Minnesota Forest Landscapes Partnership Network

The Sand Plain Pines, a fire-dependent forest system in Minnesota’s lake country, is utilized for recreation, logging, hunting and supports traditional gathering practices. Initial focus is on restoring red pine plantations through thinning, brushing and eventually the return of fire. The project aims to build a network of support and collaboration around the use of prescribed fire to re-establish fire dependent and culturally significant flora and fauna, like blueberries across the ceded and reserved territory of the Anishinaabeg (Ojibwe) People.

Landscapes similar to the Sand Plain Pines are scattered across north-central and north-east Minnesota. State, federal, county, private and tribal lands create a mosaic of ownership, overlaying lands ceded by treaty with the Ojibwe people who still retain the right to hunt and gather. Recognizing this, the project expanded to become the Minnesota Forest Landscapes Partnership Network.

Putting fire back on the ground will require collaboration across multiple entities and a focused approach to expanding understanding of prescribed fire in the forest. Building a network of fire practitioners, with experience and availability to come together to burn, is a priority for this FLN.