Vegetation Management: Clearing the Path // August 2025 CEO Column

As we work our way through the end of summer, the potential for severe weather—and the outages that can occur as a result—continues to be as strong as it was in early June. Vegetation management (VM), LREC’s proactive and systematic approach to maintaining acceptable tree, shrub, and other growth around power lines and easements, plays a significant role in mitigating future service interruptions caused by overgrown or fallen branches and other debris and improving reliability for our members.

To help control vegetation interference and/or ensure LREC linemen are able to access the source of an outage and restore power as quickly and safely as possible, we’ve allocated $2.6M toward VM efforts that will allow for clear right-of-way (ROW) to power lines. Nine projects involving trimming and other work around utility poles were identified as critical for the year; to date, five have been completed, encompassing almost 140 miles of overhead line in the Cormorant, Dent, Stalker Lake, and Dora Township areas. Of the four projects yet to be completed, two are located around Elizabeth and Dent, currently underway with completion planned by the end of the year. The remaining two—an additional Elizabeth area and Frazee—are planned but have yet to enter production. Routine spraying and mowing will continue throughout our service area as well.

As our crews move forward, we want to make sure our members are kept in the loop regarding guidance and expectations found in our VM policy. Some key need-to-knows can be found below:

• LREC’s VM maintenance cycle involves cutting, mowing, and the application of an EPA-approved herbicide every two years as needed.
• If VM efforts are needed in an area owned by a member, personal property (vehicles, trailers, etc.) should be removed from the ROW corridor before the process begins.
• Removal of cut branches, brush, or debris as a result of ROW clearing or storms is the responsibility of the member.
• LREC is not responsible for VM (trimming, etc.) around member-owned lines beyond the point of metering. However, upon request, LREC will de-energize the lines so members can trim or remove trees safely.
• Service order requests outside of scheduled projects will be accepted and completed by either LREC or our contracted VM partner, Carr’s Tree Service, when not in our regular trimming cycle.

Minimum ROW clearance requirements are dependent on multiple factors, including distance from lines and tree-specific height and diameter measurements. Complete information can be found within our VM policy, available upon request by contacting our Arborist at (218) 863-9820. In addition, details on our VM tools and planting recommendations can be found by visiting the Vegetation Management page at www.lrec.coop/vm.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions. With your cooperation, we look forward to working together toward better service outcomes.

Cooperatively yours,

Joel Janorschke, CEO