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. 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.

 “I appreciate the DNR opening a window for public comment to allow the residents of Greater Minnesota opportunity to provide input on this critical issue that impacts the economy and environment of our district,” said Senator Paul Utke (R-Park Rapids). “I encourage constituents to get involved and share their thoughts and help shape a policy that can directly impact their lives and the outlook 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 accurately determine whether harvesting 1 million cords per year from DNR forest lands will be sustainable. The DNR’s current sustainable harvest target is 800,000 cords annually.

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 completed, the report will be delivered to the Governor and the Legislature by March 1.