MADISON — The Wisconsin State Tree Nursery Program is again buying seed on the open market from private collectors. Seed buying stations are located around the state and at the three state nurseries in Wisconsin Rapids, Boscobel and Hayward.
“Jack pine is one of the high priority species for collection this year,” says Pat Murphy nursery leader for the Department of Natural Resources. “There are a couple of things to remember about selling your seed to the state.”
First, Murphy says, contact one of the purchasing sites to make sure the DNR is buying the species you want to sell.
The DNR is currently purchasing the following seed species. However, please call ahead to make sure there are no changes. The species are: balsam fire, jack pine, basswood with wings attached, butternut, shagbark hickory, sugar maple, swamp white oak, red oak, white oak and walnut.
Second, Murphy says get the necessary permissions before you start picking. Check the regulations before picking on public lands. Contact the property manager to get a permit to pick on state forests.
“It is illegal to pick in state parks,” Murphy says. “Permission is required from the county forest administrator to collect from county forests. Federal lands require a permit. Landowner permission is required to collect seed on private property.”
