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Tree removals in Kitchi Gammi Park (Brighton Beach) will begin in March

[DULUTH, MN] Tree removals within Kitchi Gammi Park (Brighton Beach) will begin in early March. The removal of trees within Brighton Beach is necessary for the construction of the road through Brighton Beach later this year. Removing the trees in the winter months, rather than completing removals in the spring, will reduce the potential disruption to birds and bats by avoiding nesting and migrating times. Please use caution when using the park and the trail during the tree removal period. There will be tree removal very close to the trail in some locations to construct connections from parking to the trail and park.

In addition to removal of trees within the road construction limits, there will be removal of invasive tree species within the park. Scotch pine, also known as Scots pine, is not native to Duluth and it outcompetes beneficial native species. Removal of these invasive trees will help to protect the native species planted during the park improvement project, and the existing native plants within the park.

The majority of park infrastructure and shoreline restoration was completed in the fall of 2023. There is temporary fencing throughout the park until the new landscaping becomes established. Remaining work includes the road construction, installation of signage, and placement of park amenities. There will be no events, programming, or park reservations allowed at Brighton Beach until road construction is complete.

The Brighton Beach Mini-Master Plan Update, adopted August 19, 2019, called for extension of the Lakewalk, relocation of the road away from the shoreline, and restoration of the shoreline. Brighton Beach has had repeated storm damage from Lake Superior, and it will experience future damage unless the City acts to ensure its long-term resiliency by mitigating the impacts of future events.

For more information about the project, or to submit questions or comments, please visit: https://duluthmn.gov/parks/parks-planning/progress-in-the-park/brighton-beach/

Storm damaged shoreline restoration work was supported through the State of Minnesota and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Park improvements are supported by the Parks Capital Fund and City Bonding.

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