The DNR is in the process of updating its narrative Section Forest Resource Management plans. When the update process is complete, there will be one plan for each of the seven forested ecological sections in the state. These plans will cover larger areas of the state than the previous planning system, which divided the state's forested areas into 10 smaller geographic units.
These updated plans will complement the DNR's sustainable timber harvest decision and 10-year stand exam list (covering fiscal years 2021-2030) by providing Section-specific guidance to advance landscape-level goals through the site and sub-landscape level management.
Planning unit boundary changes
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Original boundaries
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Revised boundaries
Section Forest Resource Management plan timelines
New forest management plan areas | Old forest management plan areas | Expected year plan revision will begin |
Aspen Parklands | Aspen Parklands | 2021 |
Northern Minnesota and Ontario Peatlands | Agassiz Lowlands | Plan revision in progress |
North 4 (part) | ||
Northern Superior Uplands | Border Lakes | Plan revision in progress |
North Shore Area | ||
North 4 (part) | ||
Northern Minnesota Drift and Lake Plains | Chippewa Plains-Pine Moraines & Outwash Plains | 2021 |
North 4 (part) | ||
Western Superior Uplands | Mille Lacs Uplands | 2021 |
Minnesota and Northeast Iowa Moraines | Hardwood Hills | 2022 |
Anoka Sand Plain | ||
Paleozoic Plateau | Blufflands-Rochester Plateau | 2022 |