Summer tree thinning scheduled at Twin Lakes WMA

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Summer tree thinning scheduled at Twin Lakes WMA
(Released May 24, 2011)


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Karlstad area wildlife office is planning to thin the oak on the beach ridge adjacent to State Highway 11 east of Karlstad in the Twin Lakes Wildlife Management Area.

Years of fire suppression have caused the historic oak savannas to succeed to oak woodlands in many areas. Oak savanna habitat across the state and globe is very rare, so it’s important to restore the historic savannas. Wildlife associated with these oak savannas has been displaced due to the change in habitat.

The area wildlife office plans to selectively thin the oak ridges along State Highway 11 to approximately 20-30 trees per acre, beginning this summer. The cut trees will be removed from the site and the stumps will be treated with herbicide to prevent re-sprouting. 

After the thinning, the DNR will maintain the sites in a more open state through the periodic use of prescribed burns. The areas that will be treated will look much different once the project is completed. 

Any questions should be directed to the Karlstad DNR area office, 202 Main St. N., Karlstad, MN 56732, or call 218-436-2427.