North Dakota Forest Service

Emerald ash borer detected in Fargo

This week, an insect larva found in the City of Fargo by city forestry staff has been confirmed to be emerald ash borer. This is the second finding in North Dakota. The first detection was in LaMoure County in August 2024.

Fuels Reduction Project Strengthens Resiliency Against Wildfires and Pests

Cooperative Fire Protection Assistance Grants Available

The North Dakota Forest Service is currently accepting applications for the Cooperative Fire Protection Assistance program. Grant funds will be available for the purposes of enhancing fire protection and prevention capabilities of North Dakota’s rural fire departments.

Dustin Striker Named Nursery Equipment Technician

The NDSU-North Dakota Forest Service welcomes Dustin Striker as the new Nursery Equipment Technician at Towner State Nursery.

Sheyenne National Grassland to begin prescribed fires

Sheyenne National Grassland is planning prescribed fire operations this month, pending all required approvals. This work may begin as soon as Thursday, October 9 and continue until November 1 or as favorable conditions exist. The USDA Forest Service uses prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Unified Command Receives "Roaming Bison" at 2025 Governor's Awards for Excellence for Collaboration During October 2024 Wildfires

Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden today presented the 2025 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service, recognizing teams across state government for their exceptional efforts to serve citizens and meet a variety of challenges. This year’s awards recognized team efforts, both within individual agencies and among agencies inside and outside of state government. More than 300 nominations were submitted by state employees.

Bismarck State College Wildland Firefighting Program

The Wildland Firefighter Type 2 training offered through TrainND Southwest is an industry-led program designed to prepare students to enter the firefighting industry classified as a Firefighter Type 2. Course will be held in Bismarck April 10-12 and 17-19.

NoDak Defrost HOT Conference

Training opportunity for firefighters, one track being wildland firefighting. Attendees will receive NWCG certification.

April 30-May 3, 2026 | Dickinson, ND

2026 State Arbor Day - Mandan

Join us in Mandan, one of North Dakota's first Tree Cities, for the 2026 State Arbor Day celebration.

GeoFIT 2026: Living with Our Environment

Join us for this field experience at Turtle River State Park. Educators will enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking, while learning to incorporate standards-based curriculum about forestry and remote sensing.

2026 State Arbor Day - Grand Forks

Join us in Grand Forks, one of North Dakota's first Tree Cities, for the 2026 State Arbor Day celebration.

WILD About STEM in Wetlands

Join us in Bismarck to experience current wildlife, land, water, and forest management issues. Participants will receive real world, user-friendly and classroom ready instruction correlated to state learning standards.