DNR to take a closer look

[Lee Borgersen]

        DNR to take a closer look at issue of pine forest conversion
 
 

DNR NEWS - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     Feb. 5, 2015

DNR to take a closer look at issue of pine forest conversion

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is undertaking a closer examination of a trend in northwestern Minnesota where pine forests are being cut, cleared and converted to potatoes and other rotational croplands.

Because the pine-to-potatoes land conversion could potentially pose a threat to water supplies and impact fish and wildlife for years to come, the DNR will prepare a document known as a discretionary environmental assessment worksheet (EAW).

 A North Dakota-based potato processor, R.D. Offutt, has been purchasing and clearing the forest land in four counties: Becker, Cass, Hubbard and Wadena. The DNR estimates that the processor has already purchased about 12,000 acres of pine forests. Some of this land has already been cleared, and the remainder is slated for clearing and conversion to irrigated croplands. The DNR estimates that another 15,000 acres of pine forests have the potential to be sold and converted to crops.

Altogether, the forest lands that have been cleared, or are at risk of being cleared, cover a total area of about 42 square miles - an area approximately covered by the cities of Bemidji, Brainerd and Detroit Lakes combined. Experts say the current rate of forest loss in this region has not been seen in recent memory.   

The region's sandy, permeable soil contributes to the potential impacts from this land conversion. These potential impacts include the risk of crop fertilizers contaminating local water supplies, groundwater overuse, and impacts to fish and wildlife. R.D. Offutt is asking the DNR for permits to construct groundwater wells to irrigate new and future croplands.

Before deciding whether to grant those well permit requests, the DNR will prepare the discretionary EAW in order to fully understand the potential environmental effects of any appropriation decisions and associated land clearing activities.

"It's important that the DNR carefully consider the implications that this rapid forest land clearing and conversion will have on water quality, water supply, and related resources in this region and beyond," said DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr. "People rely on these water sources, and we want to take a hard look at any potential impacts."

The EAW could take up to a year to complete. The potato processor has been informed of the environmental review process, which puts on hold any further land clearing and decisions regarding well permit applications.

Potential impact of forest conversion on area water supplies
The pine-to-potatoes conversion is occurring in an area known as the Pineland Sands Aquifer that has sandy, permeable soil. The aquifer is directly connected to local lakes, streams and wetlands. The combination of permeable soils and agricultural fertilizers pose a risk of nitrate contamination to groundwater and surface water.

Experts say nitrate contamination in water is difficult to avoid when growing potatoes in sandy soils and that contamination could impact drinking water resources, fish, and other aquatic species. The cumulative volume of water being sought is also a concern. The DNR must carefully analyze the potential impacts of this water use on the sustainability of both groundwater and connected surface waters.

These surface water supplies in northwestern Minnesota are the source of drinking water for downstream users as far south as Minneapolis and St. Paul, via the Mississippi River.

The DNR is the state agency that approves and regulates permits for agricultural irrigation and other large volume water uses. To date, the DNR has issued 32 irrigation permits to this applicant, associated with about 4,000 acres of land conversion, and the applicant is proposing an additional 54 irrigation permits.

Potential impact of forest conversion on area wildlife
The forest conversion could also negatively impact local wildlife populations, water runoff and soil erosion. Loss of pineland habitat will impact deer within the state's highest deer goal population areas and create the potential for increased deer depredation on crops in the area. These pineland forests are, in some cases, home to rare plant and animal species.

More information
More information about the pinelands issue and EAW can be found on the DNR's website at www.mndnr.gov/pinelands.
 


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