2026 Reforestation Program Distribution Report Summary
In 2026, the DNR's Reforestation Program distributed 3,837,647 conifer and hardwood seedlings, 184,172 wildlife shrub seedlings and 1,372 development stock trees (a total of 4,022,769 total stems) to the private landowners and public land managers of Wisconsin.
The conifer seedlings in greatest demand include red pine (Pinus resinosa) 2-0 and 3-0 (1,130,100), white spruce (Picea glauca) 2-0 and 3-0 (553,662), and white pine (Pinus strobus) 2-0 and 3-0 (513,585). The hardwood seedlings in greatest demand include swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) 2-0 (200,200), white oak (Quercus alba) 1-0 and 2-0 (163,625), and Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) 1-0 and 2-0 (136,775). Wildlife shrubs in greatest demand include red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) seedlings (46,700), American hazelnut (Corylus americana) seedlings (39,350) and American plum (Prunus americana) seedlings (36,525). Development stock in greatest demand includes swamp white oak (Q. bicolor) 2-2 and 2-3 (160), bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) 2-2 and 2-3 (140), and hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) 2-2 and 2-3 (128).
The counties receiving the largest quantities of tree and shrub seedlings and development stock include Marinette (351,803), Juneau (314,341) and Vilas (274,800). Counties receiving the fewest tree and shrub seedlings and development stock include Kenosha (2,751), Ashland (4,052) and Lafayette (6,442).
Most tree and shrub seedlings were distributed to private landowners for planting on privately owned lands and miscellaneous municipal owned properties (2,063,125). However, many tree and shrub seedlings and development stock were also planted on properties enrolled in the county forest law (840,004) and state forest lands (529,825). In addition, Wisconsin provides a tree seedling to fourth grade students for celebrating Arbor Day each year; 56,472 in 2026.
Finally, seed deemed surplus to the Reforestation Program is available for use in reforestation efforts. This seed is available for use as direct seeding, growing containerized nursery stock for planting in Wisconsin and research projects. The conifer species most used in direct seeding is jack pine (Pinus banksiana). It is largely aerially dispersed using DNR-owned planes on county forest law and DNR-owned lands. Most of the hardwood seeds broadcast or drilled on private and publicly owned land are black walnut (48.0 bushels) and red oak (33.0 bushels).
A full report, including a breakdown of each species sold, the destinations of tree and shrub seedlings and development stock, age classes sold, purchases by private landowner and public landowner categories and the total quantities of seed sold and its destination, is available from the Reforsestation Program. Please contact Jeremiah Auer at the Griffith State Nursery for more information or a copy of the report.