North Dakota State Forests

"The Mission of the State Forests Coordination area is to provide good stewardship of our natural resources and provide quality outdoor recreation opportunities".

North Dakota State Forests

State Forest Brochure (4MB PDF)

In 1966, the North Dakota Forest Service began a program of land acquisition to permanently protect a portion of North Dakota's limited native forest resource. With the help of the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, 13,278 acres of North Dakota native forest were set aside primarily to develop recreation opportunities. The State Forests are covered woody plant communities dotted with open grassland, wetlands and small lakes. The varied plant communities provide excellent habitat for wildlife and numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation. The goal of the North Dakota Forest Service is to practice sound land stewardship to enhance the forest, grassland and wetland ecosystems found on the State Forests. To enhance the publics use of State Forests, the N D Forest Service has developed three primitive campgrounds and four picnic sites, 36 miles of maintained trails, fishing access to three lakes and canoe access to three major rivers. In addition, the State Forests provide the general public with the opportunity to collect common berries and harvest firewood, the opportunity to observe native wildlife, plant communities and develop the opportunity to observe active forest management.

Camping fees on the State Forests (where charged) in 2008 will be $10/campsite and $5/night per horse (Twisted Oaks). There is one free bundle of firewood provided to each campsite per night, additional bundles can be purchased at $3/bundle.

Homen State Forest

The Homen Unit contains many small parcels of land in Homen, Roland and Cordelia Township totaling 4,485 acres. It is made up of dense forest, small lakes and wetlands and contains Hartly-Boundary Primitive Area, Pelican-Sandy Lake Recreation Area and Public acres to Long Lake.

Mouse River State Forest

Two parcels totaling 259 acres in McHenry County. It contains stunted aspen forests of the sand hills and riparian forest along the Mouse River, also know as the Souris River.

Sheyenne River State Forest

509 acres of Sheyenne River riparian forest in Ransom County.

Tetrault Woods State Forest

432 acres of Pembina River riparian forest near Walhalla, ND.

Turtle Mountain State Forest

At 7,494 acres, this is the largest contiguous block of forested land. It extends from the foothills of the Turtle Mountains to the Canadian Boarder. Within its boundaries are: Strawberry Lake Recreation Area, Hans Bay Recreation Area and Twisted Oaks , which is a day use area.

State Forest Personnel

Keith Broe

State Forest Technician

1037 Forestry Drive, Bottineau, ND 58318

Phone # (701) 228-3700 - Fax # (701) 228-5111

e-mail: Keith.Broe@ndsu.edu