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The environmental review for endangered northern long eared bat and Blandings turtle species, living in the immediate vicinity of the upcoming Highway 8 reconstruction project, is well underway. Affected city segments along the project from Wyoming to Chisago City Karmel Avenue, are signing off on final layouts. Chisago County Engineer Joe Triplett reports the target to start highway work in 2026 remains.  

Potential alterations to landscape, where the northern long eared bat lives, will be addressed through a conservation fund established for road projects. The budget for the Hwy. 8 work plan does include contributing $100,000 for the fund, Triplett reported.  

Blandings turtles are going to get assistance migrating from wet areas to where they traditionally lay eggs.  The plan is directing the turtles to travel beneath the new, larger highway roadbed in culverts.   Strategically locating chainlink fence and using topography, creating crossings will allow turtle access to nursery spots,  and helps to mitigate loss of turtles when a much wider roadway obstructs their route.   Triplett cautioned the Blandings turtle mitigation plan is not signed-off on yet, and costs are being worked out.

While this first phase of major Highway 8 safety and capacity improvements is being finalized— a second highway corridor study has been announced.  MNDOT is developing plans for the length of Highway 8 from Chisago City to Taylors Falls, tentatively slated for advancing in 2032, along with a scheduled pavement resurfacing.

Any member of the public can ask for email notices about this east half upcoming study and the not yet scheduled meetings or open house dates.  For people with accessibility requests (large print, second language, etc.)  contact Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 relay service 711 for reasonable accommodations, or send an email to: [email protected].

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