 for over 20 years.

In the seven miles from Snellman to the Shell River before Osage, MnDOT plans for a contractor to clear-cut all trees 55 feet along the south side of Highway 34, as well as 75% of trees in their right-of-way beyond the clear cutting. A virtual public meeting is set for Wednesday, Jan. 12.