SFRMPs, along with 10-year stand exam lists, are operational plans for achieving the DNR's strategic direction for forest resource management. They guide forest management activities on DNR-administered lands within each forested ecological section in Minnesota as the 10-year stand exam list is implemented.
The WSU SFRMP outlines the natural resource issues, planning process, management goals and directions, and implementation strategies for state-administered forest lands in the WSU Section. Within the Section, the SFRMP also identifies management opportunity areas, such as ruffed grouse management areas and old forest management complexes around old growth stands.
Plan Status
The DNR is currently developing the Western Superior Uplands Section Forest Resource Management Plan (WSU SFRMP). This plan includes the western superior uplands and the south superior uplands ecological sections.
The comment period for the plan was completed in October of 2023, and the plan is currently in review within the DNR. Once approved, the final plan documents will be available on this page.
Western Superior Uplands Section Information
The Western Superior Uplands Section covers approximately 3.5 million acres from Brainerd to Carlton in the north and Sauk Rapids to Taylors Falls in the south. It includes about 250,000 acres of state-managed forest land. The WSU SFRMP also includes direction for the small portion of the Southern Superior Uplands Section that extends into Minnesota, which is adjacent to the northeastern corner of the WSU Section.
Defining or unique features of this part of the state include:
- Lake Mille Lacs
- Several large state parks
- A recent history of damaging windstorms
- A mix of forest, agriculture, and developed landcover
The WSU SFRMP preliminary assessment document (completed in 2021) includes additional background information about the Section.
Direct comments or questions about this plan to: [email protected]