Forest Management and Wildlife Habitat Symposium

The Forest Management and Wildlife Habitat Symposium is a two-day, in-person event held at the Cloquet Forestry Center that will feature researchers and forest managers sharing science-based management approaches for conserving, enhancing, and sustaining wildlife habitat in Minnesota Forests. The symposium is designed to strengthen the connection between forest management and wildlife conservation by highlighting current research, emerging management guidance, and practical applications that support wildlife habitat, forest health, and long-term forest ecosystem resilience.

Learning Objectives

Day 1 - Landscape-Level Focus:

• Describe and build understanding of current trends in Minnesota’s forest conditions and forest-dependent wildlife populations using statewide datasets, monitoring programs, and status assessments.
• Raise awareness among natural resource professionals of existing conservation resources such as Minnesota’s Wildlife Action Plan (2025–2035) and related conservation frameworks in guiding habitat management priorities.
• Share opportunities for cross-boundary collaboration and regional conservation initiatives that align forest management actions with landscape-scale wildlife 

Day 2 - Site-Level Focus:

• Identify and describe key habitat features (e.g., cavity trees, legacy structures, vernal pools, bottomland systems, lowland conifers) that contribute disproportionately to biodiversity and wildlife life-cycle requirements.
• Increase understanding of how to incorporate science-based management guidance into silvicultural prescriptions to improve outcomes for wildlife habitat, climate resilience, and forest health.
• Provide examples of innovative forest management approaches that promote structural and compositional diversity, enhance spatial heterogeneity, and support both wildlife habitat and forest resilience.
  

CEs: 6 CEs/day, SFEC/TWS CFEs Upon Request

Cost: SFEC members: $125, nonmembers $190, students $75. Registration cost is the same for in-person and remote attendance. 

Accessibility: We will be indoors for the duration of the symposium. A nursing mother's room with supplies is available; reach out to Peter Dieser at [email protected] for this and any other accessibility accommodations. 

Lodging: We have lodging available at the CFC; for questions and reservations please contact Rylee Cyr at [email protected].