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), and now in Fargo. 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!

Seeking Trees Awards nominations

Do you know someone who makes outstanding contributions to forestry and fire management in North Dakota? Our Trees Award winners are honored for their accomplishments at the first NDSU home football game!

Submit your nomination here

News

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 13, 2026

North Dakota Department of Emergency Services recognized with national wildfire prevention award

The small but mighty team at North Dakota Department of Emergency Services (NDDES) has had a profound impact on wildfire prevention in the state, earning them a Bronze level Smokey Bear Award.

May 12, 2026

John Ulland named Nursery Technician

The NDSU-North Dakota Forest Service welcomes John Ulland as the new Nursery Technician at Towner State Nursery.

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.

Upcoming Events

Jul. 18, 2026

Ag in the Classroom at the North Dakota State Fair

Find the North Dakota Forest Service at the Pride of Dakota exhibit at the North Dakota State Fair this year! We will have a free hands-on activity station designed for kids to learn about North Dakota agriculture through interactive, make-and-take activities.

A young girl and boy investigate different tree parts

Jul. 20, 2026

Association for Better Childcare Workshop

This early childhood workshop will help childcare providers incorporate nature-based learning into their classrooms. The training will be on July 20 at Lord of Life Church (1143 N 26th St) in Bismarck from 6:45-9:00 PM.

A group of early childhood educators pose and smile wearing animal hats that they've made for creatures in the "Goodnight Owl" book

Aug. 1, 2026

Brady Samson Memorial Water Sports Day

The Annual Brady Samson Memorial Water Sports Day takes place each summer at Hahn’s Bay on Lake Metigoshe, near Bottineau, ND. This event offers adaptive participants a full day of water activities, including adaptive water skiing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

Four young people water ski, with two using adaptive technology.

Aug. 29, 2026

2026 Trees Bowl

The Trees Awards are given out by the North Dakota Forest Service to recognize individuals, organizations and agencies who contribute in an outstanding way to forestry activities. Trees Award winners are invited to an awards ceremony and luncheon at the Fargodome in Fargo. Award winners are also invited to attend the NDSU football game that same afternoon and are recognized at half-time.

A woman and her daughter smiling while holding tree seedlings