In This Issue
A weekly list of news briefs about fish, wildlife and habitat management.
Know the difference between white-tailed deer, elk
People sometimes report seeing elk in a wider geographical area outside of far northwestern Minnesota. Deer hunters need to make sure they can distinguish between the two species in the field. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website (mndnr.gov/hunting/deer-elk-id.html) has drawings and traits listed to help distinguish elk from white-tailed deer. Additionally, people are encouraged to report elk sightings in Minnesota using the online elk sighting reporting tool (mndnr.gov/elk/elk-sightings.html).
Deer hunters invited to share wildlife observations
Minnesota deer hunters can use an online field log (mndnr.gov/mammals/deer/management/hunter-field-log.html) to report wildlife they see while hunting. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources uses the information to supplement its model-generated population estimates, which are important tools for managing wildlife.
Using a mobile device or desktop computer, deer hunters can enter information on the DNR website about wildlife they see while in the field, including deer, turkey, bear, fisher and other species. Hunters are encouraged to fill out a field log after each hunt, regardless of what species they have seen. The field log will remain open through the end of 2025.
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is joining partners across the country Oct. 19-25 in celebrating National Forest Products Week to recognize the essential connections between consumers, the forest products industry, and healthy, resilient forests.
Minnesota’s forests provide wood for a wide range of renewable products, from furniture and flooring to paper and fuelwood. By choosing sustainably produced, locally sourced forest products, consumers play a direct role in sustaining both the economy and the environment.
“Consumers drive markets; and, in the case of forest products, markets provide tools to help manage forests sustainably,” said Jeremy Fauskee, Utilization and Marketing Program consultant for the DNR’s Forestry Division. “Your choices truly matter when it comes to the future of Minnesota’s forests.”
The forest products industry is not only an important element of Minnesota’s economy; it also plays a key role in maintaining forest health. When done with thoughtful planning and according to requirements designed to ensure long-term sustainability, commercial timber harvest can be an economical way to meet forest management goals, like balancing the ages and species of trees that make up a forest or addressing forest health concerns.
For example, home to an estimated 1 billion ash trees, Minnesota is highly vulnerable to the devastating impacts of emerald ash borer, an invasive insect killing ash trees across the state. Ash can be used in consumer products. If demand for such products increases, it would help drive commercial timber harvests and allow for reforestation with a greater diversity of tree species. In this way, consumer demand could make forests currently dominated by ash more resilient to the impacts of EAB.
By purchasing ash products, Minnesotans can strengthen a market that helps prevent the loss of forests and encourages biodiversity. For additional assurance that the wood was harvested sustainably, consumers can look for third-party certified products, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative. Forest certification is a voluntary third-party standard and audit process that takes into consideration the ecological, economic, and social components of forests and surrounding communities. The DNR’s forest management is dual-certified by FSC and SFI.
"Every time you choose a local, renewable wood product, you are helping to keep our forests healthy for future generations,” Fauskee said.
This National Forest Products Week, the DNR highlights Minnesotans’ role in making thoughtful choices and choosing local wood products. A map and database of Minnesota mills can be found on the DNR webpage (mndnr.gov/forestry/um/index.html#text-1-1). Everyday decisions make a lasting impact on the health and future of Minnesota’s forests.
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