Division of Forestry

landowner and forester walking on a trail through pine trees

DNR Forestry keeps Minnesota's forests and trees growing strong. Minnesota's 59 state forests, school trust acres, and other forested lands make up the 4.2 million acres we manage. Our forests need care and management to provide clean water and natural resources for future generations. With this in mind, we weave sustainability into all of our forest work—from what trees to plant, to what areas to harvest, to what places to preserve.

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aerial view of forest fire showing billowing white smoke.

More counties added to burning restrictions

To help ensure public safety and protect natural resources, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is activating additional burning restrictions beginning 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, July 27, for Aitkin, Becker, Benton, Carlton, Clearwater, Mahnomen and Stearns counties, within state jurisdiction. Burning restrictions remain in effect for the eastern portion of Roseau County and all of Beltrami, Cass, Cook, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake of the Woods, Lake, Morrison, St. Louis, Todd and Wadena counties.

In the areas affected by the restrictions:

  • No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, or backcountry camping on all lands;
  • Campfires are allowed only in an established fire ring associated with a home, cabin, campground, or resort;
  • No fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land outside city limits (check with your local community for any additional restrictions); and
  • Burning permits will not be issued for brush or yard waste.

More information on burning restrictions in northern Minnesota.

women kneeling on forest floor picking something up with a tweezers.

Performing research in State Forests

Are you looking to perform scientific research on state-managed forest lands? Please fill out our research application so we can help you get the appropriate permissions for your work.

women landowner meeting with women DNR forester in the woods.

Attention, woodland owners!

Getting a woodland stewardship plan is the first step to making your woods healthy and meeting your landownership goals.

view of the six new state forest paper maps.

New maps make it easier to visit Minnesota state forests

Find your way in the woods. Several new state forest maps are available in paper or for download to your mobile device today. Check out the list of updated maps.