Native American burial mound restoration on County Road 101 project

Hennepin County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 05/13/2015 04:07 PM CDT
Generic Save the Date AB banner

County Road 101 reconstruction project in Minnetonka, Wayzata and Woodland

Burial mound restoration

burial-mound-location

Hennepin County and the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council are working on restoration of Native American burial mounds on the County Road 101 reconstruction project in Minnetonka.

Currently, the MIAC and a contractor for Hennepin County are doing further investigation of the site as well as restoration activities. The work by Hamline University will occur through June depending on weather. They will be recovering artifacts and disturbed remains which will then be restored in burial mounds. 

This is a sacred and private site, please be respectful and stay behind any fencing. 

Roundabout area redesign

The previously planned roundabout cannot be built without disturbing the intact burial mounds. The county is currently working with a consultant and the cities of Minnetonka, Wayzata and Woodland on a redesign of the roundabout area. The county is looking at how to modify the design to introduce a curve providing greater sight lines and adequate width for the safe passage of all vehicles through the County Road 101/Breezy Point intersection.

Background

A roundabout was planned in the area of County Road 101 and Breezy Point Road in Minnetonka.

Hennepin County had commissioned studies conducted by independent parties, to determine if the burial mounds in this area were still intact. Those studies indicated the mounds were no longer intact and the county could proceed with work in the area.

In fall 2014, reconstruction work began and a consultant archeologist was on site to monitor excavation.

On October 11, 2014, bone fragments were discovered during excavation and work was halted. The consultant immediately notified the county, Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) and the Minnesota Office of the State Archaeologists about the discovery. On October 13, the state archaeologist and MIAC began investigating the site.

Throughout the winter, the crews covered the site and installed fencing to secure the area.

Contact information

Hotline: 866-981-1101 

Email: countyroad101@hennepin.us

Website: www.hennepin.us/countyroad101       

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/hennepinCR101