Tree clearing to start on Pike Lake Road near Cascade River

Let the construction season begin.

Motorists, residents and visitors to Pike Lake Road near the Cascade River will soon observe some of the first signs of 2022 road construction when tree and brush clearing begins in March.

Cook County High Engineer Robbie Hass said the county needs to clear the right of way prior to summer construction, and all work in the right of way must be completed prior to March 31 due to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources restrictions for northern long-eared bat habitat.

The highway department contacted six companies for quotes on clearing along Pike Lake Road near the Cascade River Bridge. Only one company, Skildum & Company, LLC, responded with a quote of $32,500/week for approximately four weeks, Hass said during a meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners Feb. 22.

In an interview with WTIP’s Joe Friedrichs, Hass said there will be noticeable and significant tree clearing on the north side of Pike Lake Road near the bridge. The clearing is scheduled to begin in early March. Learn more in the audio below.

Joe Friedrichs February 25, 2022