Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Hwy 34

East of CR 29 to west of Osage

Current status: Clear zone work complete. MnDOT is conducting a study with the University of Minnesota ahead of selective logging.

Hwy 34 tree work

There are/were two separate projects planned on Highway 34 to address tree maintenance along the corridor:

Clear zone tree removals (COMPLETE): In preparation for the project, MnDOT removed trees from within the clear zone (approx. 65 feet from centerline) on both sides of the road. This work was performed for safety purposes and highway right of way maintenance. Tree removals varied throughout the corridor. Clear zone tree work was completed in March 2023.

Selective Logging (POSTPONED): MnDOT has plans to perform selective logging within the state highway right of way on the south side of Highway 34 from west of Snellman to the Shell River (approx. 7 miles). Selective logging will help reduce shading on the roadway to help reduce chloride (salt) use during winter months and improve highway safety.

MnDOT is currently conducting a study with the University of Minnesota to gather additional data on sunlight and pavement temperature, and to help ensure that we are only removing trees that are necessary to improve safety. Originally the study was scheduled to be done over the 2023-24 winter season; however, MnDOT is extending the study due to the non-typical winter. By extending the study for another year, MnDOT hopes to gather more data on the use of salt in the shaded areas vs. non-shaded area. Selective logging will not be scheduled until after the study is completed.

Highway 34 selective tree harvesting map from Snellman to the Shell River.

Addressing public concerns

Throughout the project development phase of this project, MnDOT received concerns regarding the tree removal work. We took these public comments seriously and met with several stakeholders to discuss solutions. Hearing these concerns, we made the following revisions to our plans for selective logging:

  • Originally MnDOT proposed an 85% removal of shade trees, with 15% of trees remaining out to 250 feet with unique contract for minimal impact harvest
  • First revision was a 75% removal of trees with 25% of trees remaining out to 150 feet
  • Final revision was a 50% removal of trees with 50% of trees remaining out to 100 feet. Special considerations for red and white pines were to be analyzed individually. Potential for a plan study to go beyond 100 feet.
  • Currently MnDOT is conducting a study with the University of Minnesota to gather additional data on sunlight and pavement temperature, and to help ensure that we are only removing trees that are necessary to improve safety.

We do our best to balance the needs between safety, environment and budget. You can find many answers to the common questions on our Question & Answer page.