Xcel Energy to Extend Tree Clearance for Wildfire Prevention

Xcel Energy is implementing a new wildfire vegetation management plan, set to be in place by the end of 2027.

Because Marine on St. Croix is located in Tier 2, a medium-risk area, residents will see increased tree trimming near electrical poles. Clearance will extend to at least 10 feet, up from six feet previously, and inlcude removal of overhanging vegetation. Trimming will occur every three to five years.

How it Affects You

Xcel will attempt to provide advanced notice to landowners prior to work. However, under the terms of their utility access agreement, they may access facilities on private property and conduct maintenance to ensure safe and reliable service even if they are unable to communicate with owners.

Xcel may remove vegetation including trees or branches from trees that are too close to a power line, or that will grow too close to a power line. Many trees they remove are hazardous – dead, dying or diseased. They use specialized equipment, bucket trucks and climbing crews to remove trees. Smaller branches are chipped and hauled away, and larger branches will be cut into manageable sized lengths and left on site. In inaccessible areas requiring walk-in crews, debris will be cut and spread out, consistent with practices on U.S. Forest Service lands.

 

See Xcel Energy's Wildfire Mitigation Plan