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7.a ii Recommendation to work with School District to establish a School ForestStaff Report
Date of Meeting: February 20, 2018
To: City Council
From: Terry Gorham, PRC Chair
Re: MnDNR School Forest program
Background:
City Administrator Neil Soltis and PRC Chair Terry Gorham met with Karen Harrison, School
Forest Coordinator for the MN DNR, and Julie Greiman, Principal, and staff of Scandia
Elementary on January 22. The purpose of the meeting was to learn about the School Forest
program and assess the interest in that program by the school. The 2008 Lilleskogen Park plan
includes the school as a constituent / partner for Lilleskogen and increased use of the park
could be a component of the Park & Recreation Committee update of the plan for the park.
Ms. Greiman and school staff are interested in incorporating the use of the park into their
curriculum and would support Lilleskogen as a designated School Forest. A School Forest is
used as a teaching venue, to include not only lessons regarding natural science; it also in cludes
using the outdoor space as a classroom for regular curriculum delivery. Through the DNR and
other program members, curriculum is available to assist the school regarding how to deliver
programming in this environment. As a part of the program the DNR holds teacher workshops
and an annual conferences with other School Forest program participants. The details of a
School Forest are included in a separate attachment. Currently, there are 132 such School
Forests in the state of MN, 46 of which are in the metro area. The Forest Lake School District
currently has a school forest associated with Linwood Elementary in cooperation with Linwood
Township.
In addition to Lilleskogen, the discussions also included the use of the city parkland to the west
of the school that was part of the Wyldewood subdivision. This area would provide a prairie
setting to supplement the forest / wetlands setting of Lilleskogen.
One of the DNR program requirements is for the School to create a School forest Com mittee.
That Committee would guide the site development, oversees activities in the School Forest,
ensures appropriate funding is available, makes decisions or recommendations regarding the
School Forest, and helps do the work of running a School Forest. This is consistent with the
2008 plan that calls for a broad-based Lilleskogen Committee.
The School would decide how they would run their programs at the park. That would include
timing, topics, and the use of the curriculum that has been developed by the DNR and other
school forests.
Once enrolled in the program the DNR would provide a forester to review the existing plan and
advise on the plans for the site. The service of the forester would complement the PRC’s effort
to update the park plan.
MnDNR requires a joint powers agreement between the City and the School District regarding
the use of the property. MnDNR can supply sample agreements between other schools and
local governments and would need to review and approve the agreement between the City and
School District for compliance with their requirements.
At the February 5 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, the Committee recommended City
Council approval to form a joint powers agreement with Forest Lake School District for a School
Forest program at Lilleskogen.
Issue: Should the City seek to partner with the Forest Lake School District to seek designation
of Lilleskogen Park and the parkland to the west as a School Forest?
Fiscal Impact: There is no cost to enroll into the program. There would be City Attorney time
for review of the joint powers agreement. Based on the use by the schools, applications for
grants to offset part of the cost for improvements would score better and increase the
likelihood of award.
Options:
1. Take no action on the proposal.
2. Defer action pending more information.
3. Support working with the School District on the designation and the drafting of a jo int
powers agreement for the use of the parklands.
Recommendation: the Parks and Recreation Committee recommended option 3 at its February
5, 2018 meeting
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
1
How to Start a
Minnesota
School Forest
Planting the Seed
Dean Makey School ForeSt eli Sagor www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
For more information, contact:
Department of natural resources
500 lafayette road
St. Paul, Mn 55155-4040
(651) 296-6157 (Metro area)
1-888-MinnDnr (646-6367) (Mn toll Free)
www.mndnr.gov
©2007, State of Minnesota, Department of natural resources
equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Minnesota Department of natural
resources is available to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex,
marital status, public assistance status, age, sexual orientation, disability, or activity on behalf of a local
human rights commission. Discrimination inquiries should be sent to Minnesota Dnr, 500 lafayette
road, St. Paul, Mn 55155-4049; or the equal opportunity office, Department of the interior, Washington,
D.c. 20240.
this document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling (651) 296-6157
(Metro area) or 1-888-MinnDnr (Mn toll Free) or telecommunication Device for the Deaf/tt y: (651)
296-5484 (Metro area) or 1-800-657-3929 (toll Free tt y).
