All North Dakota Forest Service News

August 5, 2026

Spirit Lake Tribe celebrates Arbor Day with school orchard planting

The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) in collaboration with partner agencies including Spirit Lake Tribal Realty, North Dakota Forest Service, North Central Soil Conservation District (NCSCD), & North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension held Earth Day & Arbor Day activities at Tate Topa Tribal School Orchard on Thursday May 14, 2026.

A group of students stand next to the trees they just planted in their school's orchard.
August 3, 2026

Bismarck High Envirothon team brings home national honors

Team North Dakota from Bismarck High School earned third place overall at the 2026 National Envirothon Competition at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, marking North Dakota’s highest finish in the national competition to date. The team also earned first place in the Aquatics Trail Test with a score of 99%.

Bismarck High with their 3rd place national award and their 1st place aquatics trail test award.
July 2, 2026

Emerald ash borer detected again in Cass County

Emerald ash borer was detected this week by North Dakota Forest Service staff north of Mapleton. This is the second finding in Cass County, more than 12 miles from the first detection in that county found in January.

Emerald ash borer larva size in relation to a penny
June 9, 2026

Jo Thompson named Administration Team Leader

The NDSU-North Dakota Forest Service welcomes Jo Thompson as the new Administration Team Leader. Jo will be responsible for the leadership, administrative, and management functions of the Administration team.

A woman stands smiling in front of a tree
May 27, 2026

Elizabeth Auka Named State Forests Technician

The NDSU-North Dakota Forest Service welcomes Elizabeth Auka as the new State Forests Technician. In this role, Elizabeth will assist with all essential activities across the five State Forests, with a special emphasis on day-use and recreation areas.

A woman with brown hair and glasses smiles while standing in front of conifer trees
May 1, 2026

New Champion Trees crowned in 2025

State Forester Thomas Claeys is pleased to announce that thirteen new champion trees and two new second place champions have been added to the North Dakota Register of Champion Trees. The purpose of the champion tree contest is to engage the public in forestry activities and instill a desire to protect and preserve these magnificent trees for future generations.

A large river birch tree planted in a golf course green.
April 29, 2026

North Dakota National Guard support operations strengthen North Dakota’s wildland fire program

The North Dakota Forest Service announces the successful conclusion of the spring 2026 wildfire support operations provided by the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) to strengthen North Dakota’s wildland fire program. Over the course of this mission, NDNG personnel played a valuable role in enhancing fire response readiness, increasing operational capacity, and supporting proactive land management efforts. Their contributions were focused across three key areas: fire preparedness and response; training; and hazardous fuels mitigation.

Wildland firefighters use chainsaws to fell and cut up ponderosa pine trees in a forest.