Get involved: share your favorite tree!
Go outside to take a picture, make a drawing, or tell the story of your favorite tree, then post it here.

State champions needed for Minnesota’s big tree registry!
While you’re at it, the DNR is also looking for state champion trees of the following species. Learn more or submit your champion trees at the DNR’s Big Tree Registry.

• Red Pine, Pinus resinosa
• Northern Mountain Ash, Sorbus decora
• American Hornbeam (also called blue beech), Carpinus caroliniana
• Mountain Maple, Acer spicatum
• Chinkapin Oak (also called yellow chestnut oak), Quercus muehlenbergii

Related posts:

1. 2009 Tree Farm Photo Contest
2. 2009 Minnesota Tree Farm Awards
3. Poem of the month: The Locust Tree in Flower

Emerald ash borer (EAB) has been discovered in Victory, Wisconsin. Victory is approximately 1 mile south of the Minnesota border along the Mississippi River.

This discovery was made only last week and confirmation was made on Monday, April 6. The Wisconsin Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources have released the news of this find today, April 7. Although Wisconsin has not had much opportunity to evaluate the scale of this infestation, their initial assessment was that this was a significant infestation.

Due to the proximity of this infestation to Minnesota and Iowa, it is possible that the infestation extends into one or both states. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture, along with our partners at the Department of Natural Resources, USDA APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine and USDA Forest Service are already investigating the southeastern portion of Houston County to determine if the infestation extends into Minnesota. We expect these initial surveys to last up to four weeks. If emerald ash borer is found in Minnesota, we will activate our EAB Response Plan (PDF).

Whether or not this initial round of survey discovers EAB in Minnesota, we will be intensifying survey and outreach efforts in southeastern Minnesota during 2009.

The complete press release that is being issued in Minnesota is here. Some key points to remember about the situation are:

1. EAB has not yet been found in Minnesota, but state and federal authorities are investigating the area.
2. No quarantines have been established in Minnesota. A federal quarantine will be imposed in Wisconsin on the infested area.
3. At this time we are asking the public to voluntarily not move ash wood out of Houston County. A quarantine could be placed on Houston County by Minnesota Department of Agriculture in the coming weeks.
4. For Minnesota beyond Houston County the situation has not changed. People should be vigilant as to the condition of their trees and report suspected infestations to MDA. Movement of untreated firewood over long distances should be avoided in any part of the state.

If you have questions, please direct them to MDA’s Arrest the Pest hotline.

“Arrest the Pest” Hotline:  651-201-6684 – Metro Area or 1-888-545-6684 – Greater Minnesota. Or email Arrest.The.Pest@state.mn.us.

Watch MDA’s new 6-minute video on EAB:

More about Emerald Ash Borer:

• New: Get involved!  EAB first detector training: Winona, MN April 28, 2009.
• EAB and the future of the Minnesota woods
• EAB prevention, detection, and rapid response
• Emeraldashborer.info
• EAB: Invader at our doorsteps. 6-minute video by MDA.
  
• Do I have Emerald Ash Borer? (PDF)
• Ash Tree ID (PDF)
• Native borers & look-alikes (PDF)
• EAB Signs & Symptoms (PDF)
• A Reference for Recognizing Insect Galleries in EAB Detection Trees in Minnesota (PDF: 3MB)
• Link to an August 2008 video news release about EAB

Related posts:

1. EAB discovery prompts Houston County ash quarantine
2. Emerald Ash Borer Update
3. Emerald ash borer discovered in St Paul, MN

Related posts:

1. Forest Values and Carbon Markets: Opportunities for Minnesota
2. Emerald ash borer and your Minnesota woodlands
3. DNR Releases 2008 Minnesota’s Forest Resources Report

October 16, 2008, was a beautiful fall day as approximately 45 landowners converged upon the Plymouth Creek Civic Center for the fall landowner tour.  The gardens at the civic center were something to be admired.  The fall blossoms and extensive landscaping was a welcome sight in the middle of the city.

Big woods in the fall. Photo by Mark Ellison, MN DNR.

Tour organizers and DNR foresters, Art Widerstrom and Alan Olson, welcomed the group and we excitedly boarded a tour bus to visit several sites within Hennepin County.  The first stop was at Doug Dayton’s property.  His diverse property supports both a 90-acre prairie and a 20-acre stand of big woods.  The prairie was planted and is being managed by Prairie Restorations using prescribed fire.

Stephanie Jenniges, Land Management Coordinator, from Prairie Restorations spoke about prairie management, some of the plants, several invasive species and the need for this site to be burned periodically to maintain a healthy prairie.

