A Citizens' Guide to Dnr Forestry

A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNR FORESTRY

A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNR FORESTRY A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNR FORESTRY A PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Project manager: Meg Hanisch, DNR Forestry. Design services: Amy Beyer, Creative Services Unit, DNR Bureau of Information and Education. Cover photos: Deborah Rose, Creative Services Unit, DNR Bureau of Information and Education. Writing and editing services: Mary Hoff. For more information on DNR Forestry programs and services, contact the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367, or see www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry.

©2005, State of Minnesota, Department of Natural Resources. Permission is required for reproduction. Printed on a paper containing 10 percent postconsumer waste, made from chlorine-free pulp, and sourced exclusively from sustainably managed forestry. Please recycle this publication when you are finished with it. Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is available to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, age, sexual orientation, or disability. Discrimination inquiries should be sent to Minnesota DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4031 or the Equal Opportunity Office, Department of the Interior, Washington, DC 20240. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 651- 296-6157 (Metro Area) or 888-MINNDNR (MN Toll Free) or Telecommunication Device for the Deaf/TTY: 651-296-5484 (Metro Area) or 800-657-3929 (Toll Free TTY). A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNR FORESTRY

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Overview 3 Chapter 2: Minnesota’s Trees and Forests 7 Chapter 3: Managing State Lands 11 Chapter 4: Preventing and Managing Wildﬁres 15 Chapter 5: Timber Sales 19 Chapter 6: Resource Assessment 23 Chapter 7: Growing New Trees 25 Chapter 8: Promoting Forest Health 27 Chapter 9: Private Forest Stewardship 29 Chapter 10: Utilization and Marketing 31 Chapter 11: Education and Communication 33 Chapter 12: Community Forestry 35 Chapter 13: Policy 37 Chapter 14: A Brief History 39 Chapter 15: Questions and Answers 43 Photo: Deborah Rose, Minnesota DNR Rose, Deborah Photo: 1 2 A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNR FORESTRY

Chapter 1: Overview

DNR Forestry was established in 1911. Increasing Challenge Then known as the Minnesota Forest Keeping Minnesota’s economy and envi- Service, we focused our efforts on protect- ronment healthy has become more and ing Minnesotans and their property from more challenging in recent years. Forests wildfi res, which were a growing problem are being fragmented as urban areas expand due to logging and settlement. and people build second In the years since we have homes in rural recreational Because trees and taken on many additional areas; this increases risks of forests are so large responsibilities. Today our job wildfi re damage and makes it and so pervasive, it’s also includes managing state more diffi cult to ensure that Forests are one easy to take them forest lands, gathering and forests are managed strategi- of the main topics for granted. But we sharing information on Min- cally and sustainably. Growing of A Strategic must actively care nesota’s forests with other forest interest in nontimber benefi ts Conservation Agenda for them if we want managers, promoting the use derived from forests, such as 2003–2007, established future generations to of forest products, and helping forest-based recreation and in 2004 as a tool for enjoy their benefi ts landowners and others value ecological diversity, means a measuring progress as we do. forests and keep them healthy growing need to fi nd ways toward DNR’s mission. and productive. The unifying to meet multiple demands You can fi nd the agenda aim of all of our work is to promote the con- concurrently. At the same time, increasing online at www.dnr. servation, enjoyment, and use of Minnesota’s globalization has dramatically altered both state.mn.us/aboutdnr, forest resources in a way that contributes to our state’s forest products industry and the or contact the DNR the state’s economic health while nurturing markets that sustain it, making it more and Information Center at and sustaining the health of our environment. more challenging to manage forests in a way 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367.

DNR Forestry Mission Through shared information, technology, and understanding, we empower others and ourselves to: sustain and enhance functioning forest ecosystems; provide a sustainable supply of forest resources to meet human needs (e.g., material, economic, and social); protect lives and property from wildfi res; and provide a dollar return to the permanent school trust. To achieve this mission, we: Ecosystem: Living • manage state-owned forest lands • help local governments plan, plant, things and the • prevent, manage, and fi ght wildland and care for trees physical and chemi- fi res • educate Minnesotans about trees cal environment in • provide raw material for Minnesota’s and forests which they live. wood products industry • promote responsible use of forest • gather and share information on Min- products nesota’s forest lands • provide funds to nonprofi t groups • grow trees from seeds and distribute and government agencies to grow them around the state and care for trees and forests. 3 • help landowners manage their forests CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW that maintains their health and the health of the economic sectors that depend on them. - Minnesota’s forests represent much of what’s right with our state— a strong work ethic, concern for natural resources, a commitment to the future, a constant striving for cooperation and balance. DNR For- Take a Tour of DNR estry is committed to ensuring that Forestry! Information on Minnesota’s forests remain strong, DNR Forestry activities, healthy, and able to provide the full Minnesota’s forests, spectrum of benefits to humans and programs and materials other living things today, tomorrow, to help you care for and a hundred years from now. your trees, and much more is available at Statewide Presence DNR Forestry’s Web DNR Forestry employees are site, www.dnr.state. found throughout the state: in the mn.us/forestry. DNR headquarters in St. Paul and Check it out! in four regional offices, 27 area offices, and 35 field stations around the state. For information about DNR Forestry, trees and forests, managing your trees, using state forest lands, or related topics, contact the DNR forester near you:

Northeast Region Littlefork Central Region Forestry Headquarters: 421 3rd Ave. Forestry Headquarters: 1201 E. Highway 2 P.O. Box 65 1200 Warner Rd. Grand Rapids, MN 55744-3296 Littlefork, MN 56653-0538 St. Paul, MN 55106 218-327-4418 218-278-6651 651-772-7925

Area Ofﬁces: Orr Area Ofﬁces: Aitkin P.O. Box 306 Cambridge 1200 Minnesota Ave. S. 4656 Highway 53 800 Oak Savanna Ln. S.W. Aitkin, MN 56431 Orr, MN 55771-0306 Cambridge, MN 55008 218-927-4040 218-757-3274 763-689-7101 Cloquet Tower Little Falls 1604 S. Highway 33 650 Highway 169 16543 Haven Rd. Cloquet, MN 55720 Tower, MN 55790 Little Falls, MN 56345-6401 218-879-0880 218-753-2580 x 260 320-616-2450 X 228 Deer River Two Harbors Sandstone P.O. Box 157 1568 Highway 2 613 Highway 23 S. 403 Division St. Two Harbors, MN 55616 Sandstone, MN 55072 Deer River, MN 56636-0157 218-834-6602 320-245-6789 218-246-8343

Hibbing 1208 E. Howard St. 4 Hibbing, MN 55746 218-262-6760 A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNR FORESTRY

Southern Region Mankato Northwest Region Forestry Headquarters: 1160 S. Victory Dr. Forestry Headquarters: P.O. Box 607 Mankato, MN 56001 6603 Bemidji Ave. N. 1200 S. Broadway LL 507-389-6713 Bemidji, MN 56601-8669 New Ulm, MN 56073-0607 218-755-2891 507-359-6048 New Ulm Why Care for Forests? P.O. Box 607 Area Ofﬁces: Trees and forests 2300 Silver Creek Rd. N.E. 1200 S. Broadway LL Backus are important to Rochester, MN 55906 New Ulm, MN 56073-0607 P.O. Box 6 Minnesotans for 507-285-7428 507-359-6057 Backus, MN 56435-0006 many reasons. They 218-947-3232 provide habitat for Area Ofﬁces: Preston living things. They are Caledonia 912 Houston St. N.W. Baudette a valued source of 603 N. Sprague St. Preston, MN 55965 206 Main St. E. wood, paper, and other #2 Ag Service Center 507-765-2740 Baudette, MN 56623 renewable materials. Caledonia, MN 55921 218-634-2172 They offer refreshment 507-724-5261 x 5 Rochester and renewal through 2300 Silver Creek Rd. N.E. Bemidji outdoor recreation Faribault Rochester, MN 55906 2220 Bemidji Ave. N. and beauty. They help 1810 N.W. 30th St. 507-285-7433 Bemidji, MN 56601-3896 protect soil, water, and Faribault, MN 55021 218-755-2890 air quality. They absorb 507-333-2012 Willmar carbon dioxide and so 4566 Highway 71 N. Blackduck help moderate global Lake City Suite 1 417 B Forestry Dr. N.W. warming. 1801 S. Oak Willmar, MN 56201 Blackduck, MN 56630 Lake City, MN 55041 320-231-5164 218-835-3161 651-345-3216 Detroit Lakes Lewiston 14583 Cty. Highway 19 P.O. Box 279 Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 Highway 14 & Fremont St. 218-847-1596 Lewiston, MN 55952 507-523-2183 Park Rapids 607 First St. W. Park Rapids, MN 56470-1312 Other Useful Contact Information: 218-732-3309

• Burning Permits: contact your local DNR ofﬁce Warroad (see above) 1101 Lake St. N.E. • Report Questionable Forest-Related Activity: Warroad, MN 56763-2407 888-234-3702 218-386-1304 • DNR Main Information Number: 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 • DNR Web site: www.dnr.state.mn.us

For more information on DNR Forestry programs and services, contact the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367, or see www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry. 6 A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNR FORESTRY

Chapter 2: Minnesota’s Trees and Forests

Minnesota is the meeting place of three biomes: the coniferous forest, the deciduous forest, and the prairie. This juxtaposi- tion produces a remarkable diversity in Coniferous Forest living things within our state. Trees and forests have always been an important part of Minnesota’s natural Biomes: Biological communities. resource heritage. Today, of Minnesota’s Biomes usually occur over large 51 million acres of land, 16.3 million acres areas and include many similar Deciduous are forested—almost one-third of our total plant communities and the Forest land area. This forested land can be broken animals that live in them. into categories in many ways. Prairie Grassland Like to learn more What Kind of Forest Is It? about Minnesota’s The kinds of trees that make up a forest biomes? Detailed vary from place to place, depending on soil, descriptions are climate, water, topography (the lay of the Who Owns It? available at www.dnr. land), history, and other factors. Minnesota’s forests have many owners. state.mn.us/biomes. Different forests have different combi- Some forests are owned by the public and Or call the DNR nations of plants and animals. The trees in managed by public agencies (federal, state, Information Center at one forest may be predominantly aspen and county, local). Others are in the hands of 651-296-6157 or birch; another forest may consist largely of private owners such as individual citizens, 888-646-6367 to spruce and ﬁr trees. Foresters often identify forest products companies, and other indus- request a poster of forests by the tree species found there. try and private nonproﬁt organizations. Minnesota’s biomes.

Major Kinds of Forest in Minnesota Who Owns Minnesota’s 16.3 Million (in order of total acreage as of 2002) Acres of Forest Lands?

