Agency field forester perceptions of changing winter weather conditions and their impacts on timber sale management during frozen ground conditions in Northern Minnesota

Abstract

Focus group meetings with Minnesota field foresters were conducted to obtain their observations on how winter weather conditions have changed, and how these changes have impacted their work during the winter logging season over the course of their career. Foresters stated warmer winter temperatures and precipitation changes have generally led to less conducive conditions for winter harvesting. They indicated changing winter weather has substantially affected their work administering timber sales during the frozen ground logging season. This includes spending more time interacting with loggers and more frequent site visits to active logging operations, which has increased the stress level they experience during the winter logging season and reduced time for other job activities. Foresters stated non-weather factors are also affecting frozen ground harvesting such as poor timber markets and larger, heavier, and more productive logging equipment. Several tools, metrics, education, and training opportunities were identified that would help foresters address the challenges they face administering their organization’s timber sale program during the winter logging season.

Citation

Kilgore, Michael A.; Blinn, Charles R.; Snyder, Stephanie A. 2025. Agency field forester perceptions of changing winter weather conditions and their impacts on timber sale management during frozen ground conditions in Northern Minnesota. Journal of Forestry. 123: 339-359. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44392-025-00017-0.