Alan Olson took the group on a hike through the woods to see a prime example of a big woods forest.  The massive oaks, basswoods and maples form a dense canopy, which limits the amount of brush and undergrowth making the walk through the woods a very enjoyable one.  Walking up the hill on this warm fall day, hearing the leaves rustle and crunch beneath our feet, made it seem like we were deep in the north woods.

Alan Olson, MN DNR. Photo by Mark Ellison, MN DNR.

The next stop was in the city of Minnetonka at Purgatory Park.  Our tour guide for the park was Janet Van Sloun Larson, Natural Resource Specialist for the City of Minnetonka.  This area includes a wetland that the settlers could not utilize for agriculture, thus it later was developed into a park.  The park is very popular for walking dogs and offers citizens an escape to a natural area within the city.  It was interesting to listen to Janet discuss how they are re-claiming the area by eradicating buckthorn.  Several techniques for eradicating buckthorn were discussed and we got to see first-hand the results of several extensive buckthorn removal sites which were managed with the help of volunteers.

Stephanie from Prairie Restorations discussed the utilization of prescribed fire techniques for managing prairie and also discussed how fire can be used to re-establish a historical prairie, such as the one that was discovered in this park.  The group got to see where this prairie was discovered and heard how park staff, with the help of Prairie Restorations, used prescribed fire to re-establish the original prairie that was present when the first settlers arrived.

Common buckthorn leaves. Photo by Eli Sagor.

Our tour continued into the Scenic Heights Elementary School Forest, where a local teacher, Dawn Christesen, School Forest Coordinator, has utilized the forest for education of students and other volunteers.  They have done a massive buckthorn removal project and have continued to work with Alan Olson to manage the forest and rid it of invasive species. They have planted seedlings within the school forest utilizing Arbor Day seedlings from the State Nursery.  There is also a small wetland that is used by the science department to teach lessons on water biology.

Using volunteer help, a shelter was built on the property where classes meet to discuss lessons learned at the outdoor learning center. The local Boy Scouts have been assisting with the buckthorn removal program as one of their Eagle Scout projects.  This forest is really integrated into the community.

Oak foliage during fall color. Photo by Mark Ellison MN DNR.

Next, we proceeded to visit a direct seeding project conducted by the City of Plymouth.  City forester Paul Buck spoke with those on the bus regarding the direct seeding procedure and the results of this practice.  Seeds were collected locally and the site was ripped and tilled.  Fifteen five-gallon buckets of seed were spread by hand and the site was covered with wood chips. The planting has had good survival with very acceptable stocking levels.  The planting primarily consisted of black walnut, butternut, bitternut hickory, red and white oak.  Cottonwood, poplar, willow and buckthorn that seeded-in have been removed to maintain the original planting.

Our group returned to the Plymouth Creek Civic Center to enjoy a wonderful meal and hear some presentations. Gary Michael, DNR Private Forest Management Coordinator, spoke about the new 2C managed forest land tax program.  He covered the requirements to be eligible for the program and made comparisons with the SFIA and green acres tax programs.

Tamara Martin, Ecologist from Top-Notch Urban Ecosystems, gave an informative presentation on invasive species.  She brought several samples of invasive plants, discussed how each degrades the environment and recommended eradication techniques that have shown the best results.

Emerald ash borer. Source: http://www.emeraldashborer.info (click image for larger original)

Neville Wilson, DNR Central Region Plant Health Specialist, covered the emerald ash borer.  He discussed what to watch for in your forest to identify symptoms of emerald ash borer and he also showed samples of the insect and discussed strategies for slowing its rate of spread into our forests.

Alan Olson and Art Widerstrom wrapped up the evening with a big thank you to all who participated.

[A big thank you to Beth, Mark, Alan, and Art for sharing this story!  If you'd like to share other events through this site, send your story to potyondy [at] umn [dot] edu anytime. -ed.]

Related posts:

1. Woods story: D-day for buckthorn!
2. A visit to the Baudette School Forest
3. Fall 2008 Woodland Advisor calendar

(c) MDNR

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources celebrated an impressive milestone in October:  After 80 years, they’ve grown their one BILLIONTH tree seedling.

The DNR’s nursery program serves a tremendously important role in the state’s forests.  Thousands of Minnesota woodland owners have planted seedlings raised in DNR nurseries.

Ever wonder where your seedling came from?  As part of the celebration, DNR produced a short video showing how they grow, pull, and store seedlings for spring delivery.  The state forest nursery website has great info on tree selection and planting as well as seedling order forms. You can also read the official billionth seedling press release.

