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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking private woodland owners from Clearwater County to apply for its Program funding includes dollars from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and is of no cost to the applicant.

"(The program is) aimed at developing a broader understanding of Minnesota’s forests across all landscapes," a release explained. "Minnesotans responded enthusiastically, with more than 800 private landowners signing up within six months, but more are needed to help complete the work."

Data collected will be used to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest management and plan for the long-term health and resilience of woodlands across the state.

“This data helps us understand the structure and composition of our forests and how they are changing. It also provides clues about their overall health," said Keb Guralski, a DNR forestry inventory scientist.

Data collected will aid both the DNR and the landowner.

"Participants will work with professional foresters and receive high-resolution maps and a report detailing the information collected on their woods, all at no cost," the release said. "This information can help participants better understand their woodlands and guide forest management decisions to improve wildlife habitat, trails or timber on their property."

The state's woodlands are split roughly 50-50 between public and private ownership. All public woodlands have participated in the program, leaving just private land left to be researched. Many plots are still needed to develop a robust inventory representing the whole of Minnesota.

Clearwater County is a priority county, meaning any application from the county will be placed atop the list alongside other priority counties. Signing up does not guarantee the land will be used in the data collection, however.

The DNR is also seeking applicants from Otter Tail, Todd, Kittson, Winona, Houston, Fillmore and Goodhue Counties.

Landowners with two or more acres of land qualify for the program and can apply via the