Landowners in Minnesota’s Arrowhead region are facing increased fire risks as dense stands of balsam fir, weakened by decades of fire suppression and recent spruce budworm outbreaks continue to die off at an alarming rate. The scale of the problem is unprecedented with approximately 665,000 acres of balsam fir affected in 2023 alone, making it the worst outbreak since 1961.

Spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana) is a native insect that primarily targets balsam fir and white spruce, defoliating trees and leaving behind vast areas of highly flammable material. Outbreaks typically occur every 25 to 40 years, but human activities like logging and fire suppression have exacerbated the problem by creating dense, homogenous stands that are particularly vulnerable to infestation. As the budworm larvae consume new growth, trees become stressed and increasingly susceptible to mortality, especially when coupled with other factors like drought.

Addressing this escalating issue requires a coordinated approach, and the Arrowhead Forest Partnership (AFP) is leading the charge. Established in 2018 by the North St. Louis SWCD, the AFP is a collaborative effort between USDA-NRCS and five northeastern Minnesota soil and water conservation districts: North St. Louis, South St. Louis, Carlton, Cook, and Lake. The partnership aims to reduce wildfire risks, improve forest health, enhance biodiversity, and support wildlife habitat by working directly with landowners and stakeholders.

Since its inception, the AFP has secured more than $1.14 million from NRCS through multiple agreements. This funding supports regional Farm Bill foresters, reimburses SWCDs for essential fieldwork, and covers costs associated with NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) projects. Typical projects focus on removing dead and dying balsam fir, clearing invasive species, and fostering natural regeneration through the planting of native species.

While the partnership has made significant strides, the challenges remain vast. Since 2018, the AFP has facilitated over 100 EQIP applications for forest management projects, with project sizes ranging from half an acre to 300 acres. Each project is designed to reduce fire hazards by promoting diverse forest structures and minimizing the prevalence of highly flammable dead trees. In Brimson, Minnesota, the AFP helped landowners manage six acres of dense, dead balsam fir. The trees were cleared and mulched, allowing native species like pine, maple, and aspen to regenerate, while also maintaining habitat by leaving downed logs to support insects and small mammals.

As the partnership continues its work, collaboration remains at the heart of its efforts. Federal, state, and local partners are working together to build more fire-resilient landscapes and reduce wildfire risks throughout the Arrowhead region. The long-term vision involves creating adaptive forest structures that can withstand pest infestations and environmental stressors.

The Arrowhead Forest Partnership’s approach demonstrates the value of integrated management practices and community-centered solutions. As more landowners participate and become stewards of their own forest health, Minnesota’s northern woodlands will be better positioned to withstand future threats.

For more information about the Arrowhead Forest Partnership, visit here.

Tags: Forestry, Forestry Notes