Oak-Pine 0.09 million acres Other-Nonstocked 0.15 million acres White-Red-Jack Pine Industry 7% 1.02 million acres Aspen-Birch 6.96 million acres Private 35% Oak-Hickory 1.27 million acres Federal 18%

Elm-Ash-Cottonwood 1.31 million acres

Maple-Beech-Birch County/ 1.76 million acres municipal 13% Spruce-Fir 3.78 million acres State 27% 7

Source: U.S. Forest Service, North Central Research Station, Resource Source: Minnesota Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA), 2002 Bulletin NC-225, 2003 CHAPTER 2: MINNESOTA’S TREES AND FORESTS NAME: Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana) What is Timberland? Of Minnesota’s 16.3 million acres of forested land, WHERE TO 15 million acres are considered FIND IT: North- timberland—land that is not reserved central and from harvest and has enough trees to northeastern be useful. More than half (54 percent) Minnesota. of this land is publicly owned. FUN FACTS: Source: Minnesota Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA), Jack pine cones 2002 are serotinous. That means they only release their What Kinds of Trees Grow in seeds under high Minnesota? temperatures such Descriptions of many of Minnesota is home to 52 native tree as those occurring during a forest ﬁre. Minnesota’s tree species species. Among the most familiar: are available at www. dnr.state.mn.us/trees_ NAME: Red Pine (Pinus resinosa) NAME: White Spruce (Picea glauca) shrubs. WHERE WHERE TO FIND IT: TO FIND Northern and IT: Northern northeastern Minnesota. Minnesota. \\ FUN FACTS: FUN FACTS: ~\ White spruce This is " is also called Minnesota’s skunk spruce state tree. It gets because of its name from the strong its reddish bark, odor given off which peels off by its needles when they are young. in puzzle-piece- like plates. It is also called NAME: Black Spruce (Picea mariana) Norway pine. WHERE TO FIND IT: Northern NAME: Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) and northeastern Minnesota. WHERE TO FIND IT: Mainly in FUN FACTS: Black northeastern and spruce grows very eastern Minnesota. slowly in cold, wet conditions. Century- FUN FACTS: Deer old trees may be only like to eat the tops 2 inches in diameter. (terminal leaders) of young white pines. Porcupines eat the 8 inner bark of mature trees. A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNR FORESTRY

NAME: Tamarack (Larix laricina) NAME: Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum)

WHERE TO FIND IT: Northern Minnesota. WHERE TO FIND IT: Eastern half of Minnesota.

FUN FACTS: Tamarack FUN FACTS: is Minnesota’s The sugar only maple’s rich coniferous sap is used to (cone- make maple bearing) syrup. tree that sheds its leaves (needles) in the fall. NAME: Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)

NAME: Quaking Aspen WHERE TO FIND IT: (Populus tremuloides) Throughout the state, except in the western WHERE prairie region. TO FIND IT: Throughout FUN FACTS: Green Minnesota; one ash is a common of the fi rst trees urban tree, often to grow after fi re planted along city or harvest. streets in the late 1900s to replace FUN FACTS: elms lost to Dutch The quaking elm disease. aspen’s fl attened leaf stems cause the leaves to tremble—“quake”—in the breeze, hence its name. Minnesota’s Forest Treasures poster NAME: illustrates 35 of Northern Red Minnesota’s 52 native Oak (Quercus tree species with leaves, rubra) seeds, and tree shapes. To obtain a copy, contact WHERE the DNR Information TO FIND IT: Center at 651-296-6157 Throughout or 888-646-6367. the state, but most common in southern, central, and southeastern Minnesota. 9 FUN FACTS: Red oak wood is so porous that a barrel made from it will not hold liquid. CHAPTER 2: MINNESOTA’S TREES AND FORESTS

Minnesota’s Top 10 Trees

3,492 Minnesota’s most familiar trees aren’t necessarily the most abundant ones. The 10

) most common tree species in Minnesota:

1,442 Minnesota’s Big Tree 1,275 Registry. The DNR veriﬁ es and keeps 637

Number of trees* (x 1 million 621 records on the largest 547 408 406 of each of Minnesota’s 351 341 native 52 tree species. View a list of Minnesota’s Quaking Black Balsam Paper Black Tamarack Cedar Red Balsam Sugar current champions at aspen spruce fir birch ash (native) maple poplar maple www.dnr.state.mn.us/ trees_shrubs/bigtree, or *Stems more than 1 inch diameter, 2002 call the DNR Information Data courtesy of Andrew Finley, Department of Forest Resources, College of Natural Resources, University of Center at 651-296-6157 Minnesota or 888-646-6367.

Chapter 3: Managing State Lands Northwest Angle According to 2002 survey data, Minne- Lost River sota has 16.3 million acres of forest land. Smokey Beltrami Bear DNR administers 5.6 million acres of land, Island Pine 4.5 million acres of which is considered Island Kabetogama Lake Jeanette Insula Red Koochiching forest land. Much of this land is located Lake Lake Burntside Pat Grand Portage Big Fork Lake Bayle within the boundaries of Minnesota’s 58 Sturgeon Bear Isabella Island Blackduck George River state forests. Mississippi Buena Washington Headwaters Vista Bowstring Finland The ﬁrst state forest was established Welsh White Paul Lake Earth Battleground Cloquet Bunyan Golden Whiteface in 1900 when Governor John Pillsbury Remer River Valley Two Inlets Anniversary Land Hill donated 1,000 acres of land in Cass County Smoky Badoura O’Lakes Savanna Hills River Foot Huntersville Emily Fond to the state, and the land was designated Hills Crow du Lyons Wing Lac Pillsbury Pillsbury State Forest. Our newest state Wealthwood Solana General Minnesota’s state forest, the 15,000-acre Waukenabo State Andrews Nemadji Snake D.A.R. St. Croix forests are diverse. Forest in north-central Minnesota, was Rum River River Chengwatana Some are thick established by the Legislature in 2000. Birch Lakes stands of aspen and Sand Dunes pine. Others are scattered hardwood forests interspersed Minnesota’s State Forests with farms and towns.

Badoura Emily Lake of the Woods Rum River Battleground Finland Land O’Lakes St. Croix Richard J. Dorer Memorial Bear Island Fond du Lac Lost River Sand Dunes Hardwood Beltrami Island Foot Hills Lyons Savanna Lake of the Woods and Waukenabo state Big Fork General C.C. Andrews Mississippi Smokey Bear forests are still being digitized and are not Headwaters shown on the map. Birch Lakes George Washington Smoky Hills Nemadji Blackduck Golden Anniversary Snake River Northwest Angle Bowstring Grand Portage Solana Pat Bayle Buena Vista Hill River Sturgeon River Paul Bunyan Burntside Huntersville Two Inlets Pillsbury Chengwatana Insula Lake Waukenabo Pine Island Cloquet Valley Kabetogama Wealthwood Red Lake Crow Wing Koochiching Welsh Lake Remer D.A.R. (Daughters Lake Isabella White Earth of the American Richard J. Dorer 11 Lake Jeanette Whiteface River Revolution) Memorial Hardwood CHAPTER THREE: MANAGING STATE LANDS Composition of DNR Forest Lands and improve habitat for game and nongame species. The primary activity is the joint Lowland planning of timber harvesting and other Other Upland Hardwoods 5% forest management activities. Other joint Hardwoods 4% efforts include managing shrub and grass- FORIST. The Forestry Aspen-Birch land habitat, carrying out prescribed burns, 33% Information System and building hunter/walking trails. (FORIST), currently Protecting Biological Diversity and under development, Cultural Resources. We work with the is an integrated set of Division of Ecological Services to conserve computer databases biological diversity and sustain healthy Oak 3% and programs for use forest ecosystems. A key effort is the joint by DNR Forestry staff. Lowland Jack Pine 3% development of forest management plans FORIST is expected to Conifers 45% Other Upland (see page 13) that includes addressing old- Conifers 7% dramatically enhance growth forests, extended rotation forests, DNR Forestry’s ability Source: A Strategic Conservation Agenda, 2003–2007, areas of high and outstanding biological to do its many jobs, Minnesota DNR diversity significance, rare native plant including managing communities, use of the natural heri- state forests, by tage database, and ecologically important making it easier for Aspen, birch, oak, and jack pine currently lowland conifers. Archaeologists review various programs to comprise nearly 40 percent of DNR forest DNR timber sales and road projects to share information and lands. These types make up over 50 percent identify and protect important cultural or coordinate efforts. of all forest land in Minnesota. historic resources. Two components of Keeping Forests Healthy. We monitor FORIST that have Lands for Many Uses the condition of forest lands. We plan timber been completed are As diverse as the forests themselves are harvests and plant trees to help keep forests already helping to the benefits and values they provide. State healthy and productive. We are required streamline state forest forest lands produce timber. to reforest an amount of land management. They also provide a spectrum Future Forests. equal to land harvested each of tangible and intangible ben- You can help year. We also improve existing efits, including wildlife habitat, keep Minnesota’s forests with activities such as nontimber crops, recreational forests growing thinning; removing damaged, opportunities, beauty, clean strong and honor sick, and poor-quality trees; water, and biological diversity. or commemorate and monitoring and treating They provide opportunities a loved one, too, forest pest outbreaks. for hunting, birding, skiing, through DNR Maintaining Forest Roads. snowmobiling, camping, and Forestry’s Future We maintain more than 2,000 other outdoor activities. They Forests Fund. miles of forest roads. These help protect waterways and Tax-deductible roads support two of the state’s water quality by reducing contributions are major industries, forest prod- erosion, filtering runoff, and used to plant trees ucts and tourism. More than shading streams. They provide on state lands. For 95 percent of state forest road rich habitat for native plants information call use is for recreation. and animals. 651-296-5958. Providing Recreational DNR Forestry works to Opportunities. State forest make sure multiple benefits lands and the state forest road are sustained on state forest land. As a con- and trail system provide diverse recreational sequence, state forest managers have many opportunities, including hunting, hiking, jobs: birding, berry picking, camping, cross- 12 Improving Habitat. We work with country skiing, and off-highway vehicle DNR Fish and Wildlife staff to maintain use. A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNR FORESTRY Land Acquisition, Sales ECS Subsections With DNR Forest Land We occasionally purchase and sell state forest land. Land purchases tend to focus on tracts within or adjacent to existing state -_...~---~ forest land, or land that would serve as • ._-_ access to state forest land. ..---.. .._-~-- New Tools, New Information… ,._-,-.. _ Better-Managed Forests ,._ The complexity and considerations in • ,._-.._- .. _~ - forest management have grown as new ..- _- information, management tools, and ....• .---...._--~.... management approaches have become .. _-_ .... available. We are increasingly trying .. _-_ .... to build back certain forest conditions .._-_ that will make our forests more diverse, .. _ resilient, and sustainable. For example, .--.. _-__- .... through timber harvesting and subsequent reforestation, we are attempting to restore certain forest types and tree species that DNR Forestry is developing subsection are far less common today than in the management plans for the state’s forested ECS subsections. past. We also plan our management to Old Forests. DNR maintain habitat corridors and patches of old-growth forests, forest land in a mix of sizes and stages of Within Minnesota, the ECS has divided forests that have not growth. Management plans are developed land into (from largest to smallest) prov- seen logging or other to maintain and enhance areas of particular inces, sections, subsections, and land-type major disturbance for biodiversity significance. associations. Our forest management plan- 120 years or more, To help forest managers do these things ning efforts currently are organized around provide unique habitat in the most suitable locations, DNR has the subsection level (see map). for plants and animals. developed the Ecological Classification DNR Forestry is in the process of creating DNR has identified System (ECS) for Minnesota, a means a Subsection Forest Resource Management and is committed to of categorizing forests according to a Plan (SFRMP) for each forested subsection protecting 40,000 acres variety of characteristics such as climate, with input from the public. Currently of remaining old-growth geology, topography, hydrology, soils, and plans have been developed or are under forests on state land. In vegetation. The ECS provides valuable development for nine of the 18 subsections addition, DNR is working information on the types of ecological in Minnesota that contain a substantial to link old-growth forests communities that are native to or best amount of state forest land. and provide a certain suited to a particular site. By using this The plans provide long-term direction amount of older forests information to plan the next generation and a 10-year operational plan for vegetation by establishing areas of trees, we work with rather than against management on DNR-administered forest and corridors of old (but nature. This not only enhances the health lands (excluding state parks and Scientific not necessarily old- of the state forests, but reduces the cost of and Natural Areas) to provide the appro- growth) trees, known managing them, too. priate mix of wildlife habitat, rare feature as extended rotation protection, and timber harvesting. This forests, to create Subsection Planning includes identifying the types and amount complexes of old forest DNR Forestry used to manage state of desired changes in the characteristics of habitat. forest lands by DNR administrative unit. DNR forest lands, and the types and timing But that’s not how nature divides itself. To of forest management activities needed to more closely align our efforts with natural make those changes happen. DNR antici- systems, we have begun managing forests pates plans for all 18 forested subsections 13 instead based on ECS landscapes. will be completed by the end of 2007. CHAPTER THREE: MANAGING STATE LANDS A World of Recreation Camping—More than 1,000 campsites State forests provide a rich venue for rec- and day-use areas are available as a home reation. Popular activities on state forest base for outdoor adventurers. land include: For more information on state forest Hunting, Fishing, Bird-Watching, Berry recreation, contact the DNR Information Picking—State forests provide rich habitat Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367. for numerous species of animals and plants. Touring—More than 2,000 miles of Following the Guidelines. forest roads offer access to the forests and Forest management provide opportunities for enjoying their on state-owned land natural beauty. follows a set of voluntary Hiking and Skiing—Hikers and cross- guidelines established country skiers enjoy more than 150 miles by the Minnesota Forest of nonmotorized trails that stretch through Resources Council in state forest land. 1998 to protect cultural OHV Riding—Off-highway vehicles are resources, soils, riparian allowed on trails specifically signed for areas, visual quality, OHV use. water quality, and Horseback Riding—A number of camps wetland quality. The and trails are designated specifically for guidelines, known as horseback riding. the Voluntary Site-Level Snowmobiling—State forests provide Timber Harvesting and many miles of groomed snowmobile trails Forest Management that tie into other trail systems. Guidelines, establish Mountain Biking—Mountain bikes are a recommended set allowed on all state forests roads unless they of forest management are posted otherwise. (In Richard J. Dorer practices aimed at Memorial Hardwood State Forest, moun- maintaining forest tain bikes are allowed only on designated

