The Department of Natural Resources is currently taking comments until Dec. 30 on a sustainable timber harvest analysis which they plan to use to determine the statewide timber harvest level on DNR-administered forest land moving forward. The new analysis could potentially result in an additional 20% of cords being harvested annually off DNR forest lands if determined it would be sustainable.

“This DNR’s public comment window provides residents of the district a real opportunity to provide input about timber harvests on DNR land which encompasses significant portions of our district,” said Senator Justin Eichorn (R-Grand Rapids). “I hope constituents take advantage of this window on an analysis that will impact the economy and ecosystem of our region.”

Because forests are dynamic and ever-changing, the DNR re-evaluates its forest resource management plans about every 10 years. For this analysis, Gov. Mark Dayton and the Legislature have directed the DNR to specifically determine whether harvesting 1 million cords per year from DNR forest lands will be sustainable and if not identify an alternate sustainable harvest number. The DNR’s current sustainable harvest target is 800,000 cords annually.

The DNR has contracted with the forest management consulting firm Mason, Bruce & Girard to perform an independent, third-party analysis of the DNR’s timber harvest level. In addition, the DNR has engaged a diverse advisory group representing timber, conservation, environmental, and public landowner interests to work with staff and provide balanced input throughout the process.

The draft report and more information about the analysis are posted on the DNR’s project webpage.

Anyone interested in commenting on the draft analysis should fill out the online public comment survey, email comments to stha.dnr@state.mn.us, or send written comments by mail to Sustainable Timber Harvest Analysis, Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN  55155.

The public comment period will remain open to Dec. 30. At that point, DNR will then review those public comments when finalizing the analysis report and determining its updated sustainable timber harvest level. Once finalized, the report will be delivered to the Governor and the Legislature by March 1.