Sustainable Forestry
A Management Guide for Private Forest Landowners

This webpage will direct you to more resources for many topics found within the Management Guide for Private Forest Landowners manual. Click the button below to download an electronic copy of the Guide.

Management Guide for Forest Landowners

Looking for More Information

Forest Management & Silviculture Systems

The go-to source for Minnesota forest management information! We provide comprehensive overviews of forestry actions in our state, including silviculture systems, wildlife, invasive plants, and invasive insects. Come explore our resources and join our mission to sustainably manage Minnesota's forests

Endangered, Threatened & Species of Special Concern

The Minnesota SFI Implementation Committee is committed to protecting endangered and threatened species and understanding the ecological and societal importance of each species. Our goal is to prevent the extinction of these species and protect their natural habitats, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.

Forest Invaders:
Non-native plants & pests

Invasive species and non-native pests can have detrimental effects on the ecology and economy of Minnesota. At the Minnesota SFI Implementation Committee, we are committed to educating the public about the impact of these species and providing resources to help manage and prevent their spread.

Climate Change & Wildfire

Visit resources to learn more about how climate change and wildfires are shaping our forested landscapes. Learn about how to manage your woodlands to keep healthy communities into the future. Additionally, Firewise resources teach you how to keep risk low for your home if a wildfire should impact the surrounding forests.

Certification & Forest Guidelines

This section of the Landowner Manual is your one-stop resource for sustainable forestry in Minnesota. We provide information on sustainable forest management certification, the MFRC Forest Management Guidelines, and the Public Concerns Registration Process. Learn more about responsible forest management in the region.

Private Forest Management

MN SIC is here to help Minnesota's private landowners make the most of their natural resources. We provide resources to learn about tax incentives, a sample timber contract, and help with finding foresters and loggers. Plus, we'll provide you with the key questions to ask them. Get started today and make the most of your natural resources.

Forest Management & Silviculture Systems

Below you will find all the links to within the Forest Management & Silviculture Systems section of the Management Guide for Landowners.

Forest Management Practices for Wildlife

For more information on the wildlife found in Minnesota visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Wildlife homepage.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/wildlife/index.html

Deer

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mammals/deer/management/index.html

Ruffed Grouse

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/wildlife/grouse.html

Wild Turkeys

dnr.state.mn.us/turkey/index.html

Black Bear

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/bear/index.html

Endangered, Threatened & Species of Special Concern

For more information on the endangered, threatened, and special concern species found in Minnesota visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ETS homepage.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ets/index.html

Forest with Exceptional Conservation Value

To read the Lake States Regional Forests with Exceptional Conservation Value Assessment, visit https://www.mnsfi.org/lake-states-region

Forest Invaders

Invasive Pest Species

For more information on the invasive insects found in Minnesota visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Invasive Terrestrial Animals homepage.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialanimals/index.html

Or to learn more about other pathogens in Minnesota and the actions the Department of Agriculture is taking, visit https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plant-pests-diseases-index

Emerald Ash Borer

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialanimals/eab/index.html

Spongy Moth

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialanimals/spongymoth/index.html

Asian Long-horned Beetle

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialanimals/asianlonghornedbeetle.html

Invasive Plant Species

For more information on the invasive plant species found in Minnesota visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Terrestrial Invasive Species homepage.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrial/index.html

Buckthorn

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/buckthorn/index.html

Roundleaf Bittersweet

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/round-leaf-bittersweet.html

Garlic Mustard

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/herbaceous/garlicmustard.html

Wild Parsnip

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/herbaceous/wildparsnip.html

Non-native Bush Honeysuckles

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/bush-honeysuckles.html

Non-Native Knotweeds

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/herbaceous/knotweeds.html

Amur Maple

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/amurmaple.html

Canada Thistle

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/herbaceous/canadathistle.html

Bull Thistle

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/herbaceous/bullthistle.html

Climate & Wildfire

Climate Smart Forestry

Keep Your Woods Healthy for Tomorrow landowner guide can be found here.

https://conservancy.umn.edu/handle/11299/214930

Wildfire

Fore more information on reducing the fire risk to your home and property, visit the Minnesota DNR's Firewise website.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/firewise/index.html

Burning permits are a critical tool in wildfire protection, when used appropriately. These permits allow members of the public to burn legal materials outdoors, reducing the risk of a fire escaping and threatening lives, property, or natural resources. Burning permits can be obtained from the Minnesota DNR at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/questions.html.

After a permit is obtained, check daily fire restrictions before activating the burn permit.

Certification & Guidelines

Sustainable Forestry Initiative

forests.org

Minnesota's Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines

https://mn.gov/frc/programs/forest/

Minnesota Forest Resources Council

https://mn.gov/frc/

Private Forest Management

Sample Timber Contract

View the sample timber contract linked above to learn what details should be included in a timber contract between the landowner and timber buyer. Use it as a starting point for your own contract, but you are encouraged to contact an attorney for a contract that meets your needs.

MFRC's Regional Landscape Program

https://mn.gov/frc/landscape/

Google Maps

https://www.google.com/maps

DNR Landview

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/airphotos/index.html

Minnesota DNR Forest Stewardship

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/foreststewardship/index.html

Minnesota DNR Stewardship Plan Writers

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/woodlands/cfm-map.html

Minnesota Soil & Water Conservation District Search

https://www.maswcd.org/SWCDs_On_The_Web/swcds_on_the_web.htm