Printed on recycled paper containing 30 percent post-consumer waste. Please recycle.
Front cover: cara riekenberg, Five haWkS School ForeSt
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
Acknowledgments
Writers
Beth Girard,
Environmental Educator
Amy Kay Kerber,
Minnesota DNR
Project Manager
Amy Kay Kerber,
Minnesota DNR
Editor
Meg Hanisch,
Minnesota DNR
Design Concept
Amy Beyer,
Minnesota DNR
Graphic Designer
Kim Lanahan-Lahti,
Minnesota DNR
Minnesota School Forest Program
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Forestry, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4044
651-259-5272 or 1-888-646-6367
schoolforestdnr@state.mn.us
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
Table of Contents
What Is a School Forest?...............................................................................Page 2
School Forest Benefits ...................................................................................Page 5
School Forest Program Benefits and Criteria ................................................Page 7
Step 1: Plant the Seed .........................................................................Page 10
Step 2: Form a School Forest Committee .............................................Page 11
School Forest Site Coordinator ............................................................Page15
Step 3: Acquire School Forest Land .....................................................Page 16
Step 4: Become a School Forest ...........................................................Page 18
Submit a Proposal to the School Board ...............................................Page 18
Submit an Application to the School Forest Program .........................Page 19
School Forest Application Form ..........................................................Page 20
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
cara rieckenbergMn DnrMn Dnrwww.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
This booklet is meant to serve as a guide to setting up a School Forest. Once you become an official
Minnesota DNR School Forest you will receive a copy of the School Forest Handbook and full access to
the School Forest Web site. These resources will provide support and guidance for many areas, including:
Once your site is accepted into the School Forest Program, you will be eligible for a host of program
benefits, including land management advice from a local DNR forester. For a list of program benefits,
see page 7.
Overview
• School Forest Committee
• Land Management
• Site Enhancements
• Student Activities
• Funding
• Resources for Teaching Outdoors
• Safety and Legal Concerns
1
Girl scouts take a break from trail work in Solway
School Forest.Mn Dnrwww.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
A School Forest is an outdoor classroom where
teachers and students explore the natural world
as a means to teach core subjects such as math,
science, reading, writing, geography, physical
education, the arts, and others. The site can be
used year-round by schools and community
organizations. School forests in Minnesota
range in size from one to 300 acres of land. The
land is typically managed by the school under
the direction of the School Forest Committee.
A School Forest must be accessible to students
(by foot or bus) and must have trees. Many
school forests have wetlands, prairies, ponds, and
meadows, in addition to a wooded area. Teachers,
staff, students, parents, DNR foresters, and
community members work together to develop a
site to meet the school’s educational needs. School
forests are special pieces of land that are used for a
variety of educational activities.
Dr. C. V. Hobson, a former geography professor
from Bemidji State University, is credited with
creating the School Forest concept in Minnesota.
He actively campaigned for the passage of the
School Forest Law (Minnesota Statutes, Section
89.41), which authorizes public education
institutions to establish and maintain school
forests. The law was passed in 1949 and
the program continues to give schools the
opportunity to extend the classroom out of
the building and into the outdoors. Teachers,
staff, and volunteers are vital to the success of
the School Forest Program. It is the creativity,
dedication, and passion of these individuals that
keeps sites, and the overall program, moving
forward.
Since its inception, the program has changed
periodically in an attempt to meet the needs
of schools across the state.
The School Forest Program involves a blend of
rural and urban schools, both public and private.
Some schools have land that can be accessed
simply by walking out of the school building and
some must bus students to access their property.
The program includes preschool, elementary,
middle, high school, and university level
institutions. All schools in the program, however,
work toward the same goal … connecting students
to the natural world while building each student’s
self-esteem, sense of community, skill level, and
knowledge base. For a listing of school forests in
Minnesota, see the School Forest Web site.
what is a schOOl fOrest?
