The Trip Between Little Falls and Brainerd Gets a Little More Scenic

Minnesota grown plants will be installed along the west side Highway 371 just north of Little Falls and south of Fort Ripley beginning early June, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

The plantings should create a living snow fence-a natural barrier that will disrupt the flow of wind blown snow preventing it from reaching the roadway.

Dan Gullickson, a forester and Mn/DOT's project manager, said the program creates benefits for both participants and the public. Mn/DOT benefits from lower highway maintenance costs for plowing and removing ice and snow in fence-protected areas. The public gains a safer trip on a highway more likely to be free of drifts and icy patches.

The impact on traffic will be minimal since the work is conducted off the roadway. .

Work is expected to be completed by July 20.