Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Begins New Phase for Tree-Planting Program

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting new applications for the second round of its Field-to-Forest Cost-Share Program.

Through Dec. 1, private landowners participating in the program will qualify for up to a 75% reimbursement of tree-planting costs. They will also be eligible to receive an additional $500 per acre upon completion of planting.

Participating landowners can buy seedlings in person from private nurseries or online at the Minnesota State Forest Nursery website. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and will be reviewed in sequence by DNR forestry staff. Seeding and planting projects will be scheduled through spring 2027. Reimbursement and incentive payments will be provided after a DNR forester verifies that the landowner has completed the project.

The program will support large-scale seeding or tree planting on three acres or more of open, historically forested land. The program is not intended for planting in existing forests or for residential landscaping. To promote forest diversity, each project must include at least three different tree species.

Interested landowners must contact their local DNR stewardship forester to begin the application process.

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