Violent Storm Causes Widespread Damage at Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve
6/24/2025
Bemidji, MN, June 24, 2025. A powerful early summer storm swept through Bemidji and the surrounding area over the weekend. The catastrophic storm caused extensive damage to the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve. Straight-line winds have produced downed trees blocking access to roads, trails, and buildings.
Although the Lehman Lab and the Jeep shed sustained minor structural damage, the most significant impact is to the roads and trails. Our team is assessing the damage and so far, it is clear there will be no quick fix.
Currently, all trails and roadways are closed at Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve. Also, the southern Spearhead Lake boat access is impassable, obstructed by fallen trees. The lake access is closed and blocked for safety. The public is cautioned to avoid the area for their safety and to allow crews to work. Updates can be found on the Mississippi Headwater Audubon Society Facebook page.
The NSNP depends on support from volunteers for trail work, clean-up, maintenance, and programming. MHAS President, Peter Buesseler wants all our volunteers and the public to know, “At this time, we are not organizing a volunteer chainsaw crew. We will need professional help clearing the road and large trees near buildings. After that, there will be plenty of cleanup work for all of us.”
To support restoration efforts at the Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve, please consider making a donation at: https://bit.ly/HelpNSNP.
The Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve was entrusted to the Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society in the 1970s. It is a place for solitude, peaceful enjoyment, and connection to nature. As the steward of the preserve, MHAS is committed to conserving the land for education, scientific research, and low-impact recreation. The MHAS is your local chapter of the National Audubon Society with a mission is to foster understanding, appreciation, and care for the natural world.
Learn more:
For interviews, or group visit inquiries, contact:
Beth Drost, Outreach Coordinator
Mississippi Headwaters Audubon Society
Neilson Spearhead Nature Preserve
beth@spearheadmhas.org
http://www.spearheadmhas.org
