Aug. 18, 2025



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*Minnesota DNR News
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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
*

Aug. 18, 2025




*For more information:*

Contact the DNR Information Center

by email  <[email protected]>or call 888-646-6367.





In This Issue

* Recent land donations increase the state’s forested land by more than 370 acres [ #link_1491411839600 ]
* Minnesota communities to benefit from historic $12 million in grants to strengthen urban, community forests [ #link_1491412051810 ]

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Recent land donations increase the state’s forested land by more than 370 acres

Partnership with Trust for Public Land adds two parcels to Nemadji State Forest and Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has received two land donations from Trust for Public Land totaling 376 acres. A 257-acre parcel will be added to the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest in southeastern Minnesota, and a 119-acre parcel will become part of the Nemadji State Forest south of Cloquet, along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border. Both parcels adjoin existing state forest land, allowing for better forest management and safeguarding land from fragmentation due to development.

A mixture of restored prairie and hardwood forests, the parcel added to the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Hardwood State Forest will provide recreation opportunities, such as hiking and birdwatching. The parcel is home to many wildlife species, including the timber rattlesnake, which is threatened in the state.

The parcel added to the Nemadji State Forest features mixed hardwood forest and protects wildlife habitat in an area valued for outdoor recreation.

"Minnesotans love their public lands because they provide important environmental, recreational and economic benefits, which is why the DNR is thrilled to add more than 350 acres of forest and grassland to the state forest system," DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen said. “We’re grateful for the partnership of Trust for Public Land in bringing these opportunities to completion.”

Using grants from the Outdoor Heritage Fund, TPL purchased the properties from private parties and donated the land to the DNR. In addition to wildlife habitat and access to the outdoors, the acquisitions support watershed protection.

"These expansions not only preserve critical habitat but also enhance the quality of life for communities by providing more space for recreation and connection to nature,” said Sophie Vorhoff, Minnesota state director with Trust for Public Land. "We are thrilled to contribute to the conservation of some of Minnesota's treasured landscapes and maintain a critical watershed for generations to come.”  

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Minnesota communities to benefit from historic $12 million in grants to strengthen urban, community forests
A young tree planted in St. Paul

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for $12 million in grants to help communities plant, maintain and protect trees across the state.

The grant offerings are the largest available since the DNR’s urban and community forest grant programs began, thanks to funding from the Minnesota Legislature to support and expand healthy community tree canopy throughout Minnesota. Grants are available through two programs: Community Tree Planting Grants and ReLeaf Grants. Both support local efforts to address the impacts of emerald ash borer and grow healthier, more diverse community forests.

The Community Tree Planting Grants focus on removing and replacing trees lost to pests, disease or storms; planting shade trees on public and Tribal lands; and increasing species diversity for greater resilience. The ReLeaf Grants build long-term urban and community forestry capacity through projects such as tree inventories, planting, maintenance, protection, restoration, education, wood utilization, and other efforts to improve forest health, reduce carbon emissions and promote energy conservation.

Consistent with legislative direction, priority for grant awards will be given to projects with a supplemental demographic index score of 70% or higher based on five socioeconomic factors: percent low-income, percent persons with disabilities, percent less than high school education, percent limited English speaking, and low life expectancy. Community Tree Planting Grant awards will also prioritize removing and replacing ash trees that pose significant public safety concerns.

“We’re thrilled these grants will give communities an opportunity to strengthen their urban and community forests and ensure all Minnesotans can enjoy the shade, beauty and benefits of healthy trees, and we greatly appreciate the legislative support that enabled this unprecedented grant offering,” said Patty Thielen, director of the DNR’s Forestry Division. “By investing in community forests, we’re improving public health, cooling neighborhoods, enhancing water quality and building resilience to climate change.”

Community Tree Planting Grant applications are due Oct. 13. Tribal governments and local units of government are eligible to apply. The maximum grant award is $500,000.

ReLeaf Grant applications close Oct. 28. Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations with 501(c) status, education institutions and local units of government are eligible to apply. The maximum grant award is $500,000.

Visit the DNR website [ [link removed] ] (mndnr.gov/community-forestry-grants) to learn more about both grants, including virtual and in-personal opportunities to learn more about the application process.

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