St. Louis County officials announced on May 1 that workers have planted 40,000 red and white pine seedlings in an area off Munger Shaw Road that was burned by wildfire last year. The reforestation effort is a collaboration between the county’s Land and Minerals Department, Minnesota Power/ALLETE through its Rajala Woods Initiative, and Superior Forestry Service, Inc.
The initiative aims to restore forest health and support local industries after the fire destroyed trees that were about 50 years old. According to the announcement, Minnesota Power/ALLETE donated 23,000 seedlings for the project while the county supplied another 17,000. Superior Forestry Service was contracted to carry out the plantings.
“Planting white pine, red pine and other long-lived species is a great step to make the forest more resilient and reduce the risks of wildfires and insect infestations,” said Kurt Anderson, Chairman of the Rajala Woods Foundation and Minnesota Power Director of Environmental and Land Management. “Encouraging this long-lived forest supports the mission of the Rajala Woods Foundation, helps protect Minnesota Power’s vital infrastructure in the area from wildfire damage, and creates other social benefits for everyone.”
The Land and Minerals Department manages State Tax Forfeited Trust Lands with a focus on maintaining healthy forests for timber production as well as recreation opportunities and wildlife habitat. The department expects to plant approximately 350,000 seedlings across various sites this year. Nate Anderson, deputy director of St. Louis County Land and Minerals said: “It can take about two years to get seedlings, so we’re grateful to Minnesota Power/ALLETE for the donation that allowed us to begin reforesting here this year.” Erik Anton from St. Louis County added: “The trees that burned here were about 50 years old, so it will take time for this area to recover, but it’s exciting to see it start. Interestingly, we’re already seeing aspen regenerating nearby.”
Land and Minerals operates without property tax funding; instead it relies on proceeds from sales such as timber or gravel.
Officials say these efforts not only help restore damaged land but also contribute toward reducing future wildfire risk while supporting local industry.