2
Minnesota School Forest Program Manager
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Forestry
500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4044
651-259-5272 or 1-888-646-6367
schoolforestdnr@state.mn.us
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
Minnesota School Forest Program
Manager
The Minnesota School Forest Program Manager
position exists to support school forests
throughout the state. The Minnesota School
Forest Program Manager is available to help you
get started. As questions arise that cannot be
answered by this introduction document or the
Web site, please contact the Minnesota School
Forest Program Manager.
School Forest Web Site
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
In an effort to provide the most accurate, current,
and easily accessible information on the School
Forest Program, many of the program support
materials have been put on the School Forest Web
site. The School Forest Web site contains general
information about the program that anyone can
access. A password-protected section of the Web
site that is only for program participants contains
in-depth program information, lesson plans, grant
information, and more. This section is available
to sites once they have been accepted into the
program. Use the Web site as the first place to
look for program information. If you need further
information on any aspect of the program, please
contact the Minnesota School Forest Program
Manager.
3
Community members at St. David’s School Forest
Fall Festival.St. DaviD’S early chilDhooD DeveloPMent centerwww.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
Minnesota School Forest Statute
The Minnesota Statute that provides for the
establishment and maintenance of school
forests is listed below. It can be accessed at
www.leg.state.mn.us
89.41 EDUCATIONAL UNITS MAY
ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN FORESTS.
Any school district in the state, however
organized, the University of Minnesota, or any
branch thereof, any state university, community
college, or other public educational institution
or agency of the state, all herein referred to as
agencies, may establish and maintain forests as
herein provided, subject to the approval of the
commissioner of natural resources. Any such
agency may use for the purpose of such a forest
any land belonging to it, or may acquire land
therefor by gift or with contributed funds. For the
purposes of such forest any tax-forfeited lands
may be sold by the county board to any such
agency or may be conveyed by the commissioner
of revenue to any such agency in like manner as
provided for the sale or conveyance of such lands
to governmental subdivisions under section 282.01
and amendments thereof.
History: 1949 c 431 s 1; 1957 c 576 s 1,2; 1969 c
1129 art 10 s 2; 1973 c 349 s 2; 1973
c 582 s 3; 1975 c 321 s 2
Copyright 2007 by the Office of Revisor of Statutes,
State of Minnesota.
4
Columbus School Forest students plant trees.Mn Dnrwww.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
A functioning School Forest can positively affect
all your student body, faculty, staff, parent-teacher
organization, and community. (For specific
program benefits, see page 7.) Consider the
following benefits of a school forest site.
For students, school forests can:
• Make lessons relevant because school forests
provide meaningful, real-world situations that
allow students to apply learned skills and allow
them to be a part of the natural world, rather
than a separate entity.
• Reach students through hands-on learning,
especially important for those who struggle in
traditional classrooms.
• Allow older students to mentor younger
students and encourage higher self-esteem.
•
Provide opportunities for long-term
environmental investigations.
• Encourage physical activity and improve
student health.
• Allow students with disabilities frequent, safe
contact with the natural world.
• Foster a sense of ownership, promote a
conservation ethic, increase school pride, and
decrease student vandalism.
• Capture young peoples’ innate interest in the
natural world.
For the school and staff, school forests can:
• Allow teachers to try new teaching methods in
an outdoor setting.
• Help address academic standards by giving
opportunities to include environmental
education into the regular curriculum.
• Give staff a chance to see the profound effects
of the natural world on children.
• Allow teachers and other staff to interact with
students on a different level.
• Help “green” your school by teaching grounds-
keeping staff sustainable and efficient ways of
maintaining school property.
• Provide resources and support for teachers and
staff on natural resource education topics and
techniques.
schOOl fOrest Benefits
5
Camping adventure for Bayview School Forest
students.rob Marohnwww.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
For parents, families, and communities,
school forests can:
• Strengthen parent-teacher relationships when
working toward a common goal.
• Provide increased recreation and exploration
opportunities with an eye on learning, such as
hiking and bird-watching.
• Create a more environmentally literate
population who will make sound long-term
community decisions.
• Create a sense of ownership among parents,
families, students, and community members.
• Engender cooperation between stakeholders.
• Expose students to possible local career choices
through increased community connections.
