Minnesota DNR completes seed sowing via helicopter for remote reforestation

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR has completed aerial seeding via helicopter to disperse jack pine, white pine, tamarack and black spruce seeds on DNR-managed forests.

The flights are part of the DNR’s typical reforestation work and are necessary to reach remote or otherwise difficult-to-access areas like bogs. The DNR also uses aerial seeding to spread seed on sites where circumstances might prevent species from regenerating naturally.

This month, the DNR dispersed seeds on just over 500 acres across 14 sites. Seeds are mixed with a clay carrier, loaded into a hopper, then distributed evenly over each site from a height just above any surrounding trees.

After seeding, DNR foresters will continue to monitor sites as the trees grow, ensuring the young trees can thrive and provide the many benefits of a growing forest. In addition to aerial seeding, other reforestation strategies include hand planting seedlings or allowing trees to naturally regenerate. Foresters consider a variety of factors to decide which regeneration strategy best suits a site.

“We use seed from our State Forest Nursery to reforest thousands of acres a year through planting seedlings and dispersing seed,” said Chris Gronewold, DNR Silviculture Program coordinator. “From ensuring a reliable seed supply to seeding and planting to ongoing management and care, reforestation is an ongoing cycle that requires a lot of hands-on work to keep forests healthy and growing.”

Reforestation is led by the DNR’s Silviculture Program. Silviculture is the art and science of tending forests to meet a variety of societal values, including recreation, wildlife habitat, clean air and water, sustainable timber resources, and more.

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The DNR reforests every acre of state-managed land harvested, as well as those affected by natural disturbance like fires and windstorms. More than simply planting seeds and seedlings, silviculture also includes activities like protecting young trees from hungry deer, cutting brush to remove competing vegetation, conducting prescribed burns, and creating plans for reforestation before sites are harvested.

Learn more about reforestation on state lands on the DNR website.