The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has reopened its seasonal pine‑cone purchase program, inviting residents across the state to collect and sell red pine, jack pine, and black spruce cones. In a bumper‑crop year, the DNR is paying up to $95 per bushel for clean, ripe, closed red pine cones, with rates ranging from $60 to $200 per bushel depending on the species.
Why the program matters
Red pine, also known as Norway pine, is Minnesota’s state tree and produces a substantial seed crop roughly once every ten years. The 2026 season is one of those peak years, and the DNR needs a robust seed supply to replant more than 5,000 acres of forest in the coming years. By purchasing cones from private landowners, the agency can quickly amass the quantities needed for successful regeneration.
How to participate
Anyone with an excess of eligible cones can become a registered supplier. Interested residents should contact their nearest DNR forestry office to obtain a supplier registration form. After registration, collectors can drop off cones at designated locations listed on the DNR website. The program runs through October, giving families ample time to gather cones before the first frosts.
Current pricing
- White pine – $50 per bushel
- Jack pine – $60 per bushel
- Black spruce – $200 per bushel
- Bur oak – $50 per bushel
- Red oak – $60 per bushel
- White oak – $80 per bushel
These rates reflect the DNR’s effort to reward high‑quality, clean cones that meet the “ripe and closed” criteria. The agency also provides a short instructional video to help collectors identify the right cones and avoid common pitfalls.
What to watch for in the field
While foraging for cones, residents should be mindful of local wildlife, including the 17 snake species that inhabit Minnesota. The DNR advises collectors to stay on established trails, wear appropriate footwear, and keep an eye out for any hazards.
Community impact
Beyond bolstering the state’s forest‑restoration goals, the program offers a modest supplemental income for families, especially those in rural areas where seasonal work can be scarce. It also reinforces a spirit of stewardship, encouraging Minnesotans to take an active role in preserving the natural beauty that defines the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
Where to find more information
Details on registration, drop‑off sites, and the full price schedule are available on the DNR’s official website. Residents are encouraged to reach out early, as supplies may fill quickly once the program gains momentum.
Original reporting: News Talk 1340 KROC-AM – News and Talk – Rochester News Radio — read the source article.
