Collect Red Pine Cones & Get Paid By The MN DNR

What if I told you that those pine cones you see all over central Minnesota could actually be worth some money?

The Minnesota DNR is looking for people to collect certain tree seeds and cones, and right now, red pine cones could put $95 per bushel in your pocket!

WAIT...THE MN DNR WILL PAY ME TO COLLECT RED PINE CONES?

It sounds a little strange at first. We spend plenty of time trying to keep pine cones out of our yards, off our sidewalks, and out of our shoes, and now the Minnesota DNR is asking us to collect them? Yes, they are, but there is a reason for it.

The DNR uses the seeds collected from Minnesota trees to grow new trees for forests, parks, schools, and private property throughout the state. They also want seeds collected locally because those trees are already adapted to Minnesota's climate and growing conditions. That makes a lot of sense!

This year, the red pine cone crop is looking especially good in some areas of the state.

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CLEAN RED PINE CONES COULD PUT MONEY IN YOUR POCKET

Red pine cones are ripening now and will continue into the month of October. The DNR is currently offering $95 per bushel for clean, closed red pine cones. It's important to note that you can't necessarily just walk outside, pick up a bucket of cones from the ground, and expect a check from the state; that's not how this works.

The DNR has specific guidelines for collecting cones and seeds because they need them to be capable of producing healthy seedlings.

Here are some of the details you need to know:

• For pine and spruce trees, the seeds are stored inside the cones. Collectors should look for cones that are still closed because open cones may have already released their seeds.
• It is recommended that you start picking cones and seeds directly from the trees instead of gathering them off the ground. Fallen cones and seeds can contain debris or other material that makes them unsuitable for the nursery.
  

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YOU MUST GET REGISTERED

Before you start filling buckets, take one more important step.

You need to register as a supplier if you want to sell your collection to the state. The DNR also recommends contacting the appropriate forestry office before collecting. They can tell you which species are currently needed, how much they can accept, and also give you lots of tips for collecting and processing.

ARE THERE OTHER SPECIES ON THE LIST?

Actually, the answer is yes. Red pine isn't the only tree on the DNR's wish list. White pine is currently paying $50 per bushel, while jack pine is $60 per bushel. Black spruce is one of the more valuable species at $200 per bushel.

There are also opportunities to collect several types of oak seeds. Bur oak is $50 per bushel, red oak is $60 per bushel, and white oak is $80 per bushel.

IT'S NOT ALL ABOUT THE CASH...

The Minnesota State Forest Nursery depends heavily on the public to help maintain its supply of seeds. Those seeds eventually become seedlings that can be planted throughout Minnesota. So, a person collecting a bushel of cones this fall could be contributing to forests that Minnesotans will enjoy for decades! When you think about it, that's pretty amazing. We can actually make a difference in our state's future, just by enjoying the great outdoors and collecting some cones and seeds by following the MN DNR Guidelines.

LET YOUR KIDS HELP

It could also be a fun fall activity for families. Instead of simply taking a walk through the woods to look at the changing leaves, you could turn it into a little tree-seed treasure hunt and have a teaching and learning moment with the kiddos.

WHERE CAN YOU COLLECT?

If you are collecting on private property, you need permission from the landowner. There may also be permit requirements if you are collecting on certain public lands. Minnesota state forests do not require a permit when seeds and cones are being collected specifically to sell to the State Forest Nursery.

Once you've collected the seeds or cones, the DNR says they should be kept in a breathable container and stored somewhere cool and dry. They should be delivered to a drop-off location as soon as possible.

You'll also need to know exactly where and when you collected them because that information will be recorded when you drop them off, so make sure you are taking notes.

THINGS TO REMEMBER...

Don't forget that you must be registered as a supplier to receive a payment. I would hate for you to do all this work, just to find out you didn't follow the guidelines that were set forth by the MN DNR. The state pays through its standard invoice payment system, with payments available by mailed checks or direct deposits.

The DNR has a seed and cone collection guide online, along with information about registering as a supplier, current prices, and collection locations around the state.

IMPORTANT! CALL THE MN DNR BEFORE YOU START COLLECTING!

The DNR may already have enough of certain seeds in some areas, and you want to make sure you're collecting the right kind of cones in the right way.