Minnesotans Can Now Make Money Collecting Black Spruce Cones

Getting outside in the winter in Minnesota is a great way to spend an afternoon because there are so many different activities for people to choose from, like hiking, skating, skiing, fishing, and more.

This is true even when things turn very cold because Minnesotans are a hearty bunch, and you can always bundle up, right?

If you have plans to spend some time hiking this winter, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources could use your help, and they'll even pay you for your time.

Minnesota DNR Is Seeking People To Collect Black Spruce Cones

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says it is now seeking individuals to collect black spruce cones this winter for Minnesota's State Forest Nursery.

The DNR uses the gathered cones to directly seed public lands and grow seedlings at the State Forest Nursery, which is near Akeley.

The DNR notes that in 2025, it reforested nearly 1,200 acres of state land using almost 70,000 black spruce seedlings and 40 pounds of black spruce seed, which is the equivalent of roughly 25 million seeds.

Minnesotans who enjoy being outdoors can play a hands-on role in restoring and replanting forests across the state.

“Collecting tree seeds and cones isn’t easy work. It often means hiking through the woods in cold weather, identifying the right trees, and gathering cones for several hours,” said Sarah Ebert, DNR State Forest Nursery manager.

How Much Does The DNR Pay For Black Spruce Cones

The DNR pays collectors $200 per bushel for clean, closed, ripe, black spruce cones. Keep in mind that collecting seeds and cones from yard trees is not recommended because many yard trees are cultivars or nonnative varieties.

Also, the DNR doesn’t accept cones from non-native species such as blue or Norway spruce, or open cones collected from the ground with stems, leaves, and debris. People are encouraged to contact their local DNR Forestry office before collecting to confirm if black spruce cones are currently needed and to arrange drop-off.

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Knowing how to correctly identify black spruce is an important part of successful cone collection, and the DNR encourages collectors to review identification tips and photos online before heading out. Some characteristics to look for are short, pointed, four-sided needles approximately one-half inch long and cones that are small and purplish black in color.

Black spruce is found primarily in northern Minnesota, and seed drop-off stations are located at Forestry offices in Baudette, Grygla, Wannaska, Bemidji, Cloquet, Deer River, Hibbing, International Falls, Littlefork, Orr, Tower, Two Harbors, Warroad, and the State Forest Nursery. For a list of all cone collection offices, see the map on the DNR website.

Collectors can find additional identification tips, current prices, collection guidelines, and drop-off locations on the DNR’s seed and cone collection webpage.