Burning Permits
A burning permit grants the individual holder the right to burn small amounts of dry leaves, plant clippings, brush, and clean untreated-unpainted wood if weather conditions do not pose a fire hazard.
An online burning permit is a convenient way to get your permit. You can activate it through your online account or by phone as often as needed (if conditions are safe to burn). It costs $5.00 (transaction fee) and is good for the calendar year. If you anticipate having more than one fire during a calendar year, please consider an annual permit. For more information, click on the link below:
Burning permit information | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)
A written burning permit can be obtained through an active local fire warden at no cost. It is good for one or three continuous days, as listed on the permit. Contact the local fire warden below to obtain a 1-day or 3-day burning permit:
Dale Thomforde (507-226-1082)
Mankato-Mississippi River Transmission (MMRT) Project
Some Recent Possibly Good News for New Haven Township
On October 30, 2025, the Honorable Ann C. O’Reilly issued a “Report of the Administrative Law Judge” on the Mankato – Mississippi River Transmission Project. In the 100+ page report, the Administrative Law Judge recommended that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) grant a Route Permit for the four segments of the Project, including “Route Segment 12 (also known as the CapX Co-Locate Option) for
Segment 4 [referred to in the FEIS as Route Option D]”. This is the only option for Segment 4 that doesn’t go through New Haven Township. Later in 2025, the MN PUC will use this report to help make a determination of the final route.
The MN PUC Energy Infrastructure Permitting (EIP) staff recommends the Segment 4 CapX Co-Locate Option, which doesn’t go through New Haven Township. (August 15, 2025)
On August 1, 2025, Excel Energy added support for the selection of FEIS Segment 4 Route Option D (also known as the Segment 4 CapX Co-Locate Option) which doesn’t go through New Haven Township. This is in addition to supporting the selection of FEIS Segment 4 Route Option A (previously known as the Xcel Energy Segment 4 preferred route), which does go through New Haven Township and follows 75th Street/Highway 63 east of Highway 52.
The MnDNR supports the selection of Segment 4 CapX Co-Locate Option, which doesn’t go through New Haven Township. (June 10, 2025)
Other MMRT Project News
In the beginning of October 2025, Xcel Energy mailed a September update on the MMRT Project to all possibly affected landowners and other public officials. Click below to view the mailing:
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) released a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on July 25, 2025. Written comments were accepted through August 15, 2025.
Note: Some Segment 4 routing alternatives will affect some properties in New Haven Township.
Click below to view the Segment 4 routing alternatives:
Click below to view the exhibits presented with comments by Dale Thomforde at the PUC Public Hearing at the Zumbrota VFW, on May 28, 2025.
Summary: The Segment 4 CapX Co-Locate Option (also known as the Segment 4 Route Option D in the FEIS) was proposed to essentially parallel the existing CapX 2020 route from the North Rochester Substation (near Pine Island) to Chester Junction. The Segment 4 CapX Co-Locate Route Option D is unique because it impacts the fewest residences, has the shortest length, and the lowest estimated cost. The Segment 4 CapX Co-Locate Route Option D has 13 residences within 500 feet, versus about 98 residences within 500 feet for the Xcel Energy other preferred Segment 4 Route Option A. The Segment 4 CapX Co-Locate Route Option D is about 16.4 miles long, which is about 5.7 miles shorter than the Xcel Energy other preferred Segment 4 Route Option A of 22.1 miles. The Segment 4 CapX Co-Locate Route Option D has an estimated cost of $41.1 million, which is $28.6 million less than the Xcel Energy other preferred Segment 4 Route Option A, with an estimated cost of $69.7 million.
For more information on the MMRT Project, click on the link below to an external website. Detailed maps of the alternative routes are available on the ‘Segments’ page. There is an interactive map that includes a zoom function and satellite view for more detail.
Please contact Supervisor Dale Thomforde (507-226-1082) if you have any questions or concerns regarding the impact of the MMRT Project to New Haven Township.
Work / Obstructions in Township Road Right-of-Way
Residents are reminded that it is unlawful to perform any work or prohibited actions within the Township’s road right-of-way without prior approval. Under Minn. Stat. § 160.2715 it is a criminal misdemeanor to perform unauthorized work within the road right-of-way.
Prohibited actions within the Township’s road right-of-way include, but are not limited to, the following: depositing snow, plowing, planting of crops, trees or shrubs, erecting a fence, installing posts or flags, erecting driveway headwalls, digging holes, removing earth, removing gravel or rock, obstructing ditch drainage, placing or maintaining any building, placing unauthorized advertisements, as well as any other unauthorized activity.
Click below for the forms to apply for Temporary Construction Permits:
House Number Fire Sign Application
New Haven Township residents can purchase fire signs for $50, including installation. Click below to view the house-number fire sign application and details.
Campaign Certification of Filing
Under Minnesota Statute 211A.02 subd. 6, the Campaign Financial Report Certifications of Filing can be viewed by selecting the year below: