REGIONAL— If you’ve ever considered harvesting pine and spruce cones to earn extra money, now is your chance. Officials with the Department of Natural Resources say the seed cupboards are bare and so they’ve doubled their payments for those willing to go out and gather cones for the seeds contained inside.
The DNR uses seeds from a variety of trees for direct planting on logged sites, or to grow seedlings for bare root planting. The agency either directly plants trees under contract or sells seedlings to private landowners for their own planting projects.
But without seeds, the DNR can’t plant anything, which is why they’re making a last minute push to obtain black spruce and jack pine cones and they’re willing to pay top dollar— $200 a bushel for black spruce cones and $60 a bushel for jack pine.
As you might imagine, harvesting cones could be dangerous, since most cones grow near the tops of trees. That’s why it makes sense to contact your nearest DNR forestry office, who can direct you to recent logging sites that have the type of tree species you’re looking for.
You’ll need to take care if you go to make sure you’re picking the right species of cone and to pick the cones cleanly, without any green needles or branches attached. DNR offices are likely to reject your cones if they aren’t clean. Keep in mind, if you want the green, pick ‘em clean.
Once picked, store your cones in a breathable bag or cardboard box. Don’t keep them in a plastic bag.
For black spruce, the picking season runs from Sept. 15 through the end of winter. March is often a good time, particularly as the snow melts, exposing the tops of recently cut black spruce.
Before picking cones, be sure to contact your local DNR area office for more information or visit the DNR’s website at www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/nursery/cone-seed-collection.html to watch a short video and read a tip sheet on picking cones.
Phone numbers for area DNR offices are: Tower (218-300-7800), Orr (218-757-3274), Hibbing (218-231-8484), or Littlefork (218-888-9050).