Bemidji, MN.
- The Northwest District of the Minnesota Department of Transportation
(Mn/DOT) will be reconstructing portions of Trunk Highway 64 south
of Akeley during 2005 and 2006 and plans are underway to take
protective measures of the state flowers that are in the path
of construction.
According
to Larry Puchalski, Mn/DOT Northwest District Environmental Coordinator,
"as part of Mn/DOT's commitment to environmental stewardship,
approximately 75-100 Showy Lady Slippers will be removed this
Friday from the ditches along Trunk Highway 64 where construction
will take place over the next several years." Puchalski said
the flowers would be relocated to the University of Minnesota
Arboretum in Chaska.
Puchalski
added, "In addition to the removal and transplanting of the
Lady Slippers, a tree protection plan has been drawn up for areas
of the new highway alignment in an attempt to save as many of
the large trees and native plant communities as possible while
not compromising safety."
Puchalski
said when the current roadway is obliterated, the area will be
restored to wetlands where possible and the upland areas will
be replanted with a combination of salvaged trees, transplants
and native seed mixes to restore the area to a more natural appearance.
The reconstruction
of Highway 64 during 2005 will extend from Highway 34 in Akeley,
south to the junction with Hubbard County Rd. 33. Reconstruction
in 2006 will extend from County Rd. 33 to the north junction with
Trunk Highway 87. Both projects will require traffic detours during
construction.
For road condition
and construction information dial 511 or log unto www.511mn.org.
See
ORANGE.
Work
Zones. Pay Attention or Pay the Price.