• Involve community members as guest
presenters and volunteers, and allow them to
serve as positive adult role models.
• Increase community safety. Studies show that
crime decreases as a community spends more
time outside in a positive environment.
6
Teacher training at St. Therese School Forest.Mn Dnrwww.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
The Minnesota School Forest Program is
governed by Minnesota Statute 89.41. To view
the statute, visit www.leg.state.mn.us The purpose
of the School Forest Criteria is to identify the
responsibilities of the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) and the School District
or public education agency (school). The criteria
will help strengthen the program by ensuring
that lands are used in a manner consistent with
program goals and sites and educational activities
are supported appropriately.
Program Benefits and DNR
Responsibilities
The Minnesota School Forest Program provides
a valuable natural resource education experience.
The DNR values the knowledge students gain
from experiencing outdoor education activities.
To support and promote school participation
in outdoor and natural resource activities, the
Division of Forestry Minnesota School Forest
Program will provide the following benefits to
school forest sites:
• Support Mailings – Mailings will be sent
to site coordinators two to three times each
school year containing information to support
and expand activities in school forests.
• Foresters - DNR regional and area foresters
are available to help schools identify, plan, and
implement school forest activities.
• Staff – The DNR’s Minnesota School Forest
Program Manager and staff will support sites
in a variety of ways, such as: grant writing,
curriculum development, educational materials
distribution, connections to DNR programs,
support on legal issues, site visits, etc.
• Education Materials - The School Forest
Program is run in conjunction with Project
Learning Tree and all other forestry education
programs, providing sites special access to
forestry education resources and development
of specific school forest materials.
• Web Site - The School Forest Web site
provides program materials to support School
Forest sites. www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
• Stewardship Plans – A DNR forester will
work with each site to write a school forest
Stewardship Plan, free of charge. A copy of the
current School Forest Stewardship Plan will be
kept at the DNR School Forest office.
• DNR Support - Members of other DNR
divisions (wildlife, ecological resources, etc.)
provide support for special projects.
• Forestry Education Updates - Site
coordinators receive monthly e-mails with
information on grants, time-sensitive
development opportunities, trainings, and
news from the School Forest Program.
schOOl fOrest PrOgram Benefits and
criteria
7
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
• “How to Teach in Your School Forest”
Workshop - The DNR will provide a free,
site-specific workshop on working with
students outdoors, classroom management
on the trail, activities to conduct in a School
Forest, connections to the indoor classroom,
and appropriate topics to address in a School
Forest.
• Grant Opportunities – The School Forest
Program staff will work to find grant funding
or partner support to offset costs for school
activities.
• Conference – Every other year the School
Forest Program hosts a School Forest
conference or workshop to bring together site
coordinators, teachers, administrators, and
volunteers from sites statewide to learn about
new program happenings, explore educational
opportunities, and discuss current issues and
needs. The conferences are free and substitute
teacher stipends are typically provided
School Responsibilities
The Minnesota School Forest Program seeks
schools that are interested in a long-term
commitment to natural resource and outdoor
education. Participation from multiple teachers,
administrators, parents, and community members
is vital to the success of a site program. To help
ensure a lasting, beneficial School Forest site effort,
the following school criteria exist:
• Educational Activities – A site will complete
a minimum of five (5) educational activities
every year. These activities can be conducted
by the school, after school programs, or
community partners (e.g., scouts, youth
groups).
• Annual Report – The site coordinator will
submit an annual report to the Minnesota
School Forest Program Manager no later than
June 30 each year.
• Committee and Site Coordinator – A School
Forest Committee consisting of site teachers,
administrators, parents, volunteers, community
members, or students will operate to guide
the development and use of the site. A site
coordinator/chair will be designated to be
the site’s main contact and guide the work
of the School Forest Committee and site
activities. The site coordinator is responsible
for communication with the Minnesota School
Forest Program Manager.
• Funding – Sufficient funding to support
school forest site activities will be provided.
Funding for transportation, site maintenance,
and teaching supplies will be considered. If
necessary, a plan for revenue generated from the
site will be created.
