Northern Township Storm-Debris Cleanup Assistance
Posted June 23, 2025
Beltrami County has declared a state of emergency following the unprecedented storm of June 21, 2025. In response, the Northern Township Board has authorized Township-funded contractors to remove storm-related vegetative debris placed along road rights-of-way (ROW).
1. What the Township Will Collect
- Storm debris only (branches, brush, tree limbs and logs).
- Maximum length: 8 feet.
- Excluded items: construction materials, stumps, logs over 8 feet, household waste, or mixed piles. Any pile containing excluded materials will be left behind.
2. How and Where to Stage Debris
- Place debris next to the roadway ROW, not in the traveled portion of the road.
- Keep piles clear of utility poles, fire hydrants, and mailboxes to allow safe pickup.
3. Pickup Sequence and Timing
- Contractors will begin in the areas around Lake Bemidji that sustained the heaviest damage.
- Because contractors are also assisting throughout the region, specific street-by-street schedules cannot be guaranteed. Crews are expected to start Tuesday, June 24. Progress will be reviewed at special meeting of the Township Board meeting next week, and additional measures will be announced if needed.
4. Safety Reminders
Downed power lines: Always assume lines are live. Report hazards immediately:
• Beltrami Electric – 218-444-2540
• Otter Tail Power – 800-257-4044
• Call 911 if there is immediate danger.
Tree-service contractors: Verify that any contractor you hire is licensed and insured. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture maintains a searchable registry of registered tree-care professionals.
5. Assistance for Residents With Cleanup
Community Resource Connections (CRC) is the primary contact for residents who need help arranging—and potentially paying for—debris removal.
- Phone: 218-333-0880
- Website: crcinform.org
CRC will assess individual needs and, when available, connect homeowners to financial assistance or volunteer labor.
6. Volunteer Opportunities
United Way of Bemidji is coordinating volunteer teams.
- To volunteer: 218-444-8929 or unitedwaybemidji.org/disaster-recovery
7. Drop-Off Options for Tree Debris
Residents who prefer to haul their own material may use either location below (tree debris only):
| Site | Address | Hours this week |
| Temporary Site (Field behind Target) | 2115 23rd St NW, Bemidji | Tue–Sat, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. (opens Tue, Jun 24 at 9 a.m.) |
| County Demolition Landfill | 2331 N. Plantagenet Rd SE, Bemidji | Tue–Fri, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.–noon |
8. Questions
If you have additional questions that are not addressed above, please contact the Township office:
Northern Township
Phone: 218-751-4989
Email: chris.lahn@northerntownship.com
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work together to restore our community.