In partnership with MnLTAP and the Minnesota Local Road Research Board, Nicollet County piloted a new information-sharing event in April — Gravel Roads Shop Talk: A Session for Supervisors and Operators. Facilitated by Nicollet County public works director Mike Suska and maintenance supervisor Devron Havemeier, the “solution swap” event focused on practical guidance for gravel road design, construction, and maintenance.
The event drew 46 attendees to discuss topics ranging from materials and standards to common issues experienced in the field. Supervisors and operators also participated in an open “tips and tools” roundtable, during which they chatted with peers about best practices for success. “The most discussed topic was the process of reclaiming shoulders and in-slopes during the spring season,” Suska said. “With Nicollet County recently obtaining the OPERA-sponsored Rotating Tine Sod Mulcher/Reclaimer, it sparked a fantastic conversation … We even had some agencies drive to our shop to look at it after the meeting.”