ecosystem health while trails.) Minnesota DNR Photo: harvesting and carrying out other management activities.

Riparian Areas: Areas of moisture- Biological Diversity: The variation in loving vegetation that border streams, living things and in the ecosystem in lakes, and other bodies of water. which they live.

Chapter 4: Preventing and Managing Wildﬁres

Fighting wildfires was the Division of Causes of Wildfires, 1993–2002 Forestry’s first job when it was established Lightning 1% as the Minnesota Forest Service in 1911. It has remained an important part of our Miscellaneous 10% Campfires 3% work ever since. Railroad 5% Smoking 3% DNR Forestry works with other public agencies to protect 45 million acres of land— Equipment and the people who live there—from wild- Use 8% fire. We help prevent wildfires from starting Debris 41% and suppress wildfires when they do occur. We allow some wildfires to burn if they don’t Incendiary/ threaten people or property. We even delib- Arson 29% erately set fires under controlled conditions to mimic the natural renewing force of fire in certain habitats. But our overarching concern Source: DNR Division of Forestry is to protect people and property. Each year in Minnesota we fight an average Wildfire Prevention of 1,500 fires, which We strive to prevent wildfires through a Burning Permits. Helping prevent together burn some combination of education, regulation, and wildfires in Minnesota are some 30,000 to 35,000 acres enforcement. We provide information to 2,000 dedicated volunteer township of land. homeowners on minimizing risk of loss due fire wardens throughout the state. To to wildfire. We also provide free materials help reduce the risk of wildfire, DNR for teaching children about wildfire preven- requires burning permits for most tion. open fires (except for campfires, Regulation of open burning and the use contained fires, fires in approved of burning permits are also important for burners under certain circumstances, preventing wildfires. By prohibiting open and fires on snow-covered ground). fires during high-risk times, we reduce the The permits help us keep track of likelihood that such fires will burn out of where controlled fires are burning, control. (Burning permits are required provide a mechanism for restricting for most open fires in Minnesota—see fires in times of high fire danger, and sidebar.) help us educate citizens about proper Finally, law enforcement is sometimes burning procedures. Fire wardens needed when people disregard the law or set issue more than 70,000 burning fires that endanger their neighbors. permits each year.

15 CHAPTER 4: PREVENTING AND MANAGING WILDFIRES

Firewise Minnesota, a statewide fire-risk mitigation program instituted in 2001, supports local efforts to assess fire danger and help property owners reduce dangerous fuel accumulations and possible wildfire damage. Homeowners and communities that use Fire- wise principles and practices greatly increase The Minnesota the chance their property will survive a wildfire. Firewise also funds projects that aid Interagency Fire Center firefighting, such as installing emergency water sources and improving street signage. (MIFC), located in Grand As of early 2004, the program had provided grants to more than 100 communities, Rapids, coordinates shipped Firewise homeowners kits to some 350 homeowners, and provided on-the- state, local, and federal ground Firewise assessments of wildfire risk to more than 7,000 homes. To learn firefighting efforts. more or to order a Firewise homeowners kit, see www.dnr.state.mn.us/firewise or The center assembles call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367. crews to fight fires as they arise and manages equipment, from shovels Fire Control to helicopters, needed Buddy, can you spare a fire truck? DNR Forestry trains firefighters, monitors by firefighters. MIFC The federal government often fire-related weather conditions, watches for serves as firefighting can. Through the Federal Excess fires through aerial surveillance, and devel- equipment headquarters Property Program, DNR Forestry ops plans for handling various wildfire situ- for 20 northeastern helps Minnesota fire departments ations. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days states. It also serves as procure firefighting equipment a week, firefighters are ready to go when the central distribution such as trucks, track vehicles, and a fire starts. Three airport bases for water- center for the Smokey fire hoses on loan from the federal dropping air tankers provide resources for Bear, Woodsy Owl, and government. fighting fires from the air. During the fire Junior Ranger programs. season, helicopters with large water buckets DNR Forestry also sells equipment are on alert throughout the state. Through for fighting wildfires to rural fire the Minnesota Incident Command System departments at cost. The program (MNICS), an interagency partnership, provides assistance to some 160 fire we participate in coordinated firefighting departments each year. efforts, dispatching personnel and equipment as needed. When wildfires rage in

16 Photo: Boyd Barrott Boyd Photo: A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNR FORESTRY

Happy Birthday, Smokey Bear! Smokey Bear, America’s wildfire prevention icon, turned 60 in 2004. The U.S. Forest Service created Smokey in 1944 to help publicize citizens’ role in preventing wildfires. Today DNR Forestry offers a Smokey Bear puppet show, an electronic quiz game, posters, and activity books to help teach children about fire safety. Helping the To learn more, see www.dnr.state. Volunteers. DNR mn.us/education/wildfire or call the Forestry administers DNR Information Center at 651- a grant program 296-6157 or 888-646-6367. that provides funds for establishing and coordinating volunteer other states, Minnesota firefighters are sent fire departments in to help. And when we have a need that Enforcing the Law. Writing a ticket communities with exceeds our capacity, we can call on experts may be the last thing you expect to fewer than 10,000 from other states to help us, too. see a forester do, but it’s part of the residents. More than job for the 100-plus DNR Forestry $4 million has been Prescribed Fire staff who are certified to enforce disbursed to some 800 Various divisions in the DNR burn some fire-related laws. These individuals fire departments since 40,000 to 60,000 acres of land each year to are authorized to issue citations 1975. mimic the ecosystem-renewing benefits of related to burning permits and other natural fires. Prescribed fires also provide restrictions on when, where, and opportunities for wildland firefighters to what people can burn. They help gain experience under controlled condi- recover firefighting expenses from tions. DNR Forestry coordinates depart- responsible parties when fires have ment activities to ensure these prescribed been caused by prohibited activity. burns are carried out under appropriate They also enforce laws prohibiting weather conditions and with the necessary certain activities in state forests, personnel and equipment. Prescribed fires such as stealing trees or destroying on private lands are monitored and con- property. trolled through our burning permit system.

Future As the number of Minnesotans living in forested areas grows, so does the challenge of preventing damage due to wildfires. As a result, education and technical support to reduce risk of loss due to fire are an increasingly important part of our job. We are also placing more emphasis on preventing fires from starting in the first place through education and through seasonal restrictions on open burning. 17

Chapter 5: Timber Sales

Growing and harvesting timber is an To Harvest or Not to Harvest? important part of state forest management. The first step in a timber sale is to choose By harvesting trees, foresters improve the the stands to be harvested. DNR Forestry Promoting White Pine. condition of our state forest lands while determines how much state forest land Harvests can be used generating money to support tree plant- overall can be sustainably harvested for a to selectively nurture ing, forest improvement, schools, and other given planning period, usually seven to 10 certain tree species. public services. We produce years. We then develop Annual For instance, DNR Forestry is currently raw materials for the state’s Forest Stand: An Timber Harvest Plans made working to increase wood products industry. area throughout up of forest stands to be field the amount of white Timber harvest also creates which tree species visited for potential harvest. pine on state lands by a variety of habitat types for composition, tree The plans specify which stands allowing harvest of white wildlife. age, and other appear to be ready for harvest pines in pine forests Timber is harvested from characteristics are and the type of harvest that only to the extent that state land by individuals, small similar. would likely be applied to businesses, or large corpora- each. Members of the public it promotes growth tions that have bought the may comment on the plans, and regeneration, and timber from the state. A top priority for and their comments are taken into consid- requiring harvests of DNR Forestry in arranging timber harvests eration in finalizing harvest strategies. other forests containing is to ensure harvests occur in a way that sus- Next, foresters walk through stands white pine to leave tains the resource and protects the environ- listed in the Annual Timber Harvest Plan, enough white pine to ment. using scientific techniques to determine the produce seeds for the next generation.

