02023News640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-699851" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2025-07-25T21:17:03ZThe Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) is hiring a Forest Policy Administrator to provide policy analysis and policy related information services to the Council. 1162<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) is hiring a Forest Policy Administrator. This position works closely with fellow staff and the MFRC’s appointed stakeholder representatives to administer the development and implementation of forest policy initiatives that support sustainable management, use, and protection of Minnesota’s forest resources. This state government position within the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is located on the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus and is eligible to telework on a part-time basis. This position's annual salary is $66,649-$98,240. Application deadline is Aug. 14, 2025. <a href="/frc/assets/Minnesota%20Forest%20Resources%20Council%20Policy%20Administrator_1_Page_Listing_Summary_tcm1162-699849.pdf" title="2025-07 Minnesota Forest Resources Council Policy Administrator Listing Summary" target="_blank" xlink:title="2025-07 Minnesota Forest Resources Council Policy Administrator Listing Summary" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">View more information here</a>. </p>6998512025-07-28T21:39:33ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-661512" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2024-12-19T23:00:03ZThe Minnesota Forest Resources Council has released a forest carbon report from the University of Minnesota that provides new insights into the role of forests in achieving the state of Minnesota’s climate action goals. Results indicate that Minnesota’s forestry sector is making greater strides to mitigate climate change than previously understood. 1162<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <div>The Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) has released a forest carbon report from the University of Minnesota that provides new insights into the role of forests in achieving the state of Minnesota’s climate action goals. Results indicate that Minnesota’s forestry sector is making greater strides to mitigate climate change than previously understood due to the health and productivity of the state’s 17.7 million acres of forests.</div> <div> </div> <div>The research shows that Minnesota’s forests, a known carbon sink, are absorbing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than previously estimated, offsetting about 15 percent of total statewide greenhouse gas emissions annually. It also demonstrates the importance of sustainable forest management for maintaining forest health and enhancing carbon storage over time.</div> <div> </div> <div>“This is the first statewide research to account for and forecast forest carbon storage and rates of storage across the entire forestry sector—from ‘cradle to grave,’ forests to harvested wood products,” said Dr. John Zobel, principal investigator.</div> <div> </div> <div>The research provides a current assessment of carbon storage and emissions in Minnesota’s forests and forestry sector and simulates their changes over 100 years under multiple forest management scenarios. The simulation shows the highest forest carbon storage and sequestration rates occur from 2025 to 2050, aligning with state of Minnesota’s target to become carbon neutral. All management scenarios modeled in the research demonstrated long-term increases in carbon storage both within forests and in harvested wood products.</div> <div> </div> <div>“This research highlights Minnesota’s time-sensitive opportunity to increase our forests’ ability to help achieve the state’s climate action goals,” said Pete Aube, Minnesota Forest Resources Council chair. “The MFRC commends and thanks the University of Minnesota and the broader research team for this pioneering research, which provides valuable insights into managing our forests to enhance carbon mitigation in balance with the many other ecological, social, cultural, and economic benefits they provide.”</div> <div> </div> <div>According to Aube, the study is an important step for deepening science-based understanding of the forests’ role in climate change adaptation, mitigation, and resiliency. However, like all research, report results must be carefully considered within the wider context of forestry and climate goals. The MFRC looks forward to delving deeper into the study with its stakeholders and exploring the future research opportunities this effort will inspire.</div> <div> </div> <div>The report, entitled “<a href="https://mn.gov/frc/assets/MFRC_Carbon_Project_FINAL_REPORT_tcm1162-661769.pdf" target="_blank">Estimating current and future carbon stocks and emissions in Minnesota forests and forest products under multiple management scenarios</a>,” was prepared by John Zobel, Matthew Russell, Maureen Puettmann, Elaine Oneil, David Wilson, Tyler Gifford, John DuPlissis, Marcella Windmuller-Campione, Christopher Edgar, Eli Sagor, Kamalakanta Sahoo, and Christina Bjarvin. The research was funded through a grant from the Minnesota Forest Resources Council.</div> </div>6615122024-12-20T02:47:42ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-584211" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2023-07-11T19:41:54ZA May 25, 2023, U.S. Supreme decision in Tyler vs. Hennepin County has struck down provisions of Minnesota’s property tax forfeiture law with a unanimous opinion that they are in violation of the “takings clause” of the Constitution’s Fifth Amendment. According to Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) Chair Pete Aube, MFRC is concerned about how new tax forfeiture bills being introduced in the state legislature to fix the problem might also unnecessarily impact 2.8 million acres of previously forfeited forest lands now under the sustainable management and stewardship of Minnesota County governments.1162<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">A May 25, 2023, U.S. Supreme decision in <a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/22-166_8n59.pdf" target="_blank">Tyler vs. Hennepin County</a> has struck down provisions of Minnesota’s property tax forfeiture law with a unanimous opinion that they are in violation of the “takings clause” of the Constitution’s Fifth Amendment. According to Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) Chair Pete Aube, MFRC is concerned about how new tax forfeiture bills being introduced in the state legislature to fix the problem might also unnecessarily impact 2.8 million acres of previously forfeited forest lands now under the sustainable management and stewardship of Minnesota County governments.