Notes and tips for woodland stewardship in Minnesota's forests
Webinar today!
Minnesota's Changing Forests from 1935 to Today

The first statewide forest survey in 1935 has been restored and compared with forest conditions of today. Findings show the evolution of forest survey focus and methodology and dramatic changes in forest conditions from a young forest arising from widespread disturbance to an older forest today. Join us as Alan Ek will discuss how these changes have impacted timber supply, wildlife habitat, human use and forest health conditions including wildfire.

The webinar will be held TODAY, Tuesday, December 13 from noon to 1pm.

Our Minnesota Forest Gems

What's a great way to provide quality wildlife habitat in Minnesota's forests? Encourage landowners and businesses to use sustainable management and procurement practices on nearly 8.4 million acres of public and private forests. Then identify the most outstanding and critical of those acres for management of their high conservation values. Read more...
Funds Available to Improve Family Forests 

Do you own woodlands in rural Minnesota? Are you looking to practice good forest stewardship on your land? If so, the Minnesota DNR can help with identifying the right cost share program for your woodland projects. Read more from the DNR or watch our webinar from this fall that discusses the ins and outs of cost share programs available to Minnesota woodland owners.
Meet a Forest Landowner: Claire and Nita Fetzer

In 1989, Claire and Nita Fetzer purchased 161 acres of woodlands near Bemidji for enjoyment and recreation. "I wasn't looking to make top dollar. It was a balance between harvesting timber and the aesthetics we're trying to achieve on the land. This is a family forest, and that plays into the management decisions I make." Read more...
Don't Spread Forest Pests With Your Christmas Tree

Selecting a Christmas tree and decorating it with greenery are popular holiday traditions. Here's how to have all the fun while ensuring you don't accidentally spread invasive forest pests. Read more...
New Master Woodland Owner Class Starting in February

We're pleased as punch to announce that our second offering of the Master Woodland Owner program is almost ready! Opening in February 2017, the Laurentian cohort will focus on private forest management for folks living near or interested in Minnesota's North Woods. More details will be released soon, including cost and registration. Sign up now to be notified when more information is available and registration opens.

IN THE NEWS
The incredible moving forest |  Forests move, though much more slowly than animals. So how does a forest undertake a migration? Via JSTOR.  

Old growth forest gets a boost |  The Nature Conservancy says it will keep 240 acres of rare old-growth forest in northeastern Minnesota protected under a purchase from polar explorer Will Steger. Via MPR News.

The farm for the trees |  The future of American agriculture may involve planting more timber stands and shrubs to provide ecological services and crops too. Via TakePart.


 
UPCOMING EVENTS
DEC
14
Workshop: Noxious Weed and Invasive Species in Your Landscapes
Blue Earth, MN
A complete listing and all event details can be found on our Events Calendar