• Stewardship Plan – A School Forest
Stewardship Plan will be developed and
updated to ensure sustainable forest
management and continuation of education
activities. If harvesting occurs, the school will
follow Minnesota Forest Resources Council
timber harvesting guidelines (www.frc.statemn.us).
• Outdoor Classroom – Any sites consisting of
tax-forfeited land will maintain the agreement
to use the land only as an outdoor classroom.
• Land Ownership – Any site not owned by the
school must have a written agreement between
the school and landowner indicating the
conditions of use and designating the site as a
School Forest.
8
Students study birds at Five Hawks School Forest.cara rieckenbergwww.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
Accountability
The previously mentioned criteria exist to ensure
that appropriate activities happen on school
forest lands. If the criteria are not followed, the
Minnesota School Forest Program Manager and
local DNR foresters will work with site leaders
to identify and agree upon a plan and timeline to
bring the site into compliance with the criteria. If
a site is unable or unwilling to follow the criteria,
the site will lose program benefits and certification
in the School Forest Program. If a noncompliant
School Forest is on tax-forfeited land, the
appropriate county authority will be notified of the
site’s removal from the program. Reconveyance of
land will be handled between the site/school and
the county.
Site leaders can address comments or concerns
about the program to the Minnesota School Forest
Program Manager. If the DNR does not comply
with the previously mentioned criteria, site leaders
can appeal to the State Forester or the DNR
Commissioner.
9
Minnesota School Forest Program Manager
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Forestry
500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4044
651-259-5272 or 1-888-646-6367
schoolforestdnr@state.mn.us
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
Bridge at Grand Marais School Forest. Mn Dnrwww.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
To know where to begin, you must first consider
the unique characteristics of your school site,
school staff, and school board. This analysis will
help you determine your plan of action! If you
are an individual acting alone, your first order
of business should be to locate like-minded
individuals. Having more people committed to
the program increases the likelihood of success in
a large undertaking!
Consider the following things before you begin:
• Does the school currently have a natural area
that can be used as the setting for a School
Forest? If the answer is “no,” there are still
ways to create a School Forest. Contact the
School Forest Program Manger and read
“Step 3: Acquire School Forest Land” on page
16.
• Can you find other individuals who are
committed to forming a School Forest in your
community? Don’t limit yourself to others
like your. Contact educators, administrators,
parents, community members, and local
business and resource professionals. A group
of individuals dedicated to the creation and
preservation of the School Forest is an integral
ingredient to its success!
steP 1: Plant the seed
• Are you willing to make a long-term
commitment to your School Forest? Long-
term projects tend to need at least one
individual to serve as the driving force to
keep the other participants motivated and
connected. Are you that individual? If not, can
you find someone who is willing to make the
commitment to serve in that capacity?
• Are school administrators open to the idea?
When you approach them, be prepared to
provide them with a list of well thought-out
benefits to establishing a School Forest!
• Try not to feel overwhelmed. Keep your goals
in mind and tackle the items one at a time. For
some School Forest sites the start up process
takes a few months, for others a few years.
Every site progresses at its own pace.
• Have you contacted the Minnesota School
Forest Program Manager? This will provide
you with a strong ally in your endeavor. The
Minnesota School Forest Program Manager is
available to answer questions, offer advice, and
assist you with issues as they arise.
10
Committee members meeting onsight
at Silver Bay School Forest.Mn Dnrwww.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
School Forest Committee
One of the key components to a successful School
Forest is the development and maintenance of a
strong School Forest Committee. It is important to
find individuals who have a stake in the success of
this endeavor and are willing to put forth the time
and energy necessary to see it through. They must
be willing to accept and support the committee’s
mission, and be willing to disregard their personal
agendas. The School Forest Committee guides
site development, oversees activities in the School
Forest, ensures appropriate funding is available,
makes decisions or recommendations regarding the
School Forest, and helps do the work of running a
School Forest.
During the process of searching for prospective
committee members, you may find individuals who
have a lot to offer, but do not have the necessary
time to commit to serving on the committee. Ask
them if they would be willing to assist in small
projects as they come up. These individuals may
still play an important role in the creation and
preservation of the School Forest.