State Land Timber Sales Program Recent History

Cords planned (based on forest inventory date) 1,000 Cords offered (based on field appraisal) 994 Cords sold (based on new permits issued during the fiscal year) 905 Cords cut (based on scale reports on existing permits cut during 860 851 816 the fiscal year) 782 800 780 766 731 748 711 725 692 707 673 673 657 643 630 628 623 626 606 605 596 596 574 600 540

400 Thousands of Cords 200

0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 19 State Fiscal Year

Source: DNR Division of Forestry CHAPTER 5: TIMBER SALES amount of various types of wood available Making the Sale for sale. DNR foresters (with advice and Once the timber contents of a stand have assistance from Wildlife and Ecological Ser- been determined, the timber is offered for vices staff) also decide what type of harvest sale, primarily by a public auction. Loggers, Why Harvest Wood From is most appropriate, depending on the type most of whom are independent business State Lands? of trees, characteristics of the site, nontim- owners, bid on the timber and the sale goes Why not just leave trees ber values to be protected (aesthetics, wild- to the highest bidder. alone? Harvest produces life habitat, etc.), and desired composition DNR Forestry offers three types of sales. numerous benefits. It: after harvest. Some harvest methods remove A regular auction sale is used for large sales. • creates forest most of the trees on a site. Others remove Intermediate auction sales are used for small disturbance that only selected trees, leaving the rest to mature business set-aside sales of up to 3,000 cords. helps maintain a or to provide seeds or shelter for the next Informal sales take place without an auction mix of forest types generation. Common harvest methods are: and are limited to sales of 500 cords or less. and ages to support • clear-cut DNR can also issue special product and diverse wildlife and • seed tree fuelwood permits. We issue an estimated recreation • shelterwood 1,600 to 2,100 harvest permits per year. • reduces fire risk • salvage cut • provides a source • sanitation Harvest of funds for forest • group selection DNR foresters supervise the harvest to management, • single tree selection make sure it’s done according to terms education, and other • commercial thinning. of contract. Loggers harvesting state land public services Historically, stands were considered eligi- must follow the Voluntary Site-Level • provides economic ble for harvest when they reached harvestable Timber Harvesting and Forest Manage- activity that supports age for the species. In recent years, growing ment Guidelines established by the Min- local communities awareness of and interest in preserving the nesota Forest Resources Council to protect • provides wood and ecological value of mature trees has increased cultural resources, soils, riparian areas, paper to meet our the use of a management approach known visual quality, water quality, and wetland needs. as extended rotation forestry. In this practice, quality. harvest of some stands is delayed beyond “normal” harvest age to provide “old forest” Regeneration characteristics. The older stands provide res- An important part of harvest is prepar- ervoirs of habitat for plant and animal species ing the land to produce the next generation that thrive in a mature forest. of trees. We are required by law to reforest an amount of land equal to land harvested each year. Regeneration can be natural, in which seeds, sprouts, or root suckers Distribution of Timber Revenues From State Lands from the harvested trees provide the new growth, or it can be artificial, with seeds or DNR Fish and DNR Forestry, University seedlings planted to create the new forest. Wildlife 4% of Minnesota 1%

Counties 13% State General Fund 58% Cord: An amount of wood equal to a School Trust stack 8 feet long, 4 feet wide, and Fund 24% 4 feet high.

20 Total Revenue: $20,635,432 July 1, 2003–June 30, 2004

Source: DNR Division of Forestry at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367, or see www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry. For more information on DNR Forestry programs and services, contact the DNR Information Center woods andsoftwoods. hard other to aspen from away needs their shift to begun already have aspen primarily oriented strand board (OSB) plants that use years ahead. The large paper companies and in aspen harvestable-age in reduction cant signifi a be will there 1980s, late the until aspen for market poor long-standing a and fires, subsequent ago, century a logging by caused imbalance age of Because aspen. is land state on harvest the half about rently Cur harvest. for offered trees of types the mizing theaestheticimpactsofharvest. mini of sensitive increasingly be to need will we forest, the near or in homes their make people more and more As providers. timber private and public other with tive competi remain to work to needs Forestry Markets are constantly changing, and DNR ciated with timber production on state land. so do the opportunities and challenges asso Future Issues mjr hne o te uue il be will future the for change major A As the world around us changes over time, you canbuy. Why? the most environmentally sound products among are timber state-owned Good Wood • Wood uses less energy to manufac • Laws governing statetree harvest • Wood isarenewable resource. • The od rdcs rdcd from produced products Wood ture thanmanyotherproducts. higher standard. mentally soundwaypossible—a inthemostenviron- harvested ability helpensure thewoodwas and theneedforpublicaccount- available forfuture generations. both usetrees andensure they’re manage forests properly, we can cycle oflifemeansthat,whenwe ------bid ontimberauctions. to opportunity an have also public the of Members offerings. sale timber individual ment plans, annual timber harvest lists, and review and provide input on forest manage production to opportunities timber Welands. offer state from regarding decisions Public Involvement h pbi pas n motn rl in role important an plays public The right anglestoeachother. strands ofwoodthatare orientedat three tofivelayersofthinflakesor heating, andcompressing together structural panelmadebygluing, Oriented StrandBoard (OSB):A A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNRFORESTRY

Photo: Minnesota DNR - state land. fromtimber harvested enhance marketsfor forest managementand expected toimprove is (FSC). Certification Stewardship Council (SFI) andtheForest Forestry Initiative both bytheSustainable will seekcertification the endof2005.DNR forest by landscertified of state-administered the 4.5millionacres with agoalofhaving forest certification currently pursuing manner. DNRis sound, sustainable in anenvironmentally that woodwasproduced of alandowner’s claim independent verification providescertification forest lands.Such oftheir certification sought third-party of landownershave increasing number In recent yearsan Forest Certification. 21 22 Assessment out ifatreebelongs inthesample. An inventory forester tofind usesaglassprism tion gear travel the woods gathering data for loca (GPS) system positioning global and computers pocket with foresters inventory Walking the Woods satellites. obtained from earth-orbiting efficiently most are some air,and the from gathered economically more be can some ground, the on collected be only can data some inventory, of kinds both For tracts. particular for planned or taken been have on actions what and trees of information stands individual require hand, other the on foresters, Field trends. and conditions statewide broad describes that information inventory Policymakersstrategic tion. need single tool is adequate no for providing that informa- and forests, manage to needed Many Tools DNR Forestry’s resource assessmentstaff. caused changes that occur. This is the job of human- and natural constant the record to effort large-scale continuous, a without ble huge patchwork of lands would be impossi this harvesting and thinning, planting, of work day-to-day Foresters’forests. of acres Chapter 6: Resource umr n wne, pig n fall, and spring winter, and Summer is information of kind one than More million 16 than more has Minnesota

Photo: Minnesota DNR - - these flagshipprograms. in nationwide effect taking now changes to way the point helped satellites, of use its approach to strategic inventory, particularly measured field plots. Minnesota’s intensively innovative permanent, are of grid a which on based of both system, Monitoring federal the for and FIA for system sincethe1930s. has been America’s strategic forest inventory system. Run by the U.S. Forest Service, FIA the dnr.state.mn.us/airphotos). (www. site Web Online AirphotosDNR’s publicavailablethemadeon toand images Photosetation types. turnedintoaredigital veg interpreters distinguish helps film red and pattern of forest vegetation. Color infra structure the informationonvaluable with foresters private and county, federal, state, photographyestry’saerial providesprogram forestinventory tool for 70 years. DNR For Aerial Photos n inst, N hnls fieldwork handles DNR Minnesota, In eil htgah hs en standard a been photography has Aerial oet netr ad Analysis and Inventory Forest Forest Health Forest

Photo: Minnesota DNR of vegetation. reveal details photos aerial High-resolution A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNRFORESTRY (FIA) - - - for more information. www.iic.state.mn.usVisit University ofMinnesota. Forest and Service, Commissioners, U.S. of CountyLand Minnesota Association Information Center, DNR, LandManagement Members includethe forest resources. data onMinnesota developing andsharing central resource for in 1995toprovide a Minnesota Legislature was created bythe Information Cooperative The Interagency 23 CHAPTER 6: RESOURCE ASSESSMENT

Ecological Classification System. Years ago, forest management focused on logging, and resource assessment focused on trees. Today we value the spectrum of benefits a forest provides, including recreation and ecological integrity as well as timber. As a result, old ways of describing forests—revolv- ing around tree species, size, and other characteristics—are no longer suf- Minnesota DNR Photo: ficient. Minnesota DNR Photo: To meet new needs, A 1995 satellite image shows a swath of wind ForestView and other Internet resources present DNR staff now classifies damage (red and orange) near Lake Itasca. current Minnesota forestry data to all interested Minnesota lands under the persons. Ecological Classification System (ECS), a nationwide system that considers Images From Space Keeping Taxpayers Informed a variety of characteris- DNR Forestry is helping to research DNR has a responsibility to keep all tics of an area, including and develop the application of space- citizens informed of the condition of climate, geology, topogra- based remote sensing to forestry. Satellite the more than 5 million acres of land it phy, hydrology, soils, and images can be used to detect changes in manages. The Web-based information vegetation. Under the ECS, the forest. A mapped instance of change system ForestView (www.ra.dnr.state.mn.us/ land is divided into cat- may be as small as two acres. Images forestview/fvj.html), developed by DNR and egories at various levels of potentially could be used in programs the University of Minnesota, puts the state’s resolution. From largest to that monitor forest harvesting practices entire Cooperative Stand Assessment smallest, they are domain, and detect impact of forest harvests on management inventory—the main source division, province, section, waterways and other sensitive ecosys- of information on DNR-managed forest subsection, land-type tems. lands—online, giving every member of the association, land type, and public access to detailed inventory data. land-type phase. A parallel system displays DNR Forestry’s In the short term, DNR Results of classification efforts timber harvesting plans at www.dnr.state. Forestry plans to use ECS in Minnesota are available as mn.us/forestry/harvesting/plans.html, and classifications to guide maps, databases, and in the new allows for public comment on them. These management of trees and Field Guide to the Native Plant systems are unique in the United States in other forest plant life. Communities of Minnesota: The the degree of public involvement in forest In the longer term, the Laurentian Mixed Forest Province. management they provide. classifications will figure For more information see www.dnr. into activities for other state.mn.us/ecological_services/ areas as well, including pubs_plants.html. fire management, private landowner advising, and recreation planning.

Chapter 7: Growing New Trees

In 1931, the Minnesota Legislature autho- The two state nurseries produce more rized the production of seedlings as a way to than 20 species of trees and many species ensure the existence of future forests. That of shrubs. All told, 10 million seedlings same year, Badoura State Forest Nursery was are sold each year to state, federal, county, established near Akeley. General Andrews and local land managers; commercial forest State Forest Nursery was established near managers; and schools, organizations, and Willow River in 1939, and began produc- individuals. ing seedlings the following year. Located on a combined total of 560 acres, Healthy Stock the two state nurseries got their start as a We place high value on producing source of trees for reforesting public land healthy, well-adapted stock. The ideal seed- Collecting Cones. Some after harvest. When we began encouraging lings for use in Minnesota are grown from of the seed used to private landowners to plant trees, we also seeds collected from Minnesota trees. DNR grow new conifers in began selling seedlings as a service. Over the nurseries also maintain seed orchards from state forest nurseries years, the nurseries have distributed hun- which we harvest seed from superior trees comes from individuals dreds of millions of trees around the state. of some of the more common species. We who collect cones and also buy seeds from private collectors. sell them to the DNR. Current prices for cones Quality Counts range from $16 to $100 Quality is an important consideration per bushel, depending when growing the seedlings that will become on the species. For Minnesota’s future forests. more information on We take several approaches to ensuring gathering cones for that tomorrow’s trees will be healthy, vigor- use in DNR nurseries, ous, and productive. We promote the use contact your local DNR of native Minnesota tree species, which are Forestry ofﬁce (see adapted to our environment. We use seeds page 4). from healthy, strong stock. We also use selective breeding to produce the best possible trees for the conditions in which they will grow.

