Right-of-Way Program & Vegetation Management Projects

Crow Wing Power's commitment to safe and reliable electrical service is represented by its continued management of vegetation along power lines. It is the objective of Crow Wing Power to manage vegetation within and adjacent to power line right-of-ways in a cost-effective manner that ensures safe conditions for its employees and the public; reliable uninterrupted electrical service to its members; clear access to lines for maintenance; and reduced workloads for future maintenance. To learn more about Crow Wing Power's Right of Way Program, visit the Right of Way page.

Crow Wing Power schedules maintenance to provide tree clearance for a period of six or more years. The cost of vegetation management is shared equally by all Crow Wing Power members.

  • Landscape Trees
    • Trees planted under lines and trees requiring severe pruning are selected for removal. Stumps are not removed.
    • Trees located outside the power line right-of-way are pruned as needed.
    • Branches from live trees are chipped, and larger wood is left on site.
  • Beyond the Home Landscape
    • A 20-30 foot corridor is cleared of trees and brush.
    • Trees located outside the cleared corridor that pose a danger to the lines are cut down.
    • Debris from clearing is mulched on site or left at the edge of the corridor. Wood is the property of the landowner. 

Trees contacting power lines are a primary cause of power outages. When tree limbs grow too close to power lines, hey can cause damage or interrupt service. They may also create a safety hazard. Electrical shock can occur when a person touches a tree that is in contact with a live wire, especially during damp weather. Trees in contact with wires have also caused wildfires. A clear right-of-way allows access for line personnel and equipment to restore power after a storm.

Before planting, consider the mature size and crown spread of trees. Trees maturing to over 15' in height should be planted at least 25' from power lines.

See recommended planting diagram and website for a list of compatible species. 

Always call for a locate of underground utilities before you dig. Call Gopher State One-Call at 1.800.252.1166 two work days ahead.

Do not plant over or near underground lines or cabinets.

tree planting diagram

When feasible, lines can be moved or located underground at the member's expense.

ACTIVE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PROJECTS

Info about work area 1

Last Updated: 3/23/26 

Location(s): Crosslake - from Whitefish Lake to Duck Lake, Lake Ossi, and Clear Lake including areas within

About the Project Work Area: New Age Tree Service of MN, Inc. has been hired to do tree and brush clearing in this area, and is expected to take several months to complete.

Within landscaped areas:

  • Trees will be pruned for up to 7 years of clearance. Required clearance will vary by species.
  • Service wires (between the transformer and meter) will receive 5 feet of pruning clearance.
  • Trees growing close to primary wires may be selected for removal.
  • Dead, diseased or infested trees may be removed to a safe height with no debris cleanup.
  • Logs and wood will be left on site, while healthy branches will be chipped.
  • Stumps will not be removed.

Outside landscaped areas:

  • Woody vegetation will be cleared back to the mature wooded edge, generally 20 feet on both sides of the line (conductors).
  • Trees and brush may be cleared mechanically or treated with herbicide.
  • Hazardous trees outside the corridor may be removed or pruned to a safe height.

 

map

Work Area 2 info

map

The herbicide method is a foliar application applied directly to the leaves of smaller, nuisance tree species. The herbicides used are chosen to encourage native grasses and flowers to colonize. All herbicide applications are done by professional applicators licensed by the State of Minnesota through the Department of Agriculture. All products are approved for use in the rights-of-way by the U.S. EPA and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Special precautions are taken around wetlands, waterways, grazing lands and gardens. Please contact New Age Tree Service at 1-866-248-2661 or Crow Wing Power if you would like more information or have concerns about the herbicide application.

Our easement allows us to perform this necessary maintenance in order to ensure safe and reliable power to your area. However, if you have any questions please feel free to contact us at 1-800-648-9401. For more information, you may also visit our website (cwpower.com) and click on Right of Way Program under the Outages & Safety tab. We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to improve service to your home or business.

Todd Kazelka
Resource & Planning Coordinator
Crow Wing Power
1-800-648-9401

Todd Olerud
New Age Tree Service
1-866-248-2661

Owen Gluck
Right of Way Supervisor
Crow Wing Power
ISA Certified Arborist WI-1327A
1-800-648-9401