North Dakota Forest Service

Towner State Nursery

North Dakota's state nursery growing conservation tree seedlings

Spruce tree seedlings planted in cells inside of a greenhouse

Community Forestry

Resources on the selection, planting, and care of the trees in our cities

Large elm trees lining a city block with branches hanging over the street

Fire Management

Protecting lives, property, and land from wildfire

White fire engine with flashing red lights parked near a hill that is on fire with smoke trailing up into the sky

Quick Links

North Dakota Fire Declarations & Burn Restrictions Map

Before burning or participating in outdoor activities, learn the current conditions including burn restrictions, fire danger ratings, red flag warnings, and local declarations within one intuitive tool.

NDResponse.gov/burn

Report suspected emerald ash borer

Emerald ash borer has been detected in LaMoure County (9 miles north of Edgeley), Fargo, and Bismarck. If you are concerned about a tree, you are encouraged to report them here.

Report suspect ash tree

Bring environmental education to your school or district

Use nature to teach PreK-12 students about math, science, language arts, social studies, and more! Project Learning Tree builds 21st century and STEM skills, fosters social and emotional learning, improves engagement, and introduces students to career paths.

Let us come make learning fun at your next staff development day!

News

September 9, 2026

Excellence in forestry honored at 2026 Trees Bowl

Fourteen "Trees Award" winners from across the state were recognized at the 36th Trees Bowl and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, August 29th, 2026.

Two men receive a Trees Award, posing alongside Teddy Roosevelt and the North Dakota State Forester

August 31, 2026

North Dakota Forest Service and North Dakota National Guard enhance wildfire readiness prior to the coming fall wildfire season

In order to build capacity to prepare for the augmentation of local fire resources when requested, the North Dakota Forest Service (NDFS) and North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) strengthen their partnership through enhanced training.

Members of the North Dakota National Guard dig a fire line.

August 29, 2026

NDSU hosts ceremonial tree planting ahead of annual Trees Bowl game

(l-to-r): Thomas Claeys, President Marshall Stewart, Robbie Lauf, Todd West, and President Teddy Roosevelt plant a tree for Trees Bowl.

August 26, 2026

Emerald ash borer detected in Bismarck

Emerald ash borer was detected this week by Bismarck city forestry staff while removing declining ash trees. This is the first detection in central North Dakota. Emerald ash borer has also been found in Cass and LaMoure counties.

The trunk of a tree with the bark stripped completely off to show S-shaped galleries caused by larvae

August 14, 2026

Pine wilt disease confirmed in North Dakota

Forest Health staff from the North Dakota Forest Service have discovered a new threat to North Dakota’s conifers this week: pine wilt disease.

Scotch pine trees exhibiting the symptoms of pine wilt disease, including brown wilted needles attached to the tree.

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.

Upcoming Events

Sep. 14, 2026

Jamestown Association for Child Care Services

Join us for this hands-on, nature-based learning workshop for early childhood education providers in Jamestown! The workshop will take place on September 14th, 2026 from 6:30-8:30 PM.

Two early childhood educators show off their tree journals.

Sep. 27, 2026

Teddy Roosevelt Family Day

Families looking for a fun afternoon filled with outdoor activities are invited to attend Teddy Roosevelt Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 27 at McDowell Dam just east of Bismarck. This FREE event runs from 1-4 p.m. There will be many hands-on activities including archery, BB gun shooting, fishing, animal identification, prizes, and more!

Two students use loose tree parts to play and learn.