Tree Sales DNR nurseries sell seedlings in lots of 100, with a minimum purchase of 500 trees. Orders are accepted from August 15 until early spring or until supplies run out. Seedlings purchased from DNR forest nurseries must be planted in Minnesota. They must be used to establish or reforest 25

Photo: Minnesota DNR Photo: wood lots, windbreaks, and shelterbelts, CHAPTER 7: GROWING NEW TREES or used for erosion control, soil and water conservation, or permanent food and cover For information on tree sales, contact: for wildlife. They may not be planted for • General Andrews Nursery ornamental purposes or resold with roots P.O. Box 95 attached for 10 years. 85894 Cty. Highway 61 Species grown and sold by DNR Forestry Willow River, MN 55795 include red pine, white pine, jack pine, 218-372-3183 white spruce, balsam ﬁr, white cedar, tama- • Badoura Nursery rack, red cedar, red oak, bur oak, white oak, 13885 State Street black walnut, green ash, silver maple, hybrid Akeley, MN 56433 poplar, cottonwood, red-osier dogwood, 218-652-2385 and common chokecherry. • or see www.dnr.state.mn.us/ forestry/nurseries

Chapter 8: Promoting Forest Health

Insects and Diseases Unwelcome Invaders Fifty years ago, tree-infesting insects and Of major concern today is the threat posed diseases were seen as enemies of forests. to forests by nonnative species. Because Today we recognize that some of the living these animals and plants are not native to things we once called pests are an impor- the area, they do not have natural enemies tant part of the forest ecosystem. Many to help keep them in check, and our native provide food and shelter for other forest trees have not built up mechanisms for coex- Common Pests. Insects, residents. isting with them. DNR diseases, animals, and But not all, and not Gypsy Moth Forestry and other agen- weather all can harm in all cases. Some insects cies develop and carry out trees and forests. and diseases are invaders strategies for controlling Among the more from other places. They these invaders. common tree pests in work against, rather than One nonnative insect Minnesota are spruce as part of, the natural that poses a potential budworm, forest tent balance. And in some threat to Minnesota’s caterpillar, oak wilt, cases we choose to control Photo: Peter Dziuk forests is the gypsy moth. two-lined chestnut borer, even “natural” pests to A native of Europe and jack pine budworm, and minimize damage that interferes with timber Asia, this pest was introduced to the Boston white pine blister rust. production, aesthetics, and other benefits area in the late 1860s and has gradually been we derive from trees and forests. working its way westward. It feeds largely on oaks and aspen trees, reducing productiv- Forest Health Specialists ity and sometimes killing them. Although DNR Forestry’s four regional forest no populations have become established in health specialists advise DNR field for- Minnesota, gypsy moths have been trapped esters and other public and private forest here. managers around the state on how to deal The emerald ash borer is another non- with forest health issues. They balance the native pest that could harm Minnesota trees economic and ecological considerations and forests in the years ahead. A native of involved to identify strategies that are cost- Asia, this insect was found in Michigan in effective, represent good stewardship of the 2002. It attacks and kills ash trees, and can forest resource, and are environmentally be transported from one area to another sound. on firewood and nursery stock. If this In recent years we have seen many insect invades Minnesota it could cause changes in forest health practices. Where major damage because ash is one of the once our goal was healthy trees, today it most common hardwood trees in the state’s is healthy forests. Where once we concen- forests, and is also found in large numbers in trated on problems as they arose, today we residential areas. try to anticipate and prevent them by man- A fungus-caused disease known as sudden aging the composition, vigor, and configu- oak death is also of concern to Minnesota ration of forests. Where biological controls forest health specialists. Originally discovered 27 were once a novelty, today they are a major on the West Coast, this disease can travel on component of our pest-fighting arsenal. nursery plants such as rhododendrons and CHAPTER 8: PROMOTING FOREST HEALTH

Changing Climate Scientists expect Minnesota’s climate Integrated Pest to change in the years to come because Management. DNR of atmospheric changes caused largely by Forestry maximizes combustion of fossil fuels. This change forest health and will have implications for Minnesota’s productivity using an forests. Although there is much uncer- approach to insects tainty regarding actual impacts, chang- and diseases known ing climate is expected to alter forest as integrated pest composition, tree growth, pest distribu- management (IPM). IPM tion, and populations of mammals and combines biological, birds inhabiting the forest. chemical, mechanical, and other control techniques to achieve the most economically and environmentally azaleas. It has not yet spread to Minnesota. Soil Protection appropriate level of If it does, it could devastate our oak popula- Healthy soil is the foundation of a healthy control. With IPM, pests tions. forest. Soils can be harmed by erosion and are a consideration in Buckthorn was introduced into Minne- by compaction and rutting from large all aspects of forest sota as an ornamental plant. It has spread vehicles such as those used in logging. We management. Integrated rapidly through the state, carried by birds protect soils on state forest lands by fol- pest management that eat its berries and deposit its seeds in lowing recommendations in the Voluntary means planting their droppings. Buckthorn crowds out Site-Level Timber Harvesting and Forest insect- and disease- native species. Management Guidelines (see page 38). resistant trees. It means Garlic mustard was imported from Through individual contact, meetings, and watching a growing Europe. It spreads through the understory publications, we teach managers how to use forest and removing or of forests, crowding out native plants and soil-related information to make environ- treating problem spots altering the habitat for other living things. mentally sound choices for their land. promptly. It means Earthworms, which are not native to pruning, thinning, and Minnesota forests, eat the rich layer of carrying out other organic materials on the forest floor, harming management with the habitat for wildflowers and altering the con- For more information on forest health goal of maintaining a ditions tree seeds need to sprout. check out the Forest Insect and healthy forest. It also DNR Forestry works with the Minne- Disease Newsletter, available online means using chemical sota Department of Agriculture and federal at www.dnr.state.mn.us/fid (or contact pesticides when regulatory organizations to help address the DNR Information Center at 651- appropriate. Under the threats posed by invasive species. The 296-6157 or 888-646-6367). Informa- IPM, regeneration plans problem will likely grow in years to come tion and advice for managing specific consider previous pest as our increasingly global economy and pests is available through links listed problems as well as mobile population enhance the chances for at www.dnr.state.mn.us/treecare. which mix of tree species troublesome organisms to move into Min- will be the healthiest on nesota. Controlling problems caused by the site. invasive species will likely become a bigger issue in the future. For more information visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives.

Chapter 9: Private Forest Stewardship

Private, nonindustrial landowners— DNR Forestry prepares forest steward- farmers, rural residents, lake property ship plans free of charge. We also reimburse Forest Certification. owners—own some of the most valuable many plan preparers outside the DNR. We encourage private forest land in Minnesota. Unlike govern- In recent years, forest stewardship plans forest owners whose ment or industrial landowners, most lack have been written for some 60,000 to forest management the professional forestry expertise needed 120,000 acres of land annually. plans include timber to keep their forests healthy and harvesting to pursue producing whatever amenities Follow Through third-party certification they desire, be they habitat, rec- Minnesota’s After we help develop a forest of their lands. reation, timber, or some other 147,000 stewardship plan, we provide Certification provides benefit. private nonin- advice and hands-on technical independent verification To help keep these forests dustrial forest assistance to help turn dreams that a forest is being diverse, healthy, and able to meet landowners into reality. We also help the managed sustainably multiple goals, DNR Forestry control some landowner connect with federal and lets consumers works with the U.S. Forest Service, 35 percent of incentive plans and other know that wood they nonprofit groups, consulting the state’s total sources of financial assistance purchase was produced and industrial foresters, soil forest land. for improving forest lands. in an environmentally and water conservation district Over the years, federal and sound manner. For more resource professionals, and others to provide state governments have created various pro- information on forest education and technical assistance to private grams to encourage the proper management certification, contact landowners. Through workshops, written of private lands. These programs often use your local DNR Forestry information, Web sites, and one-on-one a combination of education and technical office (see page 4). consultation, we help them understand the assistance to make sure landowners get the value of planning and translate their dreams information they need to make land man- into sound, sustainable management plans. Minnesota Acreage Annually Covered by The Forest Stewardship Plan Forest Stewardship Plans The hallmark of our private assistance 140,000 efforts is the Forest Stewardship Plan Others 120,000 SWCDs* Program. Any private landowner with Consultants 100,000 between 20 and 5,000 acres of land, at DNR - Forestry least 10 acres of which has (or will have) 80,000 trees, is eligible to participate. A DNR for- Acres ester or other plan preparer meets with the 60,000 landowner to identify goals—generating 40,000 income, protecting biodiversity, providing for outdoor recreation, and so on. We go 20,000 over the other functions the land has, including maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Then 0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 we help develop a plan the landowner (and 29 future landowners, if the property changes *SWCDs = Soil and Water Conservation districts hands) can use to manage the property. Source: DNR Division of Forestry CHAPTER 9: PRIVATE FOREST STEWARDSHIP agement decisions in an ecologically sound How to Apply manner. In some cases fi nancial incentives To learn more or to request a Forest Stew- are offered to help defray the cost of install- ardship Plan, contact your local DNR For- ing certain management practices. estry offi ce (see page 4) or the Private Forest Program Coordinator at 651-297-4467. Or To date, DNR Forestry fi ll out an application online at www.na.fs. and partners have A Forest Legacy fed.us/spfo/forms/wdstew_form.html. prepared forest Minnesota’s Forest Legacy Program stewardship plans provides a means to preserve forest Financial Assistance covering more than land in the face of development A variety of cost-share, loan, and grant 1.1 million acres of land. pressure. Under the program, a programs are available through the DNR Our goal is to have half landowner sells the right to develop and other agencies to provide fi nan- of all Minnesota forest the land to the state, which holds cial support for landowners interested in land under nonindustrial it as a perpetual easement. The improving their forest management prac- private ownership landowner retains ownership and the tices. For more information contact your managed under right to use the land in any way that local DNR Forestry offi ce (see page 4). stewardship plans. is compatible with the easement. For more information, visit www.dnr.state. mn.us/forestlegacy.