</div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/22-166_8n59.pdf" target="_blank">Tyler vs. Hennepin County</a> concerns a Minneapolis condo that the owner forfeited to Hennepin County in exchange for $15,000 of unpaid back taxes, penalties, and fines. After seizing the condo, the county sold it for $40,000 and kept the $25,000 that was in excess of Tyler’s tax debt, thus triggering the Court’s determination that a violation of the “takings clause” had occurred.  Now, Minnesota and 19 other states with similar tax forfeiture procedures, must review and amend their individual state statutes to bring them into compliance with the decision of the Court.  Presumably, this may include systems to avoid “takings” violations and potentially even a means to compensate some previous owners of tax forfeited property. </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">According to MFRC, tax forfeiture forest lands represent approximately 15% of Minnesota’s total forest acreage.  Most of the property was acquired by counties via tax forfeiture over the course of more than a century.  Many of the properties were cut over timber land or were forfeited during the Great Depression.  These lands have long since been reforested and in some cases improved upon with capital investments.  In addition to serving as habitat for fish and wildlife, protecting water quality, and providing recreational access to hunters, fishermen, snowmobilers, and other outdoor enthusiasts; these sustainably managed forest lands provide counties and local schools with revenue from sustainable timber harvest.</div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">MFRC is developing a resolution for the Minnesota Legislature to consider when taking the tax forfeiture issue up in their next legislative session. The resolution will likely provide background information and recommendations supporting the retention and continued sustainable management of County Forest lands.</div>5842112023-07-11T19:49:44ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-583560" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2023-07-05T19:03:58ZThe Council recently identified the need for a committee dedicated to private lands; consequently, the Family Forest Landowners Committee (FFL) was formed.1162<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Effective and successful stewardship of private woodlands is a compelling challenge. As owners and potential managers of more than six million acres (about one-third) of the state’s total forested land, the Minnesota Forest Resources Council is building a renewed commitment to family forest landowners.</div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The need to reach out to family forest landowners was identified by the Council in 2020 when it reaffirmed its commitment to this landowner group in its strategic plan. The Council is taking this responsibility seriously. On September 17, 2022, the Council coordinated a meeting of key organizations who work and interact with family forest landowners for a new and enhanced effort to address the objectives of its strategic plan.</div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">As a result of that meeting, the Council identified the need for a committee dedicated to private lands; consequently, the Family Forest Landowners Committee (FFL) was formed. It is hoped that this committee’s guidance will assist all Council committees by helping them stay informed of family forest landowner issues and topics. The FFL’s charter details the added value of this committee to the Council.</div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Janet Erdman, private landowner representative on the Council and one of the catalysts behind the working group gathering, stresses that the Council intends to carry forward the momentum and learnings from the September forum, with intent to build “measurable and meaningful action to support active, well-informed management of the state’s private forested lands.”</div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Erdman’s fellow private landowner representative on the Council, Kathleen Preece, adds: “This is just the beginning! The Council looks to you: private landowners, service providers, custodians of some of the most indispensable of our natural resources – our forests - to take stock of your part of the woods and join in the Council’s commitment to responsible stewardship.”</div>5835602023-07-05T19:04:07ZNews640News/frc/assets/MFRC_LAC_Northern_resized_cropped_left_tcm1162-582028.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-582016" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2023-06-21T18:49:35ZThe Minnesota Forest Resources Council’s (MFRC’s) Northern Regional Landscape Committee is updating its regional landscape plan. The MFRC Northern Regional Landscape covers the forested regions of northern Beltrami, Koochiching, and Lake of Woods Counties. The committee expects plan update by June 30, 2024.1162<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">INTERNATIONAL FALLS, MN June 21, 2023-- The Minnesota Forest Resources Council’s (MFRC’s) Northern Regional Landscape Committee is updating its regional landscape plan. The MFRC Northern Regional Landscape covers the forested regions of northern Beltrami, Koochiching, and Lake of Woods Counties. The committee expects plan update by June 30, 2024. <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Dated 2010, the current Northern Regional Landscape Plan contains dated information and lacks discussion on many priority topics of today’s natural resource management. Subjects such as climate change and the connection between forested landscapes and clean water are just a few additions the committee will be adding to the plan. Regional Committee Chair, James Aasen (Koochiching County Soil and Water Conservation District) is leading the effort. James will gather input from the Northern regional committee and key regional stakeholders comprised of diverse representative interests in forest management within the region. MFRC will also provide an opportunity for public input prior to plan approval.  <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The landscape committees and MFRC landscape plans are a rare opportunity for regional stakeholders to give state decision makers their perspective on goals and conditions of the forested landscape. After several committee member retirements, changing roles, and participation challenges due to the pandemic, James is using this opportunity to reinvigorate the committee.  <br /> <em>“The landscape committees are a novel way for local folks to give their two cents on topics being discussed at the state level. Often topics that they know because they’re seeing it first-hand on the ground and may be impacted most by policy decisions.”</em> -James Aasen, MFRC Northern Regional Landscape Committee Chair.  <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The MFRC regional landscape program is unique in two ways. First, the program provides an “all lands” framework for collaboration on forestry and forestry-related natural resource issues at a landscape scale. Second, landscape plans and the work of the regional committees consider and discuss the social and economic aspects of natural resource management and their connections to the natural resources.  <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">According to James Aasen, the Northern Region is a bit different from other areas of the state. The region is vastly forested and sees little of the land use pressure seen elsewhere. Spanning Lake of the Woods, Koochiching, and the northern portion of Beltrami County, the Northern region has some of the best water quality and outdoor recreation opportunities in the state. Wood product production is an important component of the region’s economy; employing loggers, mill workers, skilled tradesman, foresters, small forest product operators, as well as all the other businesses that support these careers.  <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">In accordance with the Sustainable Forest Resources Act (SFRA) regional committees strive to be inclusive, locally driven networks for sustainable forest management across Minnesota. Participation is voluntary, grassroots, and incorporates the broad variety of interests and perspectives on forest management and forest resource issues. The regional committees operate in an open and public process to identify goals, challenges, and solutions to Minnesota’s evolving landscape.  <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">If you would like more information, to get involved, or would like updates you can reach-out to MFRC Landscape Program Coordinator Jaimé Thibodeaux at <a href="mailto:jaime.thibodeaux@state.mn.us" target="_blank">jaime.thibodeaux@state.mn.us</a> or 218-553-1522 or James Aasen at <a href="mailto:James.Aasen@co.koochiching.mn.us" target="_blank">James.Aasen@co.koochiching.mn.us</a> or 218-283-6742.  <br /> <img src="/frc/assets/Northern_Steering_Committee_w_caption_tcm1162-582015.jpg" title="Group sits around conference table studying the 2010 landscape plan document. " alt="Group sits around conference table studying the 2010 landscape plan document. " style="vertical-align: bottom; width: 600px; height: 478px;" xlink:title="Northern_Steering_Committee_w_caption" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" /></div>5820162023-06-21T19:54:57ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-572681" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2023-04-06T19:37:16ZThe University of Minnesota (UMN) has received a $319,820 grant from the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) to assess carbon sequestration, storage, and emissions associated with Minnesota forests and forest products. MFRC awarded the grant in support of Governor Tim Walz’s 2022 climate action framework, a strategic statewide plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. 1162<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <div>The University of Minnesota (UMN) has received a $319,820 grant from the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) to assess carbon sequestration, storage, and emissions associated with Minnesota forests and forest products.  MFRC awarded the grant in support of Governor Tim Walz’s 2022 climate action framework, a strategic statewide plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change.   <br /> <br /></div> <div>Minnesota’s forests and forest products are uniquely important for offsetting statewide greenhouse gas emissions because of their ability to sequester and store carbon.   The UMN project will gather data from all forest carbon locations or “pools”—in live trees, in dead trees, in forest soils, in harvested wood, and in forest products like lumber.  These data will enable UMN scientists to develop methodologies to better monitor forest carbon trends, and to develop “life cycle assessments” that track carbon sequestration and storage over 100- or 150-year periods starting first in the forest, then into wood products, and eventually to its future point of emission as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.   </div> <div> </div> <div>According to MFRC Chair Pete Aube, establishing a better baseline to monitor forest carbon trends over time; and comparing carbon sequestration, storage, and emission outcomes of different forest management strategies and forest products are essential to achieving Minnesota’s net-zero goal by 2050.  </div> <div> </div> <div>“This UMN project will give us insights as to how the forestry sector might do even better in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions by adapting its forest management strategies or by promoting certain climate friendly forest products,” Aube said.  “We look forward to seeing the final report which is due by June 30, 2024.”</div> <div> </div> <div>For more information contact Eric Schenck, MFRC Executive Director, 651-247-1367  eric.schenck@mn.state.us or visit the MFRC website at  https://mn.gov/frc/ </div> <div> </div> <div>The 17 stakeholder representatives of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council are appointed by the Governor of Minnesota according to provisions of the Sustainable Forest Resources Act.  MFRC is responsible for recommending science-based policies, plans, and practices that sustainably protect and maintain Minnesota’s forest resources in ways that balance economic, ecological, and social values. </div> </div>5726812023-04-06T19:45:09ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-570137" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2023-03-20T19:44:25ZMFRC Executive Director Eric Schenck weighs in on forests and carbon with WCCO.1162<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">WCCO chats with Eric about forests and carbon in their piece "Report: Minnesota on track to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals for first time".  <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/report-minnesota-on-track-to-meet-greenhouse-gas-reduction-goals-for-first-time/" target="_blank">Click here to watch/read.</a></p>5701372023-04-06T19:44:51ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-565836" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2023-02-21T16:35:21ZThe Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) is hiring a Forest Policy Analyst and Administrator to lead its work in shaping forest policy in the era of climate change.1162The Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) is hiring a Forest Policy Analyst and Administrator to lead its work in shaping forest policy in the era of climate change.  The position is part of a small team of forest science, planning and communication professionals who work closely with governor appointed stakeholder representatives to achieve a sustainable management vision that balances the ecological, economic, and social values of Minnesota’s forests. <a href="https://careers.mn.gov/psc/mnjob/MNCAREERS/HRCR/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&amp;Action=U&amp;FOCUS=Applicant&amp;SiteId=1001&amp;JobOpeningId=63163&amp;PostingSeq=1&amp;PortalActualURL=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsc%2fmnjob%2fMNCAREERS%2fHRCR%2fc%2fHRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL%3fPage%3dHRS_APP_JBPST_FL%26Action%3dU%26FOCUS%3dApplicant%26SiteId%3d1001%26JobOpeningId%3d63163%26PostingSeq%3d1&amp;PortalRegistryName=MNCAREERS&amp;PortalServletURI=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsp%2fmnjob%2f&amp;PortalURI=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsc%2fmnjob%2f&amp;PortalHostNode=HRMS&amp;NoCrumbs=yes&amp;PortalKeyStruct=yes" target="_blank" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Click on link</a> for more information.  <a href="/frc/assets/MFRC%20Forest%20Policy%20Analyst%20and%20Administrator%20Posting-JobID%2063163_tcm1162-565831.pdf" title="MFRC Forest Policy Analyst and Administrator Posting-JobID 63163" target="_blank" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:title="MFRC Forest Policy Analyst and Administrator Posting-JobID 63163">Posting PDF.</a>5658362023-02-21T17:04:36ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-548639" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2022-11-18T16:28:50ZThe Minnesota Forest Resources Council is seeking proposals to develop a “cradle to grave” carbon life cycle assessment for Minnesota’s forestry sector with a companion baseline to monitor carbon stocks and carbon emissions associated with both forest and forest product carbon pools. The maximum award amount for this grant is $350,000 and 1 or 2 grants will be awarded. 1162<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">In 2021, the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) commissioned the synthesis of the <a href="https://mn.gov/frc/assets/Carbon_in%20Minnesota_10_June_2022_tcm1162-531123.pdf" target="_blank">current status of carbon in Minnesota’s forests</a> by researchers at the University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources. This report presented nine key information needs related to carbon in Minnesota’s forests and forest products. The MFRC identified two information needs from this report to be prioritized in future research by MFRC stakeholders, policy makers, scientists, land managers, and forest product industries focused on utilizing the Minnesota forestry sector to reduce emissions and improve carbon sequestration and storage associated with both Minnesota forests and forest products.  </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The MFRC now requests proposals related to the following two information needs that help Minnesotans respond to climate change through future forest management and forest product development. Preference will be given to proposals that address both information needs. The data used for developing these information needs must be focused on, or be directly applicable to, Minnesota forests and forest products.  The maximum award amount for this grant is $350,000 and 1 or 2 grants will be awarded.</div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Information need #1: Understanding Minnesota’s current forestry sector carbon storage and emissions baselines, including products; and developing, improving, and reporting this information for both forests and forest products in a form that is accessible, understandable, and useful to broad audiences.</div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Information need #2: Life cycle assessments (LCA) of forest management intensities and strategies and harvested timber for products with focus on carbon storage, and emission reductions – understanding adaptation strategies, substitution effects, opportunities and tradeoffs.</div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The deadline for proposal submission is 1/5/23 at 2:00 p.m.</div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Please use the following information to respond to this request for proposals:</div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">SWIFT Event No. 2000013613</div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">All responses to this solicitation (termed an “Event” within SWIFT) must be submitted through SWIFT using the <a href="https://guest.supplier.systems.state.mn.us/psc/fmssupap/SUPPLIER/ERP/c/NUI_FRAMEWORK.PT_LANDINGPAGE.GBL" target="_blank">Supplier portal</a> https://mn.gov/supplier</div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Training and documentation on how to submit your response is available through the Supplier portal link above. Fax, e-mail, and printed responses will not be accepted or considered. All costs incurred in responding to this solicitation will be borne by the responder. Late responses will not be considered. Responses received after End Date above will not be considered, even if errors or delays were caused by issues outside of responders’ control. If you need assistance please contact the SWIFT Vendor Assistance Helpline at 651-201-8100, Option 1, and then Option 1.</div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">SWIFT Vendor Resources / Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) (mn.gov)</div>5486392022-11-21T16:46:41ZNews640News/frc/assets/Jaim%C3%A9%20prof%20resize_tcm1162-533204.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-533167" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2022-07-06T18:45:19ZJaimé Thibodeaux is joining the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) as Forest Planning and Coordination Administrator. Thibodeaux will assume leadership of MFRC’s regional landscape program which includes supporting a network of six regional committees responsible for landscape level forest planning and program coordination. 