DNR commissioner plants 1-billionth seedling produced by state forest nurseries

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Commissioner Mark Holsten planted the 1-billionth tree seedling produced by state forest nurseries during a ceremony on Tuesday, April 21, at a tree farm just north of Staples in Wadena County.

Holsten planted a three-year-old red pine, Minnesota’s official state tree, in a field of new seedlings owned by Todd and Glennda Erickson of Champlin, Minn.

“Seedlings produced at the state forest nurseries today will continue to be part of the solution in meeting the conservation challenges of the coming decades, including climate change, loss of wildlife habitat and high energy costs,” Holsten said.

Students from Sebeka Public Schools assisted Holsten with planting seedlings during the event.

The billionth tree seedling, which was grown at General Andrews Nursery, highlights the DNR's 80-year commitment to the sustainable management of Minnesota’s forest resources.

The DNR’s Division of Forestry operates the state forest nurseries. Since the early 1930s, the nurseries have provided tree and shrub seedlings for reforestation, windbreaks and shelterbelts, erosion control, wildlife habitat and fiber production.

For more information about the nurseries and the seedlings they produce, visit www.mndnr.gov/forestry/nurseries.

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