Sustainable Woodlands The Sustainable Woodlands Program, established in 1997 by the Minnesota For- Under the Sustainable estry Association and Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources, pays up to Forest Incentive Act 65 percent of the costs of projects to improve the value of forest land for uses such (SFIA), a program was as habitat, recreation, aesthetics, and forest products production. Private landown- created that offers ers with 20 to 1,000 acres of eligible land may apply for assistance through the an incentive payment program. to landowners who enroll 20 or more Less than 20? acres of contiguous Eligibility for the Forest Stewardship Plan program is limited to forest land for eight landowners with 20 or more acres of land. If you own less land or more years, have a than that but would still like to learn how you can develop a forest stewardship plan plan to manage it, check out Beyond the Suburbs: A Landowner’s in place, and agree Guide to Conservation Management. Download a copy of this to use the Voluntary informative 64-page guide at www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry Site-Level Timber (look under Tree Care and Management) or contact the DNR Harvesting and Forest Information Center (651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367) for Management Guidelines information on purchasing a copy. (see page 38). For more information go to www. Public Partners cnr.umn.edu/cfc/nryb/ In addition to advising individual landowners, we also help county and city gov- nrr/SFIA_NRR.pdf. ernments manage the timberland they own. Timber sales are an important source of income for a number of northern Minnesota counties. When requested, we assist with administration, inventories, and interpreting aerial photos. This helps ensure that these land managers have access to current information and expertise needed to manage forests well. 30

Chapter 10: Utilization and Marketing

A strong forest products industry con- Business Assistance. Our business tributes to the economic well-being of the assistance program helps reduce waste by state and helps ensure that the interest and providing information on technologies to financial resources are available for main- improve wood use. We also help businesses Strengthening taining healthy forests. Producing income with planning and marketing and link forest Minnesota’s Forest from state-owned lands is also an important products manufacturers with suppliers and Industry. In 2003 the part of DNR Forestry’s mandate. Conse- consumers. We encourage the establishment governor established quently, an important part of what we do is of wood-based, value-added industries. For the Advisory Task Force to encourage markets and promote the use example, we currently are encouraging land- on the Competitiveness of forest products. owners to plant hybrid poplar on marginal of Minnesota’s Primary agricultural lands. Forest Products Analysis, Assistance, and Education. Our educational efforts focus Industry to recommend Education on helping the public understand the value strategies to strengthen DNR Forestry’s utilization and marketing of the wood products industry for forest the industry in response program encompasses three main areas: and economic health. to a loss of forest Resource Analysis. Resource analysis Currently supply and demand for Minne- products-related jobs in paints a picture of forest product supply sota forest products are about equal, and our recent years. The task and demand and how they change over efforts focus on maintaining this balance. To force offered a number time. It provides information for manu- help keep our forest-based economy strong of recommendations, facturers on the kind and amount of raw while protecting forest ecosystems, we are also including increasing materials available today and likely to be encouraging the development of enterprises timber production, available at various points in the future. that produce nontraditional products, includ- improving environmental We also keep track of the demand for ing foods, decorative objects, herbs, and other review, improving wood products. items, from forests. transportation, and encouraging third- party certification, DNR Forestry’s Utilization and Marketing Program: which promotes • helps find markets for timber environmentally sound • encourages development of nontraditional forest forest management. The products such as birch twigs, balsam boughs, nuts, report is available at and seeds www.dnr.state.mn.us/ • reduces waste by finding and developing markets for forestry. wood scraps and other byproducts of wood products manufacturing • publishes a newsletter providing information on wood utilization and marketing and connecting buyers and sellers of wood products • publishes directories of forest products manufacturers for forest managers and businesses • maintains information on wood product supply and demand 31 • encourages the use of wood and wood byproducts for fuel. CHAPTER 10: UTILIZATION AND MARKETING

Economic Impact. The forest products Special Forest Products. Interest is industry has a huge positive impact growing in Minnesota and around on Minnesota’s economy. More than the country in the production of 55,000 Minnesota workers get at special forest products, also known least some of their income from the as nontimber or nontraditional forest industry. Each dollar of timber sold products. This growing industry allows For information on supports about $41.60 in economic individuals and businesses to derive marketing opportunities activity for the state. Including income from forests while minimizing see Minnesota’s Special value-added products, the industry impact and promoting long-term Forest Products, contributes more than $6.9 billion sustainability of both the resource available for download annually to our economy. It’s the and the local economy. Examples at www.dnr.state.mn.us/ fourth-largest manufacturing industry of special forest products include forestry/um. in Minnesota based on employment Christmas trees, balsam boughs, bark, (behind computer and electronics cones, nuts and seeds, herbs, and equipment, fabricated metal products, decorative vegetation such as ferns and food manufacturing). and mosses.

Value of Forest Products Manufactured in Minnesota Selected Publications Pulp and paper $1,609,000,000 The following publications are available from DNR Forestry or at www. Mill byproducts $12,000,000 dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/um. Lumber posts, poles, pilings Minnesota Primary Forest Products $121,000,000 Producer Directory, lists sawmills, Boards $297,000,000 pulp and paper mills, oriented strand Secondary manufacturing Specialty products $50,000,000 board mills, veneer mills, and dry-kiln $4,823,000,000 facilities. Fuelwood $18,000,000 Minnesota Secondary Forest Products Pulpwood shipped out of state Producer Directory, lists wood-product $7,000,000 manufacturing companies. Christmas products $24,000,000 The Market Place, quarterly newsletter Source: Minnesota Forest Industries, 2001 provides information, including free ads, for foresters and members of the forest Value of Forest Products Manufactured in Minnesota products industry. Minnesota’s Forest Resources,

7.8 7.7 annual publication provides infor- 8 7.5 7 7 mation related to Minnesota’s forest 7 6.5 6.2 resources and forest products indus- 6 try. 5 4.9 4 4 3.5

3 2.5 1.9 alue (billions of dollars) 2 V 1 0 Year: 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 00 02

32 Source: Minnesota Forest Industries

Chapter 11: Education and Communication

DNR Forestry is responsible for caring School Forests for Minnesota’s forest resource. But in order The School Forest Lifelong Learning. Many to do our job, we must have the support of Program allows of our education and Minnesotans who know and care about trees schools to designate information efforts are and forests. The purpose of our education outdoor classrooms integrated into other and communication efforts is to ensure that where students can agency programs. For Minnesotans of all ages under- explore and learn about the example, the Woodland stand the value of Minnesota’s DNR Forestry natural world. DNR Forestry Stewardship Program forest resource and are aware educational provides forest management provides advice to of programs and opportuni- materials are advice, curriculum support, landowners on options ties that nurture and support designed to help and forestry information to for managing forests; forest stewardship. educators meet more than 100 school forest the utilization and DNR Forestry offers a Minnesota sites. In addition, many local, marketing program variety of education and infor- graduation regional, state, and federal provides publications mation-sharing programs to standards. Project partners provide support and advice to guide the public. Since education is Learning Tree to school forest sites. More individuals and a lifelong process, programs is speciﬁ cally than 7,000 acres of land are businesses involved in are designed for all ages, from correlated to the currently enrolled in the harvesting and selling preschoolers through adults. graduation standards. program. forest products; the Schools anywhere in Min- forest health program Minnesota Project nesota can be involved in the offers a bimonthly Learning Tree School Forest Program. School forests can newsletter with updates Our premier curricu- be found in urban, suburban, and rural on insect and disease lum resource for educating parts of Minnesota. They range in size from issues; and the urban children about forestry one to 600 acres. Local DNR, county, and and community and natural resources city foresters ensure school forest sites are forestry program is Minnesota Project well-managed. provides educational Learning Tree (PLT). This programs and materials innovative environmental Other Classroom Resources to residents, local education program trains volunteers who We provide teachers with a variety of government employees, in turn train educators to use the national classroom resources for teaching students organization members, Project Learning Tree curriculum in their about trees and forests. A Teachers’ Guide and businesspersons to classroom or informal learning settings. to Arbor Month con- help nurture trees in the PLT typically reaches 300 educators and tains activities and urban environment. For 9,000 students annually. lessons in math, more information, see The Minnesota PLT program includes science, language other sections of this preschool, elementary, and high-school arts, and physical publication. components. PLT reaches educators and education to help students through formal classrooms, scout grades K-8 students troops, environmental learning centers, for- and teachers explore 33 estry groups, and public events. The curric- Minnesota’s forests. ulum is periodically reviewed and updated. The Firewise Com- CHAPTER 11: EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION

munities Curriculum is new for middle Publications and More and high school teachers. It combines DNR Forestry offers Minnesotans wildfi re education, Geographic Informa- numerous opportunities for learning tion Systems (GIS) technology, and service about trees and forests. A variety of publi- learning to meet national high school geog- cations and posters covering topics such as Partners. Volunteers raphy standards. Minnesota’s biomes, forest management, play an enormous tree species, and much more are available role in DNR Forestry to interested individuals at no charge. education efforts. Gypsy Moth Curriculum. An Internet- An abundance of information about Project Learning Tree based curriculum on gypsy moths Minnesota’s forests, forest policy, DNR trainers, for example, developed by the University of F o r e s t r y, offer hundreds of California, Berkeley, and Minnesota and related; hours of service DNR Forestry provides educators topics is also, each year free of an opportunity to teach science, available at , charge to pass on the math, social studies, geography, and w w w. d n r. important message writing skills while students learn state.mn.us/ of forest stewardship about an important forest pest. For forestry. to educators around more information visit: www.dnr.state. the state. Becoming mn.us/forestry/education. a DNR volunteer is easy. Simply call 651- 297-1449 (Twin Cities metropolitan area) or 888-646-6367 (toll- free) to request an information packet and application. DNR Forestry contrib- Equally critical are utes to the efforts of the partnerships with other Minnesota Logger Educa- institutions such as the tion Program (MLEP). Minnesota Extension Established in 1995, Service and the U.S. MLEP provides educa- Forest Service. Such tional programming cooperative efforts to Minnesota’s logging make effi cient use of community in the areas limited resources and of sustainable forest multiply our outreach management, transporta- efforts many times over. tion, safety, and business Photo: Minnesota DNR Photo: management. We work with MLEP to help design and deliver logger education related to Minnesota’s Voluntary Site-Level Timber Harvesting and Forest Management Guidelines and other forest management topics. MLEP members are responsible for approximately 90 percent of Minnesota’s annual timber harvest. Membership is voluntary and refl ects the commitment of logging business owners to safe, productive, and environmentally responsible timber harvesting. Through 2003, MLEP has sponsored more than 270 workshops with a total combined attendance of 8,466. DNR Forestry is also represented on MLEP’s board of directors.

Chapter 12: Community Forestry

Trees are an important part of a com- program that provides grants in support of munity’s environment. They shelter resi- community forestry. dents from summer sun and winter wind, Through the Minnesota ReLeaf program, provide wildlife habitat, beautify streets, we provide matching grants of up to $15,000 and increase property values. DNR’s urban to help local governments, school districts, and community forestry program helps and nonprofit organizations develop and communities plan, plant, and care for trees carry out plans for developing and sustain- Tree Care Advisors. DNR in neighborhoods, parks, business places, ing healthy community forests. For more is a sponsor of the Tree and other populated areas. information contact your local Care Advisor program, DNR Forestry office (see page which trains citizens to Education Up-to-date 4), call 651-296-9110, or visit educate other citizens One way in which we help information www.dnr.state.mn.us/grants/ about trees. Tree nurture trees in an urban envi- on tree care forestmgmt/urban.html. Care Advisors work in ronment is to provide educational is available on communities to help programs and materials to resi- the DNR Web Asian Outreach Project others learn about dents, local government employ- site at www.dnr. DNR and Tree Trust, a Minne- planting and caring ees, organization members, and state.mn.us/ sota nonprofit organization, are for trees. For more business people. treecare. partnering with local Hmong, information see www. We offer recommendations on Lao, Vietnamese, and Chinese mntca.org. how to choose trees for a site and how to organizations to conduct a variety of urban ensure trees’ success once they are planted. forestry projects. Career opportunity and We provide advice on managing tree dis- educational tours, tree planting and care eases, on protecting trees from damage, and projects, and neighborhood celebrations are on preventing injury and property damage helping Asian residents more fully integrate from aging trees. into their communities. We also work with the Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee, a coalition of An Eye to the Future public and private partners. Together we We have made much progress over the work to raise awareness of the importance of years in encouraging communities to value actively managing trees in cities and towns. trees and in educating community leaders and citizens on the nuts and bolts of com- Advising and Funding munity forestry. But there is still much work DNR foresters work one-on-one with to be done. community leaders in areas such as design- We need to continue to encourage estab- ing tree ordinances and advising zoning lished communities to enrich existing committees. settings with trees. We also need to continue We serve as the main contact for several to play a key role in encouraging growing programs that encourage community for- communities to value trees. We must estry efforts, including the National Arbor encourage communities and developers to Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program protect existing forest land, minimize forest 35 and Minnesota ReLeaf. We also adminis- fragmentation, protect trees from construc- ter a federal urban and community forestry tion damage, and make trees an integral CHAPTER 12: COMMUNITY FORESTRY part of their landscape. Our message is that natural areas provide many benefits, from May Is Arbor Month sheltering wildlife to beautifying landscapes, in Minnesota. The and any development will be richer for the Minnesota Arbor trees it protects and plants. Month Partnership We also need to address new threats. encourages citizens Many of the trees that replaced elms killed to celebrate trees by Dutch elm disease several decades ago by planting a tree will not reach maturity because they were or other plant native to Minnesota. planted improperly. Exotic pests such as Some communities have special gypsy moth, Asian longhorned beetle, and Arbor Month celebrations. For more emerald ash borer could devastate commu- information see www.dnr.state.mn.us/ nity forests. DNR foresters will continue arbormonth. to work with our partners in the Minne- sota Shade Tree Advisory Committee and other organizations to bring communities the information they need to maintain a healthy canopy of trees.

