The June 2025 storm that tore through Bemidji and surrounding areas brought hurricane-force straight-line winds exceeding 100 mph, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Thousands of trees were uprooted or snapped, power lines were downed, and entire neighborhoods were transformed overnight.
For woodland owners, the damage to forests is not just emotional—it presents ecological, economic, and safety challenges. This guide provides practical steps for assessing and managing storm-damaged woodlands in northern Minnesota, helping landowners make informed decisions during recovery. (For help with individual landscape trees, see Storm damage to landscape trees.)
Quick links for finding help
Prioritize safety first
Hanging tree limbs are called “widowmakers” for a reason. Downed power lines, broken limbs, and unstable trees pose serious hazards. Before entering your woods, ensure it is safe to do so:
- Wait for utility crews to clear power lines.
- Wear protective gear: hard hats, gloves, boots, and eye protection.
- Avoid working alone in damaged areas.
Where to get help: If you're unsure about the safety of a tree or area, consult a certified arborist or forester.
Assess the damage
Walk your property and document the damage. This inventory will help you prioritize actions and may be useful for insurance or disaster relief applications. Using a notebook or smartphone:
- List the number and species of trees damaged.
- Note the type of damage (uprooted, snapped, broken limbs).
- Record location and severity of damage (scattered vs. concentrated).
Where to get help: The Minnesota DNR, your local Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Minnesota Forestry Association can advise you on how to make a damage inventory.
Decide what to salvage
“Salvage harvesting” refers to harvesting damaged wood. Salvage harvesting can recover some economic value from downed timber, but it must be done carefully to avoid further damage.
- Hire a professional forester to assess marketability and coordinate with loggers.
- Act quickly. Timber value declines rapidly due to staining, rot, and insect infestation.
- Consider leaving some dead trees and debris to provide wildlife habitat, stabilize soil and support biodiversity.
Where to get help: The Minnesota DNR and Soil and Water Conservation Districts can connect you with local service providers who can help set up a salvage harvest.
Plan for regeneration
Once the site is safe and salvage harvesting is complete, consider how your forest will regenerate.
- Natural regeneration may be sufficient if seed sources remain.
- Choose native species suited to your site if replanting is needed in severely damaged areas.
- Control competing vegetation to give seedlings a better chance.
Where to get help: Work with a local forester to develop a reforestation plan tailored to your goals and site conditions.
Watch for pests and disease
Storm-damaged trees are vulnerable to pests like bark beetles and fungal infections. Invasive species may take advantage of disturbed areas; monitor and manage them accordingly.
- Monitor for signs of infestation (boring holes, sawdust, discoloration).
- Remove and properly dispose of infested wood.
- Avoid moving firewood off-site to prevent spreading pests.
Where to get help: The Minnesota DNR has information on identifying and managing invasive species.
Seek financial and technical assistance
A large area of downed trees may seem overwhelming, especially considering the many risks involved in trying to clean it up yourself. You may be eligible for state or federal assistance to help with cleanup and restoration.
- Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) through the USDA.
- EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) for replanting and erosion control.
- State cost-share programs through the Minnesota DNR.
Where to get help: Contact your local NRCS office or DNR Forestry office for guidance on state and federal assistance programs.
Update your forest management plan
Use this event as an opportunity to revisit your long-term goals.
- Incorporate resilience strategies (e.g., species diversity, age class diversity).
- Plan for future disturbances (fire, wind, pests).
- Consider carbon storage, wildlife habitat, and recreation in your objectives.
Where to get help: A forester can help you revise your plan to reflect the new conditions and your evolving goals.
Connect with your community
You’re not alone. Many landowners in the Bemidji area are facing similar challenges. Community support can be invaluable during recovery.
- Tune in to local radio stations like KAXE/KBXE for updates and information about storm recovery.
- Attend workshops or webinars on post-storm forest management.
- Share your experiences and learn from others.
Where to get help: Contact the Minnesota Forestry Association to connect with other woodland owners or local professional foresters.
Understanding the ecological and emotional impacts
Storms like this one can drastically alter forest structure. While the loss of mature trees is heartbreaking, natural disturbances are part of forest dynamics. Openings in the canopy allow sunlight to reach the forest floor, encouraging regeneration, and dead wood provides habitat for wildlife and nutrients for the soil.
Still, damage to your home or landscape can be hard, and it’s important to take care of yourself. Learn how to manage stress and grief caused by big storms, tree loss and climate change.
This storm changed the landscape of northern Minnesota, but it also offers a chance to rebuild healthier, more resilient forests. With patience, planning, and the right support, your woodland can recover and thrive.