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DNR outlines staffing, timber sales and wildfire risks in Sand Dune State Forest
Summary
A DNR regional forester told Sherburne County commissioners the Sand Dune State Forest covers just over 11,000 acres, reported a recent timber sale that netted about $39,600, and noted 36 wildfires in the county in 2025 while urging continued community wildfire planning and outreach.
A Department of Natural Resources representative updated Sherburne County commissioners on Jan. 6 about operations, timber sales, wildfire activity and public outreach in Sand Dune State Forest.
The presenter — introduced in the agenda as "Bobby Gosecki" and who states his name in the record as "Bobby Gajewski" — described the area as "a little over 11,000 acres," including the 225-acre Bob Dunn Recreation Area. He said staff levels typically reach 17–18 full-time equivalent positions when fully staffed and outlined vacancies and seasonal fire-lead roles.
On timber management, the DNR described a recent sale of 804 cords that bid at $49 per cord, which the presenter calculated as generating approximately $39,600 in state revenue. Staff explained the forest is managed both to produce revenue and to support local timber-industry jobs; a mix of thinning and clear-cut reserves was part of the sale strategy.
The presenter also summarized wildfire activity: in calendar year 2025 the Sand Dune area recorded 36 wildfires, representing roughly 22.5% of Little Falls area incidents but totaling about 15.5 acres, according to the presenter’s summary. The DNR emphasized the value of local fire-department response and recommended community wildfire protection planning (CWPP) and homeowner preparedness to reduce risk.
Outreach activities noted included school-forest programming (Clearwater Elementary’s 54-acre school forest, for which the DNR provided a stewardship plan), attendance at county fairs and open houses, and an annual public Sand Dunes meeting (typically mid-March to early April at Big Lake Middle School) where multiple DNR divisions will present and take public comment.
The presenter also reviewed on-the-ground management techniques such as bud capping, herbicide treatment, planting methods and a recent drone herbicide treatment that required re-treatment. He flagged persistent problems including litter, vandalism, off-road motorized use in closed areas, and dispersed camping beyond posted time limits.
What happens next: the DNR plans outreach events this spring, ongoing timber-stand evaluations and wildfire preparedness coordination with local departments and landowners.