Is Your City a Tree City U.S.A.? Communities are eligible for the designation if they have a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a community forestry program with a budget of at least $2 per person per year, and an Arbor Day procla- mation and observance. Tree City U.S.A. designation helps a community develop and maintain a strong tree program, provides opportunities for ﬁnancial assistance, and builds a sense of community pride. For more information see the Tree City USA Web site at www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa.cfm or phone 402-474-5655.

Volunteers collect data on city street trees. Photo: Tree Trust Tree Photo: 36

Chapter 13: Policy

Many layers of direction help determine how Minnesota forests are managed. These range from statutes and rules, to broadly developed guidelines, to internal policies and recommendations.

Legislative Support DNR Forestry works with the Legisla- ture in a variety of ways. We develop bien- nial and capital budgets to support our work and present them to the Legislature. We help develop legislation related to state land management and forest issues. We also share our insights with legislators regarding laws proposed by others, and develop fact sheets and other materials that give legislators science-based background information related to forests and forest management.

Policy and Guidelines The DNR and DNR Forestry are involved in a number of levels of forest policy and guideline development. Some of the more significant and controversial policies are developed with broad interdisciplinary and public stakeholder involvement (e.g., Voluntary Site-Level Timber Harvesting and Forest Management Guidelines, DNR Old-Growth Forest Guidelines). Others are developed internally to address DNR Photo: Deborah Rose, Minnesota DNR Rose, Deborah Photo: processes and operations (e.g., Forestry/ Wildlife Coordination Policy). Still others are developed as evolving management rec- Environmental Review ommendations to address specific issues or DNR Forestry planners are responsible species needs. for coordinating division input on the envi- DNR Forestry planners also review and ronmental review of development projects comment on the policies and plans of other (DNR and others) that may affect forest DNR divisions, other government agen- resources. We also assist other state agencies cies (e.g., U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and in the completion of required environmen- Wildlife Service, counties), and organiza- tal review documents and any resulting 37 tions that might affect or influence forest litigation associated with major wood mill management in Minnesota. expansions. CHAPTER 13: POLICY Minnesota Forest Resources Minnesota Forest Resources Council Partnership The DNR is a member of the Minnesota The Minnesota Forest Resources Part- Forest Resources Council (MFRC), estab- nership is a voluntary partnership of forest lished by the Legislature in 1995. DNR landowners, forest resource managers, and Forestry’s director currently represents the loggers. The mission of the partnership is DNR on the MFRC. The council’s 17 to implement and coordinate scientifically members, who represent both the public based, technically and economically feasible and private sectors, develop programs to forest management practices. The primary help sustain Minnesota’s forests and advise objectives are productive, sustainable forest government agencies on forestry issues. For resources and economically viable forest more information see www.frc.state.mn.us management organizations and forest prod- or call 651-603-0109. ucts industries. The partnership was formed in 1995 and includes 26 organizations.

Voluntary Management Guidelines Recognizing the importance of managing forest resources in a way that keeps them healthy for future generations, the Minnesota Legislature in the mid-1990s assigned the Minnesota Forest Resources Council the task of developing a set of guidelines rec- ommending forest management practices that help protect cultural resources, soils, riparian areas, visual quality, and water and wetland quality. The resulting Voluntary Site-Level Timber Harvesting and Forest Management Guidelines, ﬁnalized in 1998, have been distributed widely among landowners, resource managers, and loggers. They are now being used to direct harvest and other practices on all state land and on land under other ownership throughout the state. For more information see www.frc. state.mn.us/FMgdline/Guidelines.html. Do you see evidence that the Voluntary Site-Level Timber Harvesting and Forest Management Guidelines are not being followed? Get the word to the people who can do something about it by calling the conﬁdential Minnesota Forest Resources Council’s Public Concerns Reg- istration Line, 888-234-3702, or submit a concern online at www. frc.state.mn.us/ monitor/PCRP. htm. An investiga- tor will assess the situation, provide educational materials as needed, and recommend actions to resolve any problems Photo: Mike Phillips, Minnesota DNR Phillips, Mike Photo: Management guidelines help to minimize rutting impacts, which can found. affect future forest stand productivity. 38

Chapter 14: A Brief History

1894: In September, the Hinckley fire 1914: A constitutional amendment is takes 418 lives, drawing widespread passed designating trust fund land as attention to Minnesota’s forest resources. state forests. 1895: The Minnesota Legislature 1917: The Minnesota Legislature des- appoints the state auditor as forest ignates 350,000 acres of state lands in commissioner. The auditor appoints northern St. Louis, Lake, and Cook General C.C. Andrews as Minnesota’s counties as state forests. The first exten- first chief fire warden. In his first annual sive tree planting is undertaken when report, Andrews notes the state contains wild stock is dug up and planted on 11,890,000 acres of forest. various types of land. 1899: The Legislature creates a forestry 1918: On October 12, a forest fire wipes board to manage lands granted to the out Cloquet, most of Moose Lake, and state by the federal government or more than a dozen smaller villages. private individuals for forestry purposes. Property damage exceeds $28 million, and 438 lives are lost. A burning permit 1900: Minnesota’s first forest reserve is law is passed regulating when and where established when 1,000 acres of cutover fires can be started. pine lands in Cass County, donated to the state by Governor John S. Pillsbury, 1924: The federal Clarke-McNary Act become Pillsbury State Forest. is passed, providing Minnesota with increased funding for fire prevention. 1909: Motivated by a forest fire that swept the mining village of Chisholm the year 1925: The Conservation Commission before, the Legislature authorizes the and Department of Conservation are appointment of a corps of forest rangers. established. The state forester becomes the commissioner of forestry and fire 1910: On October 9, six weeks after the prevention. Forestry laws are reorga- forest rangers are laid off due to lack of nized and codified. The forested area of funds, numerous small fires are fanned the state is defined as any county with by wind into a holocaust. Before the 1,000 acres or more of timber or unbro- day ends, Baudette and Spooner are in ken prairie land or of cutover land not ashes and 42 people are dead. cleared of combustible material. 1911: The Legislature creates 1931: The Department of Conservation the Minnesota Forest Service. is reorganized. Administration of state Responsibility for forests (except for forests and state parks is assigned to the timber management, which remains department’s Division of Forestry. with the state auditor) is placed under a forestry board. William T. Cox 1931: The Legislature authorizes the pro- is appointed Minnesota’s first state duction of native conifers for planting 39 forester. Cox organizes a state forest on state land. The Badoura nursery near protection system with district rangers. Akeley begins producing trees. CHAPTER 14: A BRIEF HISTORY 1933: The Legislature moves timber sales 1947: The Legislature provides for from the state auditor’s office to the private forest management service to Department of Conservation, Division owners of not more than 1,000 acres. of Lands. The Division of Forestry is authorized to produce planting stock of all species 1933: The Legislature passes a law requir- for use on private land. Tree production ing income from “acquired lands” in state skyrockets. forests to go to the state’s general revenue fund, with half reinvested into the county 1949: The Legislature mandates that from which the income came. tax-forfeited land may be designated as a school forest to encourage educators 1933: Civilian Conservation Corps camps to use nature as an outdoor classroom. are established. Thousands of young It requires the Department of men begin working in fire protection, Conservation to support school forest firefighting, forest management, and lands. nursery work. The Legislature establishes 13 more state forests. 1952: The first school forest is established at Blackduck. 1934: Timber sale responsibility is moved from the Division of Lands to the Divi- 1953: The Legislature names the red sion of Forestry in the Department of (Norway) pine Minnesota’s state tree. Conservation. 1955: For the first time in the history of 1935: Thirteen new state forests are estab- the state, an inventory of the timber lished. A separate state parks division is on the 4.7 million acres of state land set up. owned or administered by the Depart- ment of Conservation is completed and 1936: The first statewide forestry inven- published. tory is completed. 1956: The Division of Forestry is reor- 1939: General C.C. Andrews nursery ganized into two sections, state land is established near Willow River. The management and cooperative forestry. nursery begins producing trees in 1940. 1957: The Legislature designates the first 1943: Minnesota’s first minimum cutting Friday in May as Arbor Day in Min- regulations law is enacted. It defines the nesota. It also passes the Minnesota Tree size of trees to be cut and provides for Growth Tax Law, making it possible to leaving seed trees. tax private forest lands on the basis of 1943: The state forest laws are codified. the annual increase in value. Twenty-nine state forests are reestab- 1957: Division of Forestry field staff is lished under a single act. organized into four regions, 18 admin- 1944: Keep Minnesota Green forest fire istrative areas, and 74 ranger districts. prevention education and the Tree Farm 1959: The commissioner of conservation program are established. adds an additional 830,116 acres of 1944: The U.S. Forest Service creates state land to existing state forest land. Smokey Bear to help publicize citizens’ 1963: The Legislature establishes and role in preventing wildfires. reestablishes 54 state forests. 1946: Private forest management assis- 1963: The Minnesota Outdoor Recre- tance begins with the hiring of two ation Resources Act is passed, encour- 40 foresters with funds provided by forest aging the development of numerous industries. recreation facilities within the state. A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNR FORESTRY 1965: Arbor Day is changed from the 1990: The Legislature establishes Lake first Friday in May to the last Friday in of the Woods State Forest, bringing the April. state forest total to 57. 1967: The Division of Forestry becomes 1991: The ecological classification system the Division of Lands and Forestry, and (ECS) is adopted as a tool for categoriz- takes on responsibility for state land ing lands not only by tree type but also leases, sales, and land records. by other physical and biological characteristics. 1967: The surveyor general’s office is consolidated with the Department of 1994: The GEIS is approved, providing Conservation; the Division of Lands an important framework for sustainable and Forestry assumes responsibility for management of forests in Minnesota. measuring the amount of timber on 1994: DNR Forestry and tourism and state land. forestry industry partners publish visual 1971: The Department of Conservation best management practices (BMPs) to is renamed the Department of Natural guide logging in areas valued for their Resources. scenic quality. 1972: The Division of Lands and For- 1994: DNR Forestry is reorganized into estry is reorganized into a Division of five regions, 40 areas, and 29 work- Forestry and a Bureau of Lands. stations. 1978: The national Project Learning Tree 1995: The Legislature passes the Min- curriculum is introduced into Minne- nesota Sustainable Forest Resources sota to teach young people about trees Act. The law encompasses many of the and forests and their role in a healthy recommendations of the GEIS and economy and environment. creates the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) to coordinate imple- 1982: The Legislature passes the Forest mentation of the act and help guide Management Act, which requires policy development. the Division of Forestry to reforest an amount of state land equal to the 1995: Water quality BMPs are extended amount harvested each year. to protect wetlands. 1984: The Minnesota Incident 1995: The Minnesota Forest Resources Command System (MNICS) is created Partnership is formed to promote the to coordinate state, local, and federal implementation and coordination of firefighting efforts. scientifically based, technically and economically feasible forest management 1986: DNR Forestry, now with more practices. than 400 employees, celebrates its 75th anniversary. 1998: MFRC establishes Voluntary Site- Level Timber Harvesting and Forest 1989: The Environmental Quality Board Management Guidelines for landown- begins work on a generic environmen- ers, resource managers, and loggers. The tal impact statement (GEIS) assessing guidelines offer suggestions for protect- the potential environmental impacts of ing cultural resources, soils, riparian various levels of future harvest. areas, visual quality, water and wetland 1990: Water quality best management quality, and wildlife while managing practices (BMPs) to help loggers mini- forests for timber production and other mize impacts on lakes and streams are uses. 41 published. CHAPTER 14: A BRIEF HISTORY 1998: The process of designating old- 2004: The DNR commits to certifying growth forests for protection begins. 4.5 million acres of state-administered forest lands by the end of 2005 through 2000: The Legislature establishes Minne- the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) sota’s 58th state forest, the 15,000-acre and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Waukenabo State Forest in north- central Minnesota. 2004: Smokey Bear celebrates his 60th birthday. 2001: Minnesota adopts Firewise, a national program to help communities 2004: The 100th school forest is estab- reduce the risk of loss due to wildfires. lished in Minnesota, bringing the amount of land enrolled in the Division 2002: The DNR is reorganized into four of Forestry’s School Forest Program to regions. 7,000 acres. Private, public, and tax- 2003: The governor establishes the Advi- forfeited lands enrolled in the program sory Task Force on the Competitiveness annually impact 24,000 students. of Minnesota’s Primary Forest Products 2004: DNR Forestry consolidates its Industry. The task force issues a report offices into four regions, 27 areas, and describing Minnesota’s forest industry 35 field stations around the state. and identifying policies and programs that can improve competitiveness.

