Landowner testimonials on cost-share

DNR foresters and landowners caring for landowner's woodlandsPrivate woodland owners are making a difference in Minnesota’s forests.

Woodland owners play a vital role in caring for the state’s natural resource as most of Minnesota’s land, about 75%, is privately owned. The DNR Forestry cost-share program provides woodland owners with financial and technical support to establish and manage healthy, resilient forests.

Since 2017, the program has:

  • Completed more than 3,000 projects
  • Cost-shared the planting of 3 million tree seedlings
  • Distributed over $4.2 million in cost-share funding
These projects enhance and protect wildlife habitat and water quality, improve climate resilience, grow future forests, and strengthen the local forest economy.

The success of this program is thanks to the dedication of private landowners like you, DNR foresters, Soil and Water Conservation District staff, and consulting foresters—all working together to turn planning into action.

Here are a few ways cost-share funding is helping woodland owners create healthier, more resilient forests.

The Kawalek family has transformed their old pastureland by planting over 20,000 trees. With help from DNR cost-share, they’re growing a forest for their family and future generations.

An avid hunter, Sam plants thousands of trees each year to support wildlife. Since starting, he’s seen more turkey, deer, grouse, and even pheasants. With help from DNR cost-share and a rented tree planter, he’s creating better habitat for the future.

For the past few years, Stephen has been working to restore his woods by removing invasive buckthorn. Since clearing the buckthorn, he has seen oak and maple saplings, trilliums, and bloodroot return, bringing new life to his forest.

 

Back to top