Subsection forest resource management planning

For many years the DNR defined its timber harvesting activities in five- or 10-year forest resource management plans developed for each of its 40 administrative forestry areas. Public involvement in the development or review of these forest resource management plans was limited.

Now, the DNR is developing its forest resource management plans using the subsection level of its ecological classification system (ECS) rather than its administrative areas.

It has also developed a more standardized, structured planning process that provides more opportunities for the public to be involved.

What is a DNR subsection forest resource management plan?

A subsection forest resource management plan is a DNR plan for vegetation management on forest lands administered by the Division of Forestry and Section of Wildlife. ECS subsections, not administrative boundaries, are the basic units of delineation. The focus of the first round of subsection plans will be:

• Identifying long-term desired future forest composition goals for DNR lands within a subsection; and
• Identifying DNR forest stands to be treated over the 10-year planning horizon.

For additional information contact Jon Nelson at 651-259-5278 or jon.nelson@state.mn.us.