Your Own Forest

Forest industry programs will assist forest landowners in developing a forest management plan specific to their property. There is no fee, and landowners retain their rights to make implementation decisions. In return for company services, a landowner may be asked to grant the company the right to purchase timber for a specified time. For more information on these programs, contact:

Packaging Corporation of America
Private Forest Management Program
400 Third Avenue E.
International Falls, MN 56649
218-285-5334

PotlatchDeltic
Private Forest Management Program
50518 Co Hwy 45
Bemidji, MN 56601
218-751-6144
www.potlatchdeltic.com

Sappi North America
Pat Wherley
20 North 22nd Street
Cloquet, MN 55720
218-206-5396
Patrick.wherley@sappi.com

UPM, Blandin Paper Mill
Woodland Management Assistance Program
115 S.W. First Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-327-6644

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry provides information and technical assistance to private forest landowners. There are generally no charges for DNR services, however, fees may be charged for services that pertain to timber sales. DNR services are limited to four days per ownership per year. Local DNR offices are usually listed in the telephone directory under "Minnesota."
You may also contact:

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Forestry
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4044
651-259-5261 or 888-646-6367

Minnesota Extension Service can provide you with information on a wide variety of forestry topics. There is an extension office in every county. The county extension agent can help you find educational materials or refer you to a specialist. Your county extension agent can be found in the telephone directory under the county name.

You may also contact:

Forest Resource Extension
University of Minnesota
116 Green Hall
St. Paul, MN 55108
612-624-3020

Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) help the public locate resource information and provide technical assistance to woodland owners. The SWCD additionally provides funding for access roads, firebreaks, and other activities. For more information, contact the local SWCD office listed in the telephone directory under either U.S. or County Government.

The Minnesota Tree Farm System is part of the American Tree Farm System. Landowners who become members of the Tree Farm System work with a professional forester to develop a forest management plan for their woodland. A forester will then inspect the woodland every five years and update the forest management plan accordingly. In return the forest landowner agrees to follow the plan and protect the woodland from fire, disease, and grazing. This service is offered at no cost.

For more information contact:

Minnesota Tree Farm Committee
903 Medical Arts Building
324 West Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55802
218-722-5013

The Minnesota Forestry Association is a landowner member association that promotes intensive forest management to achieve greater production of timber products, forest wildlife, and expanded recreational opportunities. Members receive the publication Minnesota Forests and may attend periodic educational programs on forest management.

For more information contact:

Minnesota Forestry Association
P.O. Box 6060
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: 1-218-879-5100
info@minnesotaforestry.org
www.minnesotaforestry.org

If you're thinking of starting your own forest - or adding to the one you have - you may contact your local nurseries or one of these sources to buy trees.

DNR State Forest Nurseries

Badoura Nursery
13885 State Highway 64
Akeley, MN 56433
218-652-2385
www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/nursery/

Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association
P.O. Box 13037
St. Paul, MN 55113
651-633-4987

Soil and Water Conservation Districts
To locate the district closest to you, log on to www.bwsr.state.mn.us