The annual list of potential timber harvest sites on state-administered forest land is now available for public review, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Comments will be accepted until June 30. 

The list is for fiscal year 2018, which begins July 1 and ends June 30, 2018.

DNR field staff will examine over 2,600 forest stands on nearly 60,000 acres for potential timber sales during the year. The DNR estimates that 40,000 to 45,000 of the 60,000 acres of land will be suitable for timber sales.

“This gives us a chance to talk to people about the importance of forest management and what specifically we have planned in their area,” said Jon Nelson, DNR forest planning manager.

There are two ways for the public to provide input—online or discuss it in person with a local forester. Forest stand locations and descriptions, along with their proposed management, are on the DNR website. Use the map to zoom into an area of interest and then comment within the map details for each potential harvest site.

Those without internet access or who prefer to review and discuss the site list directly with a forester, may contact or visit their local DNR area forestry office. Contacting the office prior to a visit will help ensure the appropriate forestry staff will be available.

The DNR administers 5 million acres of forest lands that have been certified as being well- managed by two separate third-party auditing systems. Annual lists of potential timber harvest sites are derived from multi-year forest management plans for state lands. The plans are developed by interdisciplinary DNR planning teams with public input, and based on long-term forest resource management goals.

For statewide timber harvest information, contact Jon Nelson, DNR Forestry, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN, 55155-4044; 651-259-5278; [email protected].