Publications

Lake States SFI Implementation Committee BioDiversity in Fiber Sourcing Forests with Exceptional Conservation Value (FECV) Assessment (v1, November 2022) - In accordance with the requirements of the 2022 SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard, the SFI Implementation Committees of the Lake States (MI, MN and WI) worked cooperatively on an assessment of Forests of Exceptional Conservation Value (FECVs). Lists of Globally Critically Imperiled (G1) and Imperiled (G2) species and ecosystems were acquired from NatureServe for each state. Trained biologists and foresters reviewed each entry and evaluated the potential for forestry activities to impact the FECV (positively and/or negatively). The process resulted in focused lists of species and ecosystems that could benefit from additional education, information and mitigation to ensure their continued presence on the landscape. The SICs and SFI certified organizations will use this information to develop training materials and programs for wood producers, foresters, loggers and private non-industrial forest landowners within their fiber procurement regions.

Ash Management Guidelines: For Private Forest Landowners (2019) - From the University of Minnesota and MN DNR. This guide gives a history of ash in Minnesota, overview of the Emerald Ash Borer threatening Minnesota forests and introduces responsible forest practices you can use to manage EAB on your land.

Sustainable Forestry Landowner's Manual (Updated 2022) - The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)'s landowner manual, will provide you with the resources you need for a successful timber sale experience. The manual includes information on how to manage your land to attract wildlife, management guidelines to consider when harvesting timber, the elements of a good timber sale contract, choosing a quality logger, and how the Sustainable Forestry Incentive Act can relieve some landowner's tax obligations.

Minnesota's Forest Invaders: A Guide to Invasive Species - This manual gives you an overview of some invasive species threatening Minnesota forests and introduces responsible forest practices you can use to manage invasive species on your land.

Sustaining Minnesota's Resources - Voluntary Forest Management Guidelines - (a.k.a. "The Gold Book") containing the forest management guidelines and the recently added biomass harvesting guidelines.( 5.5MB PDF)

Minnesota's Forest Management Guidelines: Quick Reference Field Guide - A portable book containing key forest management guidelines and information.

Additional Forest Management Guideline Resources from the Minnesota Forest Resource Council. 

MN Dept. of Agriculture Invasive Species Resources - Link to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's Insect Pests and Diseases website.

Wetland Conservation Act Contacts - This page is maintained by the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources

Temporary Stream & Wetland Crossing Options for Forest Management - This publication from the USDA and the USFS outlines stream and wetland crossing options. By Charles R. Blinn, Rick Dahlman, Lola Hislop, and Michael A. Thompson.

Temporary Stream, Wetland & Soft Soil Crossings - This publication from the Minnesota Erosion Control Association outlines planning, options, and additional considerations when considering and implementing stream and wetland crossings.

Status of the Minnesota Logging Sector in 2021 Logging businesses in Minnesota have been surveyed intermittently since the late 1970s to assess their status and health. A mail survey was conducted in spring 2022 to assess the status of Minnesota’s logging sector during 2021.

Status of the Minnesota Logging Sector in 2016 Blinn, Charles R.; Snyder, Stephanie A.; Russell, Matthew B.; Peterson, Rachel R. (University of Minnesota, 2019)

Minnesota's Logging Businesses: An Assessment of the Health and Viability of the Sector - Publication summarizing the findings of the 2012 survey completed by participating MLEP logging member businesses.

Minnesota Woody Biomass Facility Directory - From the Minnesota DNR. Facilities that utilize woody biomass were surveyed in 2008 to determine the volume of wood use and to develop a marketing directory.

MN DNR Utilization and Marketing - Information about the MN DNR Utilization and Marketing program, including directories and reports. Register and receive periodic updates and information on federal, state, regional, and local grant programs, incentives, and training for primary wood manufacturing businesses or information on recently released industry analysis or forest resource reports.

Assessment of Logger Education Programs Across the U.S. - From the Journal of Forestry Oct./Nov. 2007. By Brooke K. Haworth, Charles R. Blinn, & David T. Chura. This published article summarizes research that was funded through a grant from the Blandin Foundation.