News and notes from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is planting nearly 2 million tree seedlings on DNR-managed forest land across the state this spring.
Each year, DNR foresters coordinate tree plantings in state forests, wildlife management areas, state parks, and other DNR-managed lands.
This spring, 14 species will be planted on more than 3,000 acres throughout the state, including several varieties of pine, spruce and oak, as well as yellow birch, sugar maple, black walnut and tamarack.
These reforestation efforts are led by the DNR’s Silviculture Program. Silviculture is the art and science of growing and tending forests to serve a variety of goals, including clean air and water, recreation opportunities, healthy wildlife habitat, biodiversity and timber productivity. Foresters consider current characteristics, climate resilience and future goals for each site to create a plan for planting and ongoing care.
“Some species, like aspen, do a good job of regenerating naturally. For other species, planting seedlings helps us guide nature’s hand,” said Silviculture Program coordinator Chris Gronewold. “We give young trees the best start we can to set the stage for a health y, resilient forest for decades to come.”
In addition to the DNR’s statutory requirement to ensure sustainable reforestation for each acre harvested, seedlings are planted on sites affected by natural disturbances, like windstorms or wildfires.
After planting, DNR foresters continue to monitor sites as the trees grow. They remove invasive species and competing vegetation to ensure the young trees thrive and provide the many benefits of a growing forest.
Planting crews moving across the state can plant 2 million seedlings by hand in as little as a month. In addition to planting seedlings, the DNR uses aerial and direct seed sowing methods to plant on certain sites, like those difficult to access on foot. Throughout the year, the DNR reforests approximately 7,500 acres using a combination of seeding and planting.
The majority of the DNR’s reforestation work is paid for through the general fund appropriated by the legislature and bonding dollars. Individuals can support additional tree planting efforts through the DNR’s Future Forest Fund (mndnr.gov/grants/gifts/future_forests.html).