Related posts:

1. Planting Trees
2. Natural regeneration: Growing a new stand from natural seedlings
3. Minnesota's oak-hickory forest type

Both the amount of funding available and the specific activities for which funding is available vary from year to year.  Most of these funds are passed through from the Federal or State governments, so appropriations depend on the legislative process.

To find out more about cost share options in your area, there are a few useful sources:

• First, call your local DNR Forestry office.  Although not all cost share programs are administered by the DNR, DNR private forest management foresters will be able to tell you about cost share options that best fit your situation.
• You may also want to contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District office.  Many SWCDs offer forest management assistance.  They also administer some cost-share programs, so they may be able to tell you about cost share options in your area.  Many SWCDs also offer tree seedlings for sale.
• Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Conservation Funding Guide.

Related posts:

1. Organizations assisting Minnesota woodland owners
2. Minnesota woodland stewardship plans
3. Minnesota woodland stewardship classes and workshops

To find out about upcoming classes, visit one of the following sites:

Woodland Advisor

Woodland Advisor is a partnership between the Minnesota Forestry Association, the University of Minnesota Extension Service, and the Minnesota DNR Division of Forestry.  Woodland Advisor classes are designed to share practical, helpful information about woodland management in a clear and enjoyable format. Most classes are 2-3 hours long and are offered evenings and weekends.

Minnesota Tree Care Advisors

The Minnesota Tree Care Advisor program is offered as an advanced training program for Master Gardeners, and others on a Professional Development basis. It is the intention of the program to develop a network of educated and trained community-based volunteers that will assist the University of Minnesota Extension Service, other State agencies, and various municipalities in promoting urban and community forestry to all residents of Minnesota.

Minnesota Master Naturalist

The Minnesota Master Naturalist Program is a volunteer program that trains adults about Minnesota’s natural resources, teaches how to educate others, and provides opportunities to do conservation projects.

The Woodland School

The Woodland School, affiliated with the Aldo Leopold Foundation in Wisconsin, offers a wide variety of classes of interest to woodland owners.

Related posts:

1. Minnesota woodland stewardship plans
2. Organizations assisting Minnesota woodland owners
3. Cost-sharing for Minnesota woodlands

Minnesota DNR, Division of Forestry

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources foresters offer a number of services to private woodland owners, including development of free Forest Stewardship Plans. In most cases, your local DNR Forestry area office should be your first call for woodland advice.

Minnesota Forestry Association

The Minnesota Forestry Association, or MFA, is a membership-based woodland owner organization. MFA is active in woodland owner education, legislative advocacy, and numerous other activities. MFA serves Minnesota’s woodland owners by promoting stewardship of all forest resources.

Minnesota Association of Consulting Foresters

The Minnesota Association of Consulting Foresters was organized by experienced consultants in 1981 to maintain the professional standards of private forestry work. Membership and participation in the Association demonstrate the continuing desire for up-to-date information and techniques, promote the best interests of clients, and strengthen the professional capabilities of the member. Professional foresters who work for YOU!

Minnesota Logger Education Program

The Minnesota Logger Education Program was initiated in 1995 to provide direct responsive professional assistance to Minnesota’s logging community through progressive support and implementation of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). MLEP offers continuing education and training to member loggers. Setting the standard in logging professionalism.

Soil & Water Conservation Districts

Soil and Water Conservation Districts fill the crucial niche of providing land and water conservation services to owners of private lands. Managing private lands in a way that promotes a sound economy and sustains and enhances natural resources is key to Minnesota’s environmental health. Private landowners trust SWCDs to provide needed technology, funding and educational services because they are established in each community, governed by local leaders and focused on conservation of local soil and water resources.

Natural Resource Conservation Service

The Natural Resource Conservation Service in Minnesota (originally called the Soil Conservation Service) employees provide technical assistance based on sound science and suited to a customer’s specific needs. We provide financial assistance for many conservation activities. Participation in our programs is voluntary.

Minnesota Forest Industries

Minnesota Forest Industries is an association representing the state’s forest products companies. MFI encourages conservation, proper forest management and industry development that fosters sound environmental stewardship, multiple use of timber lands and long-term timber supply.

