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

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.

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 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.

Upcoming Events

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

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.