Minnesota Forest Land 35 31.5 30 Minnesota’s forested acreage dropped dramatically in the late 1800s. Currently, nearly one-third of the state is forested. 25 19.3 20 16.5 16.7 16.3 15 11.9

Millions of acres 10

0 1850 1895 1953 1977 1990 2002

Source: A Strategic Conservation Agenda, 2003–2007, Minnesota DNR

Chapter 15: Questions and Answers

Q: How much of Minnesota is forested? Q: What’s the difference between forest A: That depends on how you define forest land and timberland? and whom you ask. In Minnesota, A: Forest land is all forested land, includ- land use and land cover are measured ing timberland and land reserved from in a variety of ways. Land ownership harvest or not suitable for growing records, U.S. Forest Service Forest trees for harvest. Timberland is land Inventory and Analysis (FIA) assess- considered useful for growing and ments, and the DNR’s Cooperative harvesting trees. More than 1 million Stand Assessment data all yield differ- acres of Minnesota’s public forest land ent numbers. In addition, forest land is reserved from or off-limits to timber and timberland are defined differently. harvest. This includes the Boundary Here are some numbers commonly used Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, to describe the extent of Minnesota’s for- Voyageurs National Park, state parks, ested land: scientific and natural areas, and county • 54 million acres comprise Minnesota’s parks. land base, including water. Source: Minnesota Land Use and Cover: Q: Who owns Minnesota’s 16.3 million 1990s Census of the Land acres of forest land? • 51 million acres comprise Minnesota’s A: According to Minnesota Forest land base, not including water. Inventory Analysis (FIA) 2002 data, Source: Minnesota Land Use and Cover: forest-land ownership breaks down as 1990s Census of the Land follows: • 16.3 million acres in Minnesota are considered forest land (approximately Industry 7% Private 35% one-third of Minnesota’s land base). Source: Minnesota Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) 2002 data Federal 18% • 15 million acres of Minnesota’s forested land are considered timberland. Source: Minnesota Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) 2002 data County/ • 5.6 million acres of Minnesota’s land municipal 13% base are administered by the DNR. Source: DNR Division of Lands and State 27% Minerals—Land Records System 2003 • 4.5 acres of land administered by the DNR are considered forested. Source: Cooperative Stand Assessment data 43 CHAPTER 15: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q: Who owns Minnesota’s 15 million Q: Is forest land declining in acres of timberland? Minnesota? A: According to Minnesota Forest A: Not right now. Over the past century Inventory Analysis (FIA) 2002 data, and a half some 16 million acres of Minnesota’s 15 million acres of forest were lost to land clearing for timberland breaks down as follows: agriculture and urban development. Projections today suggest that forest Industry 8% Private 38% area in northern Minnesota will continue to decline due to develop- Federal 14% ment. However, forest area in southern Minnesota is increasing as land reverts from agriculture. Overall, forest area in Minnesota is expected to increase County/ slightly from now until 2040. municipal 13% Q: Why do we harvest trees? A: Wood is one of America’s most impor- State 27% tant raw materials. The amount (by weight) used each year in the United States exceeds the amount of all metals, Q: How much land does DNR adminis- plastics, and cements combined. ter? Unlike many other materials, wood is A: DNR administers 5.6 million acres renewable. That means we can grow of land (DNR Division of Lands and more to replace what we harvest, so Minerals—Land Records System we can use it without using it up. If 2003). Various divisions administer the we were to stop harvesting timber, we land as follows: would increase our use of nonrenew- Waters able raw materials such as fossil fuels. Timber harvest is also a primary tool Lands/Minerals Unspecified for creating desirable habitat for wild- Fisheries life. When done properly, tree harvest- Forestry Eco Services Parks ing is an environmentally sound choice Trails/Waterways for meeting human needs.

Wildlife Q: Who harvests timber on state land? A: In Minnesota, independent loggers do most timber harvesting. The DNR sells the right to harvest a specified amount of timber in a specific location in a specified way through a legal tool called a timber sale permit. The permit Q: What are the threats to Minnesota’s ensures that loggers cut only the trees forests? we want them to cut using methods A: The biggest threat to Minnesota’s forest that protect soil, water, wildlife, aes- land is our desire to be near it. Vaca- thetics, and other forest benefits. tion houses and urban sprawl reduce the amount of forest, complicate the forest ownership picture, and break forests into fragments that are less able 44 than an intact forest to support a diversity of living things. A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNR FORESTRY Q: What is clear-cutting? Where and Q: Who can help me manage my forest why is it used? land? A: Clear-cutting means removing all trees A: If you own 20 to 5,000 acres of land, except those reserved for special pur- at least 10 acres of which is or will be poses. In most cases, scattered trees or forested, we will provide a woodland small groups of trees are left to provide stewardship plan for you at no charge. diversity and wildlife habitat and The plan will help you manage your forage. land for personal benefit while protect- Clear-cutting is used to encour- ing soil, water, plants, and animals. If age growth of tree species that require you have less than 20 acres, you can full sunlight when they are young (for find valuable management advice in example, jack pine, aspen, paper birch, Beyond the Suburbs: A Landowner’s Forest Type: A way tamarack, and some oaks). Clear- Guide to Conservation Management. to categorize a cutting also encourages the growth Download a copy at www.dnr.state. forest based on the of ground vegetation, which provides mn.us/forestry (look under Tree Care predominant tree food for wildlife. and Management) or contact the DNR species found there Clear-cutting is not used with Information Center, 651-296-6157 or (see figure on page species such as maple and basswood 888-646-6367. Consulting foresters 7 for examples). because they regenerate best under the are another valuable source of advice. canopy of older trees. Clear-cutting is Contact your local DNR Forestry also not recommended on steep slopes, office (see page 4) for a list of consult- near open water, or on fragile soils ing foresters near you. because it can result in erosion. Q: Can I buy tree seedlings from the Q: Is state land reforested after harvest? DNR? A: The DNR is required by law to refor- A: Yes. DNR nurseries sell seedlings in est acreage equal to that harvested lots of 100, with a minimum purchase each year. Each year we seed 4,000 to of 500 trees. Seedlings must be planted 5,000 acres, plant seedlings on 4,000 in Minnesota, and must be used to to 5,000 acres, and encourage natural establish or reforest wood lots, wind- regeneration on more than 20,000 breaks, and shelterbelts; for erosion acres. control; for soil and water conservation; or for permanent food and cover Q: Why do DNR foresters pay so much for wildlife. They may not be planted attention to trees and so little atten- for ornamental purposes or resold with tion to other parts of the habitat? roots attached for 10 years. Orders for A: They don’t, anymore. Since 1982 we seedlings are accepted from August have had a multiple-use/sustained- 15 until early spring or until sup- yield mandate. Trees are the primary plies run out. For more information, component that defines a forest as a including information on available tree forest (rather than prairie, brushland, and shrub species, see www.dnr.state. etc.). As a result, foresters focus on mn.us/forestry/nurseries or call the managing forest types—including DNR Information Center at 651-296- the shrubs and forbs associated with 6157 or 888-646-6367. these forest types—to provide certain mixes of tree species and age classes for Q: How can I find out how to take care diverse habitat. The location of these of the trees in my yard? forest types on the landscape is also an A: Contact your local community forester important consideration in enhancing or tree inspector. If you don’t have one, habitat and biodiversity. contact your local DNR Forestry office 45 (see page 4). CHAPTER 15: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q: When do I need a burning permit? Q: May I remove trees or other plants A: You need a permit to have an outdoor from state forests? fire (except for a recreational campfire A: You may take fallen pine cones and or cooking fire) whenever the ground harvest fruits and mushrooms. In does not have complete snow cover. general, you may not cut trees or dig Obtain a burning permit at your up plants in state forests. In some areas local DNR Forestry (see page 4) or you may cut trees for fuel, but you fire warden office. Check with local need a permit first. You also need a officials to see if there are special permit to harvest boughs for decora- burning regulations in your area. tions. For permits, contact your local DNR Forestry office (see page 4). Q: May I ride my off-highway vehicle (OHV) in state forests? Q: May I hunt in state forests? A: OHV teams are evaluating trails in A: Yes, if you follow all applicable hunting Minnesota’s state forests as to whether laws and regulations. State forests they are closed to OHV use or opened contain private holdings within their to limited OHV use. Contact the boundaries, many of which are signed DNR Forestry office closest to the for no hunting. State forest maps, state forest you’re interested in visiting available at DNR Forestry offices, can (see page 4) to get the current status of help you plan your hunt around these OHV trails in that state forest. areas.

Photo: Mark Escher Photo: State forest roads and trails are being classiﬁed as either “limited” or “closed” to OHV use. For more information visit: www.dnr.state.mn.us/ohv. 46

A CITIZENS’ GUIDE TO DNR FORESTRY