July 10, 2025



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*Minnesota DNR News
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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*

July 10, 2025




*For more information:*

Contact the DNR Information Center

by email  <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367





In This Issue

* Dealing with storm-damaged trees [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* DNR accepting applications for $9 million in flood hazard mitigation grants [ #link_1491412003165 ]

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Dealing with storm-damaged trees

"Tips from the DNR and how to stay safe "

Downed trees near Lake Bemidji

Recent storms throughout the state have caused major tree damage, and cleanup following a storm can be overwhelming. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has some tips on dealing with storm-damaged trees. Many communities also have resources and guidelines, especially after major storm events. Consider reaching out to your city, county or township to learn more.

*Stay safe around damaged trees*


* Call 911 if you encounter downed power lines.
* Approach damaged trees with caution. Trees that are leaning, split or missing large limbs can be unpredictable and are safety hazards. Our storm damage webpage [ [link removed] ] has great advice on how to get started and work with a professional. (mndnr.gov/treecare/maintenance/stormdamage-prevention.html)
* Contact a professional arborist [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/treecare/hiring-arborist.html) for general pruning advice and tree removal. They are trained with safety in mind for themselves and the public while considering the long-term health of your trees. Also don’t forget to check their insurance and credentials.
* Use proper pruning techniques on branches you can safely handle. Avoid over-pruning trees already stressed by storm damage.

*Skip the burn pile*


* Chip, compost or haul brush to a collection site if possible. Escaped yard debris burns are the number one cause of wildfires in Minnesota. For more information, visit the composting for woodland owners page of the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/wildfire/prevention/debris-composting.html). 
* Check out the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Compost Facility Site Locator [ [link removed] ] to find a yard waste drop-off site near you. (pca.state.mn.us/business-with-us/community-composting)

If you do choose to burn, wait until winter and until debris has dried. Snow cover will help keep the fire from spreading.  Green branches also create smoky conditions and have a higher chance of reigniting later, leading to accidental fires. A permit is required to burn vegetative debris piles in Minnesota; you can learn more and request burning permits at mndnr.gov/burningpermit [ [link removed] ].

*Don’t rush decisions*


* Trees have an amazing ability to recover. A tree that looks bad now may survive with time and care. For tree care tips, visit mndnr.gov/tree-care [ [link removed] ].
* Consider removing trees if:
* More than half the tree is damaged
* Roots are damaged or the tree is leaning
* The trunk has multiple cracks from a recent storm

*Harvest downed and damaged trees in your woods*


* Contact a forester [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/foreststewardship/plan-writers.html) to determine if a salvage harvest makes sense for your woodland. Downed trees can lose value fast depending on the species, so it’s important to act early. Salvage and cleanup can also reduce the risk of wildfire and insect outbreaks. 
* Have a contract in place and check insurance coverage before allowing any logging or removal work.
* Contact your local DNR forester [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/woodlands/cfm-map.html) or county land department to coordinate opportunities with nearby salvage or cleanup operations.

Watch out for long-term issues that can develop over the next few years. Damaged limbs can decay over time, and pests can become a problem. The most immediate risk from spring or early summer storm damage is oak wilt [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/treecare/forest_health/oakwilt/identification.html). Bark beetles in damaged pines and twolined chestnut borer in damaged oaks are risks for the next several growing seasons. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional.

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DNR accepting applications for $9 million in flood hazard mitigation grants

"Applications for this round of funding due Aug. 11"

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting new and updated grant applications for the Flood Hazard Mitigation Grant Assistance Program. Under this program, the state provides cost-share grants to local governments for capital improvement projects designed to address long-term flood concerns.

Flood risk is continuously evolving, due to changes in land use, climate change, and the increased frequency and intensity of rain events. This grant program helps fund local government mitigation projects, including levees, floodwalls, pumping stations, flood storage facilities, diversion channels, water level control structures, and the acquisition and removal of flood prone- or flood-damaged structures. Feasibility studies are not eligible.

Project proposers are encouraged to review the Flood Hazard Mitigation Grant Prioritization Guidelines [ [link removed] ] prior to completing an application. The application form is available on the DNR FHM Grant Assistance Program webpage [ [link removed] ].

Although application periods for various FHM grants are always open, only those applications submitted by 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, using the application form currently on DNR’s webpage, will be considered for this round of funding. Applications received after this date, as well as those not selected for funding, will be considered for future appropriations. Award decisions for the current round of funding are expected to be finalized in fall 2025. All applicants will receive a response.

The FHM program was created by the Minnesota Legislature in 1987 to mitigate negative impacts associated with severe flooding [ [link removed] ] (files.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/flood_damage/fdr-history.pdf). The program is guided by Minnesota Statutes, Section 103F.161 and funded through legislative appropriations. Since the program’s inception, the DNR has granted over $600 million in state funds, supporting approximately 400 flood risk reduction projects throughout the state.

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minnesota department of natural resources [ [link removed] ]

*Minnesota Department of Natural Resources  |  mndnr.gov [ [link removed] ] *

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