Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources is reaching out to the community with a unique proposal: collect red and white pine cones, and they'll pay you for it. This initiative is part of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reforestation efforts, aiming to bolster the state's green network through nurturing and expanding native tree populations. As per information released by the Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources, payments for red pine cones are set at $125 per bushel and $70 per bushel for white pine cones.
In an effort to maintain high-quality seed stock for reforestation, the Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources specifies that seeds must naturally originate and trees from residential areas don't qualify. "The state nurseries will pay collectors to bring in these cones," Joseph Vande Hey, Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources reforestation team leader, said in a statement obtained by the Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources's official website. The optimal collection period has been pinpointed to early September, a window where the cones are mature but haven't discharged their seeds just yet. Experienced pickers can expect to gather a bushel of red pine cones in around 2-3 hours, whereas white pine cones, being larger, require approximately an hour for a bushel.
For prospective collectors, it's all about the timing and the technique. Pine cones must be collected before they have opened to ensure the seeds within are viable. The Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources has also provided guidance on identifying the correct species of pine, emphasizing the distinct characteristics of Scotch and Austrian pines, which are not suitable for this program. Moreover, those interested in contributing to the state's reforestation through cone collection are encouraged to abide by the rules regarding public and private lands – permits for the former and permission for the latter.
Once you've collected pine cones, store them in a breathable container in a cool, dry place until you can take them to a DNR buying station. Avoid mixing in too much dirt or debris, as this could lower their value or get them rejected. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources recommends delivering the cones as soon as possible to keep them fresh and get the best price. You can find more details about collecting and selling cones, along with helpful tree ID guides like the Forest Trees of Wisconsin booklet, on the DNR’s official website.
