DNR Plants 58,800 Seedlings Ahead of Ash Loss

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is diversifying state forests as emerald ash borer threatens the state's ash trees.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Environmental

Vector-style editorial illustration of young seedlings planted at the base of a tall grey ash trunk, with a pale sapling in the foreground. — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources planted 58,800 tree seedlings in ash-dominated state forests to diversify tree species before emerald ash borer causes widespread loss. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources planted 58,800 tree seedlings in ash-dominated state forest land in north-central Minnesota. The planting is intended to create a more varied mix of tree species before emerald ash borer causes widespread ash loss.

Why it matters

Emerald ash borer is an invasive insect fatal to all three of Minnesota's ash species, and the state has an estimated 1 billion ash trees. Diversifying forest composition now aims to reduce the impact of losing those trees across Minnesota forestland.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports 58,800 seedlings planted across three sites, compared with an estimated 1 billion ash trees statewide. The long-term survival and growth of the seedlings remain to be seen, as DNR foresters will monitor the sites.

The players

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The state agency responsible for managing Minnesota's public lands, forests, and natural resources, including the State Forest Nursery that grew the seedlings.

The details

Crews planted white cedar, hackberry, silver maple, and swamp white oak seedlings by hand under existing ash trees at three sites near the edge of where emerald ash borer has spread. The seedlings were grown at the State Forest Nursery, and planting was done in fall because the ground is drier and easier for crews to work on.

Fall 2026: DNR crews planted seedlings at three north-central Minnesota sites.
November 5, 2026: DNR announced the seedling planting project.

Roadmap

The planting reflects a broader forest management approach of diversifying tree species to reduce dependence on a single dominant species. Emerald ash borer's spread across Minnesota forests has pushed state foresters to plan replacement canopy before large-scale ash mortality occurs.

Minnesotans who use state forests may see changing tree cover over time as the planted species mature. The DNR's monitoring of these sites will track whether the new seedlings establish successfully as ash trees decline.

The takeaway

Diversifying forests before a pest arrives at full strength gives replacement trees time to grow. Minnesotans with ash trees on their property may consider similar planning for species variety.