1162<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Jaimé Thibodeaux is joining the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) as Forest Planning and Coordination Administrator.  Thibodeaux will assume leadership of MFRC’s regional landscape program which includes supporting a network of six regional committees responsible for landscape level forest planning and program coordination.  <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">“We are excited to have Jaime join the MFRC team,” says Eric Schenck, Executive Director.  “One of MFRC’s top priorities is rebuilding regional landscape committee momentum that was lost during the pandemic.” <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Thibodeaux brings 15 years of natural resources and planning experience to MFRC, most recently while serving as Principal Planner and Project Manager for Minnesota DNR’s Ecological and Water Resources Division. </div>5331672022-07-06T20:46:53ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-533163" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2022-07-06T18:43:31ZThe Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) is hiring an Applied Forest Science Coordinator to lead its applied forest science and site-level forest management programs. 1162The Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) is hiring an <a href="https://careers.mn.gov/psp/mnjob/MNCAREERS/HRCR/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&amp;Action=U&amp;FOCUS=Applicant&amp;SiteId=1001&amp;JobOpeningId=57176&amp;PostingSeq=1" target="_blank" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Applied Forest Science Coordinator</a> to lead its applied forest science and site-level forest management programs.  The position has several critical responsibilities under MN’s Sustainable Forest Resources Act and serves as a vital member of MFRC’s small team.  The deadline for applications is August 2, 2022.  Contact Eric Schenck, Executive Director, <a href="mailto:eric.schenck@state.mn.us" target="_blank" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">eric.schenck@state.mn.us</a> or see link for more details.5331632022-07-06T19:13:47ZNews640News/frc/assets/Keith%20resized_tcm1162-533205.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-533180" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2022-07-05T18:56:37ZKeith Karnes, representing the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, recently hosted a tour of forest management sites on the Chippewa National Forest for Pete Aube, Chair, and Eric Schenck, Executive Director, of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC). According to Karnes, the sites were selected to demonstrate forest management prescriptions for achieving specific ecological, wildlife and cultural objectives. 1162<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Keith Karnes, representing the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, recently hosted a tour of forest management sites on the Chippewa National Forest for Pete Aube, Chair, and Eric Schenck, Executive Director, of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC).  According to Karnes, the sites were selected to demonstrate forest management prescriptions for achieving specific ecological, wildlife and cultural objectives.   <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Steve Mortensen and Tanya Roerick, Wildlife Biologists for the Leech Lake Band and Cory Mlodik from the Chippewa National Forest identified forested sites for the tour. Included among these was a commercial “group selection” thinning of red pine to mimic blowdown openings where logging slash also was used to create small brush piles for snowshoe hare.  The openings were expected to grow back to a variety of hardwoods creating a mixed wood stand.    <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Other red pine sites featured the use of prescribed burning following traditional stand thinning prescriptions.  In these examples, attention was given to post-burn tree survival and damage, and to the resulting effect on understory species.  In one such stand, a rich crop of blueberries, raspberries and other culturally significant plants were noted.   </div>5331802022-07-06T20:52:52ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-533179" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2022-07-05T18:50:31ZOn June 7, 2022, the Bois Forte Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, The Conservation Fund, and the Indian Land Tenure Foundation jointly announced the completed purchase of 28,089 acres that restores historical Tribal lands within the Bois Forte Reservation.1162<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">On June 7, 2022, the Bois Forte Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, The Conservation Fund, and the Indian Land Tenure Foundation jointly announced the completed purchase of 28,089 acres that restores historical Tribal lands within the Bois Forte Reservation. <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The Band’s acquisition, conducted in partnership with The Conservation Fund and financed by the Indian Land Tenure Foundation, involved land previously held by timberland owner and lumber manufacturer PotlatchDeltic Corporation.  The transaction constitutes the largest restoration of Tribal land since the Nett Lake and Deer Creek sectors of the Bois Forte Reservation were established in Minnesota under the Treaty of 1866. Plans are underway for the Band to directly manage the newly restored lands under a forest management plan that emphasizes conservation and environmental protection balanced with economic and cultural benefits to the Band and its members. <a href="/frc/assets/Bois%20Forte%20Band%20press%20release%20FINAL_tcm1162-533178.pdf" title="Bois Forte Band press release FINAL" target="_blank" xlink:title="Bois Forte Band press release FINAL" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">See press release here.</a></div>5331792022-07-06T19:18:57ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-533168" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2022-07-05T18:48:49ZA new, interactive, visual display of annual carbon stocks, net carbon stock flux, and carbon trends associated with Minnesota’s forests is now available through a partnership effort of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) and the University of Minnesota Forest Resources Department. 1162<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">A new, interactive, visual display of annual carbon stocks, net carbon stock flux, and carbon trends associated with Minnesota’s forests is now available through a partnership effort of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) and the University of Minnesota Forest Resources Department.   <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The <a href="https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/28fc7281e9e84168b5ec50b7de2480c2/" target="_blank">Minnesota Forest Carbon Dashboard</a> uses data from the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Inventory and Analysis Program which annually estimates carbon within five widely recognized carbon pools associated with Minnesota’s forests.  The dashboard also presents trends associated with land converted to forest (i.e. reforestation) and offers users the opportunity to compare carbon data and trends by forest land ownership, forest types, and by landscape regions.</div>5331682022-07-06T19:18:56ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-533160" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2022-07-05T18:29:38ZMinnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC), in partnership with the University of Minnesota Forest Resources Department, has announced the release of a MFRC commissioned report Carbon in Minnesota's Forests: Current Status and Future Opportunities. The report describes carbon and forest management relationships in Minnesota and identifies nine carbon related forest topics for future study.1162<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC), in partnership with the University of Minnesota Forest Resources Department, has announced the release of a MFRC commissioned report <a href="https://mn.gov/frc/assets/Carbon_in%20Minnesota_10_June_2022_tcm1162-531123.pdf" target="_blank">Carbon in Minnesota's Forests: Current Status and Future Opportunities</a>. The report describes carbon and forest management relationships in Minnesota and identifies nine carbon related forest topics for future study. <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">“This report is a foundational piece of a larger MFRC strategic effort aimed at establishing common nomenclature, concepts, baselines, and methodologies for monitoring, evaluating, and understanding the carbon outcomes of alternative forest management and forest product development strategies,” says Eric Schenck, MFRC Executive Director. “The report also touches on carbon markets for Minnesota private land forest owners.” <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">According Schenck, the Council is forming an Ad Hoc Committee to further direct and prioritize follow-up work.  Schenck anticipates that MFRC will be able to make some early recommendations based on the report’s initial results while other important forest carbon topics and issues will require additional investigations.  The entire action and communication process will be stakeholder driven by the representative members serving on the MFRC.  </div>5331602022-07-06T19:18:55ZNews640News/frc/assets/Tim%20Wegner%20headshot_tcm1162-533147.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-533148" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2022-07-05T18:28:17ZTim Wegner of International Falls has been appointed by Governor Tim Walz to serve as the labor organization representative to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC). The appointment was effective May 9, 2022.1162<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Tim Wegner of International Falls has been appointed by Governor Tim Walz to serve as the labor organization representative to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC).  The appointment was effective May 9, 2022. <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Wegner works as an operator for the Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) Boise Division, is a member of the United Steel Workers Union local 159 and serves on the Minnesota Wood Fiber Council. Wegner also is active locally, statewide, and nationally in forest product and labor issues.  During his first MFRC meeting Wegner was invited to serve on the Communications Committee.</div>5331482022-07-06T19:18:55ZNews640News/frc/assets/%231%20-%20FBResized_tcm1162-533181.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-533145" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2022-07-05T18:27:03ZAfter a nearly 40-year career, Forrest Boe, Forestry Division Director for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), has announced his retirement effective July 8, 2022. During his time as Forestry Director, Boe also served as a greatly respected member of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC). 1162<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <div>After a nearly 40-year career, Forrest Boe, Forestry Division Director for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), has announced his retirement effective July 8, 2022.  During his time as Forestry Director, Boe also served as a greatly respected member of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC).   <br /> <br /></div> <div>Commenting on Boe’s retirement, MFRC Chair Pete Aube stated, “Forrest Boe has been a great asset to Minnesota’s forestry community and a steadfast champion of sustainable forest management. The Council will miss him and wishes him the best in his retirement.” <br /> <br /></div> <div>Patty Thielen has stepped in as acting DNR Forestry Division Director.  </div> </div>5331452022-07-06T19:18:58ZNews640News/frc/assets/CC%233Resized_tcm1162-495197.jpg<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-533154" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2022-07-05T18:25:14ZConstance “Connie” Cummins has stepped down from the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC). Cummins had served as Governor Walz’s appointed U.S. Forest Service representative to MFRC. 1162<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Constance “Connie” Cummins has stepped down from the Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC).  Cummins had served as Governor Walz’s appointed U.S. Forest Service representative to MFRC.  <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Cummins also is retiring from a long-standing career with the U.S. Forest Service that most recently included serving as Forest Supervisor for the Superior National Forest.  As Forest Supervisor and MFRC member, Cummins lead the establishment of the Arrowhead Shared-Stewardship Pilot Project which featured a “cross-boundary”, multi-agency partnership to coordinate forest management activities within the 500,000-acre Arrowhead project area.   <br /> <br /></div> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Michael Stansberry, Forest Supervisor of the Chippewa National Forest, serves as the Forest Service’s alternate to the MFRC.  