Wildlife Managers Object to Minnesota Agency’s Timber Plan

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota wildlife managers say Department of Natural Resources leadership is mismanaging the upcoming timber harvest.

Managers say the mishandling could risk altering state forest lands for the animals that depend on them and for people who recreate there.

Reports say 28 DNR wildlife managers, assistant wildlife managers, and scientists outlined their concerns last month to Commissioner Sarah Strommen and Assistant Commissioner Bob Meier.

The group disagrees with DNR's plan to increase timber harvest by 8.75%. The letter says the group doesn't believe it's scientifically honest to say that the 10-year timber plan is "beneficial to wildlife."

DNR leadership denies the claims and stands behind its sustainable timber harvest analysis. They say the plan stays true to the intent of wildlife management areas.