STORM DEBRIS PICKUP UPDATE – Major Crews Begin Monday
Posted: June 25, 2025
Northern Township will begin major storm debris pickup on or around Monday, June 30, starting in the hardest-hit neighborhoods around Lake Bemidji, with a focus on the Waville Road and Lavinia Road areas and Co Rd 20 to follow.
Smaller crews have already begun working in other areas, so all residents are encouraged to begin preparing their debris as soon as possible. This will be a large-scale effort and the full cleanup is expected to take several weeks or more. Your patience is appreciated.
Debris Guidelines:
• Only vegetative debris will be collected (branches, brush, and tree limbs and logs up to 8 feet in length)
• Do not include stumps, logs over 8 feet, construction materials, household waste, or any mixed piles
• Piles that contain excluded materials will be left in place
• Stack debris beside the road, not in the road
• Keep piles clear of mailboxes, utility poles, and culverts
A second pass through neighborhoods is likely, but most debris should be placed out now to ensure it is picked up during the first round. Property owners will be responsible for raking or cleaning up smaller debris left behind after pickup.
Pickup Prioritization and Timeline:
Crews will begin in the areas with the most concentrated damage and expand outward. A detailed schedule for each road is not yet available. Contractor availability remains the limiting factor.
Free Self-Haul Options (Available Now):
Residents who are able to transport their own debris are encouraged to use the free County drop-off sites:
1. Temporary site behind Target – 2115 23rd St NW (Tuesday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.)
2. Demolition Landfill – 2331 Plantagenet Rd SE (Tuesday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.)
Need Help?
• Cleanup assistance: Community Resource Connections – 218-333-0880 | crcinform.org
• Volunteers or to volunteer: United Way of Bemidji – 218-444-8929 | unitedwaybemidji.org/disaster-recovery
Safety Reminder:
Treat every downed power line as live.
• Beltrami Electric: 218-444-2540
• Otter Tail Power: 800-257-4044
• Call 911 for immediate danger
The Township Board will meet again on Monday, June 30 at 4 pm to review progress and determine next steps. Updates will be posted on our website and Facebook page.
Questions? Call the Township Office at 218-751-4989 or email chris.lahn@northerntownship.com
More info at: northerntownship.com