Stansberry will be the acting representative until such time that Governor Walz makes an official appointment replacing Cummins. </div>5331542022-07-06T19:18:55ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-519156" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2022-02-18T21:58:28ZThe Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) seeks forest landscape planning and regional program coordinator.1162<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The Minnesota Forest Resources Council (MFRC) seeks dynamic leader to administer long-range, community-driven, forest landscape planning and regional program coordination during an era of dynamic climate change and evolving socio-economic conditions.  Salary: $67,839 - $100,892/annually.  Application deadline: March 18, 2022. If you have questions about the position, contact Eric Schenck at eric.schenck@state.mn.us or 651-247-1367. <br /> <a href="https://careers.mn.gov/psc/mnjob/MNCAREERS/HRCR/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&amp;Action=U&amp;FOCUS=Applicant&amp;SiteId=1001&amp;JobOpeningId=53105&amp;PostingSeq=1&amp;PortalActualURL=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsc%2fmnjob%2fMNCAREERS%2fHRCR%2fc%2fHRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL%3fPage%3dHRS_APP_JBPST_FL%26Action%3dU%26FOCUS%3dApplicant%26SiteId%3d1001%26JobOpeningId%3d53105%26PostingSeq%3d1&amp;PortalRegistryName=MNCAREERS&amp;PortalServletURI=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsp%2fmnjob%2f&amp;PortalURI=https%3a%2f%2fcareers.mn.gov%2fpsc%2fmnjob%2f&amp;PortalHostNode=HRMS&amp;NoCrumbs=yes&amp;PortalKeyStruct=yes" target="_blank">MFRC Forest Planning and Coordination Administrator posting</a></p>5191562022-02-18T22:02:49ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-475685" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2021-03-01T20:56:54ZGovernor Tim Walz has called for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. At the same time, the House Climate Caucus recommends expanding that goal for zero net carbon emissions to transportation and agriculture by 2050. 1162<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Governor Tim Walz has called for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. At the same time, the House Climate Caucus recommends expanding that goal for zero net carbon emissions to transportation and agriculture by 2050. As Chair of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council, and as someone who shares in the concerns about climate change, I applaud the Governor’s position and the goal of the House Climate Caucus. Tricky though are the details in how carbon is accounted for in its continuous cycle between its atmospheric form as CO2--a known climate change driver--and the carbon stored in trees, soil, and even the 2x4’s of your home.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">A case in point—carbon released from coal, petroleum or natural gas when it is used to produce electricity or diesel fuel, has been stored in the earth for millions or hundreds of millions of years. Burning wood also releases CO2. However, it is from carbon that trees have removed from the atmosphere over the past 50 years or so. An argument can be made that in this wood as energy example, carbon is being recycled, that as new trees grow in the place of those harvested, the cycle begins again. This is why some nations are using renewable, sustainably managed wood to replace fossil fuels in the generation of electricity, and as a renewable energy source for biodiesel. This wood for energy approach also can be a transitional strategy as we move from fossil fuels to other renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Governor Walz’s FY22-FY23 budget also recommends investing $1 million in transitioning to a new, modernized approach for conducting forest inventories, and $2.6 million in expanding the capacity of the state tree nursery and in incentives to encourage more tree planting. These are solid beginning strategies to better measure and sequester carbon in forest ecosystems. They deserve wide support.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">As Chair of the Minnesota Forest Resources Council, I along with our 16 Council members representing economic, environmental, and social forest stakeholder groups, strongly support the forest inventory and tree planting initiatives proposed in Governor Walz’s budget recommendations. Once again, however, there are important details with regard to how these investments will accurately track and better trap carbon through our forests, our forest products, and our forest based economies. The question is not “are forests crucial for combating climate change now and into the future”? The answer to that is a resounding “YES!” Climate change is too important of a threat to our society, to our environment, and to our Minnesota forests to not get it right.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">This is why I am asking the Minnesota Forest Resources Council to invest in crafting a sustainable forest carbon-based strategy, developed with support from our best Minnesota scientists, carbon experts and forest ecologists, to serve as a carbon centric answer to the Council’s 2020 “Climate Change and Minnesota’s Forests” report. We want to share this forest carbon strategy with Governor Walz’s Advisory Council on Climate Change so it can become part of a comprehensive, statewide climate change strategy.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><em>Pete Aube, MFRC Chair</em></p>Pete Aube, MFRC Chair4756852021-04-07T20:37:38ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-475687" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2021-01-26T21:00:57ZGovernor Tim Walz announced Minnesota’s COVID-19 Recovery Budget for 2022-20231162<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">On Tuesday, January 26, Governor Tim Walz announced Minnesota’s COVID-19 Recovery Budget for 2022-2023. <a href="https://youtu.be/TtWea3OVtiQ" target="_blank">Watch the Governor’s announcement.</a></p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">In a message to the DNR, Commissioner Sarah Strommen writes, “Governor Walz’s proposed FY 22-23 budget for DNR furthers our mission by maintaining critical service delivery and advancing a new initiative to address climate change. As you well know, more Minnesota families than ever before are relying on the mental and physical health benefits of the state’s treasured public lands and waters. This proposed budget will allow DNR staff to continue to serve all Minnesotans with inclusive access to outdoor recreation, robust public engagement opportunities, and proactive management of the state’s natural resources for economic and environmental benefit.”