2 Weeks After Storm, Felled Trees Still Litter Metro

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Two weeks ago, the metro was moments from a historic storm, as more Minnesotans ended up losing power than ever before.

And then there were the downed trees.

The city of Minneapolis said that for those that still remain, it will get to them -- all in all, 2,000 trees have been hauled away.

Minneapolis Park and Recreation board member Robin Smothers said its first priority is to clear the road, then boulevard trees from homes, garages and other structures are focused on.

Next up will be boulevard trees that pose a hazard of toppling due to further storm damage. Last come trees in parks.

Smothers said 75 Minneapolis Park Board forestry crew members -- and six City of Minneapolis street crew members -- are working hard on the removal.

But for people responsible for their own trees, the excavation of trees can costs thousands of dollars.

Freida Shaprio, 99, lives in St. Louis Park and she's stuck with a sticky situation with a felled tree on her property.

So she called the Nechama Jewish Response to Disaster and the group took care of her for free.