Related posts:

1. Minnesota woodland stewardship classes and workshops
2. Finding help: Minnesota woodland professionals
3. Minnesota woodland stewardship plans

Why?  A professional forester has several roles.  Some of the most important roles are to help the landowner:

• understand the different forest types, stand conditions, and other factors unique to the property in question;
• develop goals that are realistic and feasible based on the landowner’s vision;
• plan ahead for future woodland stewardship activities such as stand improvement, wildlife habitat enhancement, timber harvest, and other activities;
• develop a specific plan for any timber harvest operations, should the landowner choose to harvest timber;
• select the best logger for the job at hand, based on the forester’s experience with different loggers, knowledge of the landowner’s objectives, and knowledge of the property;
• ensure that the harvest proceeds in a manner consistent with the landowner’s vision and goals.

Choosing a Professional

As in any profession, every natural resource professional is unique.  As a landowner, you’ll probably want to talk to several foresters and loggers before you choose the one(s) you want to work with.  That said, it’s important for the landowner to know a bit about the different general categories of natural resource professionals. This page provides a short overview, as well as links to other sites with more information.

Public Sector Foresters

Eli Sagor photo

In Minnesota, most public sector foresters are either with the Minnesota DNR Division of Forestry or a Soil and Water Conservation District.  Because their salaries are paid from other sources, public sector foresters are available to serve you for no charge or a minimal charge.  Their job is to serve you as a landowner, not to generate income or wood for a mill.

Most often public foresters are available to answer general questions, develop forest stewardship plans, and assist in the preparation of timber harvest plans.  However, public sector foresters generally are not involved in oversight of timber sales and harvests.

Private Consulting Foresters

Private consulting foresters are available throughout the state of Minnesota.  Private consultants are paid by the landowner.  Although specific responsibilities are negotiable, consulting foresters’ job is to represent the landowner when planning the harvest, selecting a logger, and/or marketing products harvested from the property.

Most consulting foresters are available to write forest stewardship plans for no charge or a minimal charge.  In addition to these services, most consultants will work with the landowner to plan timber harvest operations.  They will also solicit bids from loggers, help the landowner choose a logger, and oversee the timber harvest process.

Consulting foresters are often paid a commission from harvested products.  However, most consultants are open to other fee structures if those are preferable to the landowner.

You can find a local consultant at the Minnesota Association of Consulting Foresters site.

Industry Foresters

Industry foresters are employed by mills.  They are often called Procurement Foresters, because their primary responsibility is to purchase wood for harvest and delivery to the mill.

However, industry foresters do much more than arrange to have timber harvested.  Many industry foresters are available to develop forest stewardship plans (or other kinds of woodland management plans), plan wildlife habitat enhancement activities, and much more.

In general, there is no charge for the services of an industry forester.

Loggers

Eli Sagor photo

Loggers’ primary job is to purchase, harvest, and market wood products.  Some landowners choose to work directly with a logger rather than working through a forester.  Most loggers in Minnesota are members of the Minnesota Logger Education Program, which ensures that they participate regularly in continuing education activities. Some MLEP members are Minnesota Master Logger Certified.

Loggers earn a living by purchasing standing timber (stumpage) and harvesting, hauling, and selling it to wood processing mills.

Other considerations

Remember, every individual is different.  Be sure to talk to a few professionals before selecting the right person for your job.  Here are a few other considerations:

• “Green” Certification. Some foresters and loggers have been “green” certified.  In order to maintain their certification, these individuals must conform to a set of standards established by the certifying organization. (Read more on our certification page.)
• Professional certification. The Society of American Foresters offers a professional certification program. Look for the CF designation. Click to read more about the SAF certified forester program.
• Years in business.
• References. Many landowners ask for references from other landowners who have worked with a given forester or logger.  This is always a good idea.  Other landowners can tell you a lot about their experience working with this individual.
• Contracts. You should always have a written contract before selling timber.  Most foresters and loggers will provide you with a contract.  Be sure to read contracts carefully before signing them.  You can read a sample timber harvest contract for Minnesota here.

Related posts:

1. Organizations assisting Minnesota woodland owners
2. Minnesota woodland stewardship plans
3. Minnesota woodland stewardship classes and workshops

Unlike some management plans, a Forest Stewardship Plan provides a comprehensive overview of your land, including an aerial photo, a map of the forest cover types and plant communities, and written information about each of the cover types and plant communities found on your land.

Your Stewardship Plan will also include specific recommendations to help you achieve your stated goals.  Although these recommendations are in no way binding, most landowners find them a useful guide to assist in their forest management activities.

To learn more or sign up for a Forest Stewardship Plan, contact your nearest MN DNR – Forestry Area Office.

Related posts:

1. Minnesota woodland stewardship classes and workshops
2. Finding help: Minnesota woodland professionals
3. Organizations assisting Minnesota woodland owners