Registration for Master Woodland Owner classes open now!
Two new cohorts of our Master Woodland Owner program are set to launch this summer, and registration is now open! The Laurentian cohort, based in the Iron Range, will focus on  harvesting for forest health and harvesting for wildlife. The North Shore cohort will focus on restoring forest health and long-lived conifers to the North Shore. Both cohorts have sponsorships, and discounts are available for landowners who live in targeted areas. See each program page for more information and application requirements.

Minnesota's abundant forest ecosystems provide habitat for numerous native wildlife species. These critters in turn provide us opportunity for viewing, harvest, and enjoyment, as well as filling important roles in our forests to keep them healthy. Thoughtful forest management and harvest improves habitat quality, however the amount of harvest on family-owned land is down substantially since 2007. Register now and join us as MN DNR Wildlife private land specialist Jodie Provost discusses habitat needs of both game and non-game forest wildlife, reviewing how factors such as patch size, forest structure, diversity and other forest attributes relate to habitat quality.

How can you improve your land and your bottom line? University of Minnesota Extension will be offering a two-day workshop on silvopasture opportunities, benefits, and techniques. Participants will be able to meet silvopasture practitioners and researchers, and will learn more about this method of sustainable agroforestry. The workshop will be held June 16-17, 2017 in Brainerd & Fort Ripley, MN.  

It's been a soggy spring, and Minnesota's spruce trees can be particularly susceptible to needle cast diseases. These diseases do well with rainy weather and humid conditions. Trees that are infected with Rhizosphaera, a common disease of spruce, appear barren close to the stem, particularly on lower branches.

Dealing with storm-damaged trees and woodlands
It's storm season in Minnesota! Severe storms on June 11 brought over 70 mile-per-hour winds and hail across southern and east-central Minnesota. Take a look at this post from our archives--we pulled together some resources that may be of assistance to homeowners and landowners as they clean up after the storm and plan for what's next in their woods and yards.

UPCOMING EVENTS

JUNE 16-17 - Silvopasture Workshop (Brainerd, MN)

Learn the opportunities, benefits, and techniques of silvopasture in this two-day hands on workshop.

JUNE 20 - Timber Harvesting and Wildlife Habitat (Online)

In this webinar, MnDNR specialist Jodie Provost will discuss how t houghtful forest management and harvest improves habitat quality.

JULY 8 - Living With Fire (Ely, MN)
Learn why you should care about wildfire and what steps you can take to live safely in a fire-dependent environment at this free one-day workshop.

A complete listing of events can be found on our Events Calendar.