Loggers reached the pine lands of east-central Minnesota in the late 1830s. During the next 80 years, most of the choice, large white pines across the state fell to the saw. Agricultural development, urban growth, and extremely hot wildfires that fed on logging slash also took their toll, as did drought, disease, insects, pollutants, and animal browsing. In recent years, many Minnesotans have voiced concern about the loss of white pines. In response, the DNR formed a White Pine Regeneration Strategies Work Group in 1996 to help ensure that the white pine once again becomes a healthy component of Minnesota's northern forests.
Efforts are underway to increase the number of white pines in the state.
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