Reforestation is a cornerstone of the DNR’s sustainable forest management practices in Minnesota. Each year the DNR reforests approximately 30,000 acres across DNR- managed forests, wildlife management areas, state parks, and other public lands.
This work typically follows ecological disturbances such as timber harvests, windstorms, wildfires, or outbreaks of forest pests and diseases.
Why we reforest
Minnesota Statute 89.002 guides the DNR's reforestation work. We reforest on every acre harvested as well as those damaged by natural causes. This commitment guarantees the establishment of future healthy, diverse, and resilient forest stands.
Reforestation isn't just about growing trees – it considers the entire ecosystem. We plan for habitat elements like pollinator friendly areas, den trees, and forage for wildlife, so that our reforestation work creates habitat and healthy landscapes for generations to come.
This work ensures forests continue to deliver critical benefits to Minnesotans including carbon storage, wildlife habitat, clean water, recreational opportunities, and a sustainable timber supply.
How we reforest
Reforestation is a complex process that goes far beyond planting seedlings. It requires ecological expertise, site preparation, thoughtful species selection, and ongoing care to ensure successful establishment and growth. In an average year, we reforest approximately 30,000 acres – more than 46 square miles – of DNR-managed land, using the below methods.
Natural regeneration
75% of sites or 22,500 acres annually
Natural regeneration refers to the process by which trees reproduce on their own through seed dispersal, stump sprouting, or root suckering and without direct human involvement. Aspen is one species that typically grows this way. Even when trees regenerate naturally, the DNR helps promote growth and vigor by removing competition from less desirable plants, treating invasive species, and monitoring for forest health threats.
Following timber harvest, aspen often regenerate through root suckering, reaching shoulder height in just one to two years.
Planting and seeding
25% of sites or 7,500 acres annually
Planting and seeding are optimal for tree species, like red pine and black spruce, that do not reliably regenerate on their own. After a windstorm, fire, or timber harvest, the DNR plants seedlings by hand or spreads seeds through direct sowing. In just one month, crews can plant an average of over 2 million seedlings.
On some sites that are remote or otherwise difficult to access, a helicopter is used to disperse seeds aerially.
Left: A forester checks that a pine seedling was properly planted. Right: A helicopter spreads seeds from the air, a method occasionally used for species including black spruce, jack pine and white pine.
Ongoing care
100% of sites or 30,000 acres annually
Young trees in reforested areas need ongoing protection from wildlife browsing and encroaching vegetation. To support healthy growth, DNR crews use methods like bud capping to prevent animals from eating the growing tips of young trees and brush cutting to remove competing vegetation around seedlings. Each reforested acre is monitored to ensure additional management is implemented as needed.
A paper 'bud cap' protects the seedling from animal browse – mainly whitetail deer.
Learn more
The DNR’s reforestation effort aims to plant seedlings best suited for the native plant communities of the area and to meet overall management goals of the parcel. This is accomplished through three primary programs that often work in unison:
- The State Forest Nursery grows many of the seedlings planted on DNR-managed lands and private woodlands
- The Silviculture Program focuses on reforesting and tending DNR-managed forest lands
- The Cooperative Forest Management Program supports woodland stewardship on private woodlands through technical advice and cost-share opportunities
Help us reforest through the Future Forest Fund
Though a majority of the funding required to reforest DNR-managed land comes from the legislature, individual Minnesotans and organizations can partner with the DNR through the Future Forest Fund to support the planting and care of trees on public land. Help us do more great work on state forest lands!