From Cook County Extension - September 4, 2025

With a multi-year spruce budworm outbreak impacting area forests, the University of Minnesota Extension is offering a day-long training for landowners on managing their woodlands through this event.

Cook County is experiencing significant spruce and fir tree decline and mortality due to this cyclical, native insect. Given the intense impact, forest resilience and wildfire mitigation have become critical considerations for local landowners, said Anna Stockstad, University of Minnesota Extension Forest Ecosystem Health Educator.

"This symposium is a great way for landowners to get practical information on how to deal with the impacts of the budworm," said Stockstad. "Between the expert presentations and the outdoor field tour, attendees will leave equipped with better knowledge of practices they can implement on their own land to maintain forest health into the future, along with the resources to make it happen."

The Spruce Budworm Symposium will take place on Saturday, November 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cook County ISD166 school in Grand Marais.

The morning will feature concurrent sessions on topics including financial assistance for landowners, local fire history, climate resilience, and strategies for promoting a healthier forest after an outbreak. Lunch will be provided, followed by networking with local natural resource agencies. An optional afternoon field tour by bus will offer a firsthand look at management strategies to mitigate impacts.

For more information and to register, visit: z.umn.edu/SBW25.

This event is offered in partnership with Cook County Firewise, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Cloquet Forestry Center. Funding and in-kind support is being provided by Cook County Extension, Cook County Soil and Water Conservation District, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Hedstrom Lumber, and Cook County Schools ISD166.