</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Included in the Governor’s proposed budget are two items of particular interest to Minnesota Forest Resources Council stakeholders.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The budget proposes to mitigate climate change by accelerating tree planting to capture carbon, with $2.6 million dedicated to increasing tree-planting capacity at the State Forest Nursery. These funds would also be used to incentivize tree-planting on non-forested land and within established forests to increase tree density.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The budget proposes to proactively manage Minnesota’s natural resources by investing $1 million in the modernization of forestry inventory practices, with new technology allowing the DNR to collect more accurate, up-to-date and detailed forest inventories at lower cost.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Read the <a href="https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/documents/budget/2022-23-biennial-budget-books/governors-recommendations-january/natural-resources.pdf" target="_blank">Governor’s complete 2022-2023 budget recommendations for DNR</a>.</p>4756872021-04-07T20:37:37ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-475688" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2021-01-19T21:03:58Z“A very heartfelt thank you. I would make the case that this Council and what you represent in terms of public engagement and servant leadership is the best we have to offer"- Governor Walz1162<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">On Tuesday, January 19, the Minnesota Forest Resources Council celebrated 25 years of service to the people and forests of Minnesota with the release of their <a href="http://mn.gov//frc/docs/FOR_0018_2021%20MFRC%20Biennial%20ReportA11Ys.pdf" target="_blank">2019-2020 Biennial Report</a>. Governor Tim Walz and Commissioner Sarah Strommen joined the Council in this celebration, “Zooming” in for the <a href="https://umn.zoom.us/rec/share/brXxGNFbUR85H_ZyniEriDz0JnaD1n3X4cun6qEhNgTmumtndo_lNusOT3R2lMS_.jZEVzFUiTQV-fp8-?startTime=1611066578000" target="_blank">Council’s January Meeting</a>, overseen by Chair Peter Aube. The Council is made up of the Chair and 16 stakeholder members who represent the diverse forestry interests within Minnesota; for the past 25 years, Council members have worked collaboratively across traditional divides, creating practical guides and innovative solutions to ensure the long-term sustainability of Minnesota’s forests.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">In a warm address, Governor Walz told Council members, “A very heartfelt thank you. I would make the case that this Council and what you represent in terms of public engagement and servant leadership is the best we have to offer… I hope that you know that things that come out of Councils like this, I defer heavily to [your] decisions… It’s folks like you who bring that vast experience in that get us real solutions.”</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Addressing the group, Commissioner Strommen highlighted the key work of the Council and the dedication of Council members. “The fact that that you’re still here working [25 years later] and still have this kind of energy and enthusiasm is a testament to the fact that [this group] works exactly as the Governor said… [This is] a great example of government working with citizen involvement, this diversity of perspectives coming together around complex issues to think about different perspectives, to think about potential solutions and really to find the best outcomes.”</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">During the meeting, the Council unanimously passed a resolution approving the 2019-2020 Biennial Report and directing Chair Aube to present it to Governor Walz and Minnesota’s 92nd Legislature. The Biennial Report outlines the Council’s wide-reaching efforts to promote science-based, sustainable forestry in Minnesota, beginning with the Council’s founding in 1995 by the Sustainable Forest Resources Act the and continuing through to today. The Biennial Report offers Minnesotans the chance to explore Council highlights from the past two years while considering 21st century challenges, and the Council’s creative solutions.</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Other highlights from the January Council meeting included a look back at the history of the Council and the Sustainable Forest Resources Act, presented by University of Minnesota Forest Resources Department Head and Council member Mike Kilgore. Executive Director Eric Schenck offered remarks about the Council’s mission and future, telling the group “[We are charged] with helping our leaders find this common ground forward… This work will never be done. Each new generation will need to have this same opportunity to be part of a decision about how these forest resources that are a state asset, and a national asset really, are going to be used and managed for the good of us all.”</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Chairs from the Council’s six committees also offered reports and updates on their work. As the Council’s meeting wound to a close, former Executive Director Dave Zumeta congrtulated the Council. “This is about as good a meeting as I can recall, congratulations to [Chair] Pete, to the other Council members, to [Executive Director] Eric and to all the MFRC staff.”</p> <p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">The Minnesota Forest Resources Council holds bimonthly public meetings. Please join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, March 16, with a Zoom link available via our calendar. The Council exists to support and advocate for Minnesotans like you! We hope to see you there.</p>4756882021-04-07T20:37:37ZNews640News<custom:Link urlOnly="true" type="Component" destination="tcm:1162-475694" templateURI="tcm:0-0-0" origin="tcm:0-0-0" />2021-01-01T21:08:52ZMFRC Chair Pete Aube testifies1162MFRC Chair Pete Aube testified at the Senate Committee on Mining and Forestry Policy hearing on forest issues. Aube's remarks noted the importance of extending the deadline of the Sustainable Forest Resources Act, and touched on other pressing forest issues. <a href="http://mn.gov//frc/docs/Aube_MFRC_Mining&amp;ForestryPolicy_01_26_21.pdf" target="_blank" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Read Pete’s testimony</a>, or <a href="http://mnsenate.granicus.com/player/clip/5874" target="_blank" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">listen to the meeting</a>. Pete joins at 39:15 minutes.4756942021-04-07T20:37:37Z