Staff at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) forestry office in Bemidji will begin buying ripe cones and acorns on Sept. 8. The DNR will purchase jack pine, tamarack and black spruce cones, as well as red oak and bur oak acorns. Purchasing will end in late October or early November.

The acorns and seeds from cones will be planted at the DNR nurseries to grow seedlings for reforestation.

Cones and acorns will be purchased only on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The DNR will pay the following prices per bushel: jack pine, $20; tamarack, $120; black spruce, $50; red oak, $40; and bur oak, $40.

This year the DNR will not purchase white pine and red (Norway) pine cones.

For cone and acorn collection guidelines, go to http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/ecs_silv/silvics.html

Other DNR forestry offices will also purchase tree seeds, cones and acorns. Contact the local forestry office for further information. The Bemidji area DNR forestry office can be reached at 218-308-2065.

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