Participation in statewide program is voluntary

The Minnesota DNR Resource Assessment is issuing a final call for private woodland owners to enroll in the state’s forest inventory program. Launched in 2024, this critical effort aims to develop a broader understanding of Minnesota’s forests across all landscapes. Private woodland owners with at least two acres of forested property are encouraged to participate. The deadline to enroll is July 1, 2025.

The Minnesota DNR already have 1000+ private woodland owner sign ups across the state where contracted foresters are actively measuring plots, however, we need a few more plots in western and southern Minnesota as indicated by the number in each county with this map.

The DNR, in partnership with the Minnesota Forestry Association (MFA), is working to build the state’s first statewide forest inventory using aerial LIDAR with ground reference plots called PBI. While Plot-Based Inventory (PBI) efforts have initially focused on public lands, nearly half of Minnesota’s forests are under private ownership. Expanding inventory efforts to include private woodlands is essential for creating a more accurate and comprehensive picture (map) of the state’s forest structure and ecosystem; ultimately benefiting all forest owners, both public and private. A few hundred more participants are needed; mostly in western and southern Minnesota.

Participation in the program is voluntary and offers significant benefits to landowners at no cost. Contracted professional foresters will collect forest inventory plot data on selected parcels. Within a 37 foot radius plot, foresters measure the height and diameter of all trees greater than 5 inches which are tied to a high accuracy GPS in the plot center. These plot measurements are then tied to statewide aerial LIDAR imagery already collected. The data collected will be processed into a statewide model which will create forest structure inventory maps similar to the example above. Woodland owners also receive a Plot Based Inventory (PBI) report detailing findings about their plot if selected.

This report is just the beginning. Professional foresters can help woodland owners use this information to make informed forest management decisions. Accurate information on tree species, volume, forest structure, and overall health is critical for effective woodland management. This forest structure information helps woodland owners make better decisions on wildfire risk reduction, forest harvest planning, wildlife habitat improvement, tree planting, trail development, and future forest carbon credits. It also supports the creation of forest stewardship plans aimed at sustaining healthy, resilient, and scenic forests for future generations.

This data helps the DNR understand the structure and composition of forests, how they are changing, and provides clues about their overall health. This information is crucial for reducing wildfire risk, improving forest management, and planning for the long-term health and resilience of woodlands across the landscape. Understanding our forest  structure is critical to prevent and mitigate any future wildland fires, drawing lessons from events like those in Lahaina, Hawaii, and Los Angeles, California. Minnesota’s forests and woodlands are constantly changing and evolving, requiring careful foresight and planning.

To learn more about the forest inventory process, landowners can visit: mndnr.gov/forestry/resource-assessment/forest-inventory.html.

Enrollment information

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/resource-assessment/private-forest-inventory.html

Priority is given to areas with fewer enrollments such as western and southern Minnesota. Enrollment signifies voluntary agreement to potentially have data collected.

Participants are selected based on the geographic data needed by the program. Sign up does not guarantee a plot will be collected.

Funding for the program was an outcome of the 2023 legislative session and the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund and includes various partners and stakeholders statewide. Help from private landowners will significantly improve the accuracy of the statewide forest inventory models and maps.

Understanding what’s in your woodland is essential, as forests are not just trees but potential sources for fuel, wildlife habitat, and enjoyment, all of which need to be managed. So, what’s in your woodland?

Enrollment 

Deadline: July 1, 2025

Visit: www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/resource-assessment/private-forest-inventory.html

to enroll.

Questions? Email: pbi@minnesotaforestry.org