In this issue:
Planting underway for nearly 2 million seedlings on state lands
State forest campgrounds move to “same day pay then stay” model
Red pine seedling.
May is Arbor Month! 🌳
Since 1978, Minnesota has celebrated Arbor Month in May. The etymology of the word “arbor” has several roots (no pun intended), among them the Latin word for tree.
With warmer weather, spring rains, and budding leaves, it’s a great time to plant – and celebrate – trees, whether in our yards, forests, or communities.
Planting underway for nearly 2 million seedlings on state lands 🌲
Speaking of planting, the DNR is in the midst of it! This spring, DNR foresters are coordinating planting on more than 3,000 acres throughout the state involving nearly 2 million seedlings on state forests, wildlife management areas, state parks, and other DNR-managed lands.
A crew member plants red pine seedlings in Nemadji State Forest. In 2022, the site was damaged by the 'Blue Blizzard.' Years of salvage harvest, site preparation, and cleanup followed before thousands of new seedlings were planted last week.
Budcaps protect young pine seedlings from deer.
Seedlings are planted by hand on sites where harvest previously occurred, or after trees were killed by storms, fires and other events. But reforestation is more than just putting trees in the ground. Foresters continue to monitor the young trees and use methods like bud capping to prevent animals from eating them and brush cutting to remove competing vegetation, ensuring the trees receive the light and nutrients they need to grow.
State forest campgrounds move to “same day pay then stay” model 🏕️
Thistledew Lake Campground in George Washington State Forest.
Beginning this month, the DNR is introducing a “same day pay then stay” model for camping in state forest campgrounds. Under this model, campers will pay for their campsite before occupying it.
The improvement was prompted by input from state forest campers through a survey last year. Responses showed a wide margin of state forest campers prefer online payment, with 80% willing to pay before arrival.
Campers can check site availability and pay online the same day they plan to occupy a campsite. Same-day advance payment does not reserve a specific campsite; site selection is still on a first-come first-served basis upon arrival at the campground. Payment is handled through the Yodel Portal, the same online payment platform used for state forest camping since 2023.
Here's how it works:
Pay fee using the Yodel Portal. Some campgrounds have limited cell service, so paying ahead of campground arrival is encouraged. Cash or check same-day payment can alternatively be made at any state park ranger station during open hours.
Campers will need to arrive on the same day payment was made.
Upon arrival at the campground, campers choose an unoccupied campsite.
Campers fill out the campsite card with payment confirmation number and attach it to the site post.
Learn more about camping in state forests.
State forest road improvements will help you Get Out MORE 🚧
Over the last couple years, the DNR has completed more than a dozen projects to improve state forest roads and replace culverts and bridges, with the goal of making it safer and easier to access some state forest campgrounds, public water accesses, and other places to recreate.
These improvements are funded by Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences), a historic legislative investment to ensure all Minnesotans can enjoy a world-class recreation system.
We are excited about the Net River Road improvements and bridge repair completed earlier this year, and we’re on track to finish a few more projects before summer’s end. Unfortunately, there will be temporary closures as the work is completed, but visitors can look forward to a smoother trip to their favorite state forests, as well as other benefits including:
Increased public safety
Fewer road closures due to poor road conditions
Redesigned water crossings to help fish and other aquatic organisms move along waterways
Easier access to get out and explore Minnesota’s state forests!
We’ll keep you updated on progress. Here’s some of what’s in store:
Stoney River Grade State Forest Road
Stoney River Grade State Forest Road is damaged after flooding in 2024.
An example of an arch culvert, like the ones that will be installed this summer. This one was recently installed on the Sonju Lake State Forest Road.
Location: 7 miles southwest of Isabella in Finland State Forest.Access a map of the project area.
Project description: Three water crossings, over Wilbur and Spur End Creeks, will be replaced with arch culverts. The new crossings are designed to withstand flooding and improve stream ecology by facilitating fish and aquatic organism passage.
Estimated timeline: Construction will begin shortly after road restrictions are lifted and will be completed sometime in mid-summer.
Closure information: The sections of forest road will be closed during construction.
Rock Lake Campground State Forest Road floods in summer 2024.
Rock Lake Campground State Forest Road
General location: 7 miles north of Pillager in Pillsbury State Forest. Access a map of the project area.
Project description: The Rock Lake State Forest Campground and Day Use Area Forest Road will be improved by replacing three failing culverts with a box culvert. The road will also be raised and paved to lessen flooding issues. The township portion of the access road, Orchard Park Lane SW, will be resurfaced at the same time as the forest road project.
Estimated timeline: Early September through mid-October (weather dependent).
Closure information: The section of forest road will be closed during construction.
Damage to the road following a flooding event.
Pitt Grade State Forest Road
General location: 8 miles southwest of Baudette in Lake of the Woods State Forest. Access a map of the project area.
Project description: The road and ditch will be reshaped and repaired where it’s currently damaged from ditch scouring.
Estimated timeline: Construction will begin shortly after road restrictions are lifted and will be completed in mid-summer.
Troy Holcomb on The Flush podcast.
Forestry on the airwaves 🎙️
A podcast booth is not a typical place to find a forester – but this spring, DNR forester Troy Holcomb sat down with the game bird podcast The Flush to talk all things forest management in Minnesota. You can listen for free and it’s a perfect listen for a drive in or out of a forest!
State forest scene: Ephemeral spring beauty 📷
Bloodroot in bloom in late April 2026 in Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest.
Each issue, we'll share an image captured in one of our state forests. We'd love to see how you enjoy public lands! Share your state forest photos.