DNR to begin reforesting

[Lee Borgersen]

DNR to begin reforesting state land in northeastern Minnesota.

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Spring is a busy time for Minnesota Department of Natural Resources forestry staff. As timber harvesting activities wind down, attention turns to regeneration of recently harvested forest stands.

Starting in late April, tree planting crews contracted by the DNR are scheduled to begin planting more than 800,000 tree seedlings on state forests in northeastern Minnesota. A combination of bareroot and containerized seedlings from the Minnesota State Forest Nursery and private industry partners will be planted. Most of these will be conifers such as red, white and jack pine, white and black spruce, and tamarack. Some hardwoods such as yellow birch, red oak and bur oak will also be planted.

"The DNR selects trees that are native to the area and that are best suited for the planting site so they will grow strong and live long," said Rick Klevorn, DNR silviculture program coordinator.

In addition, about 3,600 acres will be aerially seeded with black spruce, tamarack, and jack, red and white pine. Aerial seeding is an inexpensive and effective way to give lowland conifer sites an excellent chance for successful regeneration.

Aerial photography will be analyzed to determine the success of these reforestation efforts and the need for follow-up care such as weed control and removal of competing vegetation. This is an effective way to evaluate wetland sites that are difficult to reach by road during the summer. A percentage of the sites will be visited by DNR staff to ensure accuracy of the remotely sensed data.

It's not too late to purchase seedlings for spring plantings on private forest land. Visit www.mndnr.gov/forestry/nursery/index.html or contact the Minnesota State Forest Nursery at 800-657-3767 for a list of available trees.

Questions and comments can be directed to Rick Klevorn at 651-259-5274 or rick.klevor@state.mn.us.

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