Woodland Resilience and Biodiversity
Many woodland owners are monitoring the effects of climate change on their property. There's a lot you can do to keep your woods healthy and resilient. Along with climate changes comes the concerns for localized disease and impacts from insect pests. Keeping your woods diverse and healthy can fortify them against a changing climate.
Planting climate-ready trees
Supported by research from across the upper Midwest, UMN Extension has new lists of climate-ready trees for each of Minnesota’s major forest communities. Find the list for your area and consider new tree plantings to help your woods adapt to a changing climate.
Learn what’s killing your trees and take action
If trees are dying on your land, find out what’s causing it. Insects like spruce budworm have killed a lot of balsam fir and spruce in northern Minnesota in recent years. Some tree loss is normal, but it’s a good idea to learn about common Minnesota forest pests and diseases and to take action to avoid more widespread losses. A forester or the U’s Plant Disease Clinic can help you identify the problem.
Prepare for the emerald ash borer
Emerald ash borer, or “EAB” is a little green insect that has a devastating effect on our native ash trees. Introduced from another continent years ago, EAB has recently arrived in Minnesota. If your woods contain a lot of ash trees, learn about your treatment options. You may decide to focus your firewood cutting on ash, or to pay to treat a few trees near the house to protect them from EAB, or to sell timber before EAB arrives. A forester can help you understand your options.
Where to find help
DNR Forestry Offices and forest health info
Arrowhead Fire Adapted Communities
Your local Soil and Water Conservation District
The Minnesota Forestry Association has links and contacts to help woodland owners
Search for local info from UMN Extension