Use the excitement of interested individuals to
help “spread the word” and to encourage others to
participate! The journey may appear to be a long
one at the beginning, but remember that this is a
positive undertaking and the rewards will be seen
in student achievement and enthusiasm!
The chair of the committee (also called the
School Forest Site Coordinator) tends to most
often be a teacher who has a passion for teaching
outdoors. Whoever is chosen for this important
position must have leadership and organizational
skills, be willing to work toward the committee’s
goals for multiple years, and have the skill set
steP 2: fOrm a schOOl fOrest cOmmittee
necessary to serve as a leader working with people
from different backgrounds and with different
perspectives. For more information on site
coordinator responsibilities see page 14.
Committee Members
Your committee will acquire strength from the
knowledge and associations of its members;
however, too few or too many members will
limit the effectiveness of the committee’s work.
An average School Forest Committee has six
to 10 members. The heart of an organization is
its governing body. A good blend of committee
members with different backgrounds and interests
can provide a diverse array of perspectives and
possible solutions that help the committee face
issues as they arise.
11
Sign at Linwood School Forest.Diane Mahonenwww.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
A wide variety of individuals should be considered
for participation in the School Forest Committee.
The list of potential members includes:
• School administrators
• School board members and other local elected
officials
• Educators from the schools who will use the
site
• Parents
• Local business owners
• Natural resource professionals
• Local civic and service organization members
• Members of your school’s parent teacher
association (PTA, PTO)
• Local naturalists or individuals with natural
sciences backgrounds, such as Master
Gardeners, Audubon Society members,
Woodland Advisors, or Master Naturalists
• Scout, 4-H, or other youth group leaders
• Local DNR foresters
• School maintenance staff.
What if it is difficult to fill the School Forest
Committee positions?
The idea of finding the right committee members
might seem a bit daunting, but keep in mind
that there are great committee members in your
community. Identify the type of people you are
looking for and then start your search. Seek out
the advice of your school administrators and
encourage them to offer suggestions of individuals
whose involvement would be a benefit to the
school in general. Contact the chairs of your local
civic organizations, as they may be able to direct
you to individuals who would be interested in
working with the School Forest. Attend local
governmental meetings and ask for a moment
to address the group and make them aware of
the need for active involvement by community
members. When approaching individuals, make
them aware that this is a directed invitation and
not a general “cattle call.” Let individuals know
that their specific participation is being sought
due to certain skills, connections, or interests they
possess.
What if everyone wants to be on the School
Forest Committee?
A School Forest Committee of six to 10 people
is ideal. Try to limit the size of your committee
to a manageable, effective group. Prioritize the
needs of the committee and list the qualifications
you seek for each position. Examine the list of
prospective members and find those individuals
that best fit the requirements of the positions.
Not all interested individuals need to serve on
the committee. Think of ways to harness their
enthusiasm and connect these people to tasks
they will enjoy and at which they will be able
to succeed. You can create subcommittees or
task forces to accept the overflow of talented
participants you have at your disposal.
12
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
School forest committees need to make some
decisions about operating procedures before diving
into the work of the committee. Consider the
following logistical decisions when forming the
committee and establishing how the committee
will operate:
• Decide if the committee will use an informal
or formal committee structure using positions
such as President, Vice-President, Treasurer,
Recording Secretary, Historian, Fundraising
Chair, Curriculum Coordinator, etc.
• Determine how many members will be
appropriate to meet the needs of the School
Forest. Most school forest committees consist
of six to 10 members.
• Decide when, where, and how often the
committee will meet. Many school forest
committees meet monthly.
• Determine how and by whom minutes will
be kept, which should include records on the
committee’s work that is accomplished as well
as its meetings.
• In consultation with members and the
school’s administrators, oversee the planning
of short- and long-term goals to include in
the School Forest’s Master Plan. At the very
least, a one-year and a three-year plan should
be developed. Include items such as facility
enhancements, development of curriculum
specific to the site, financial needs, fundraising
goals, and site usage.
• Write a mission statement for the School
Forest. See the School Forest Web site.
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
• Select a School Forest Committee
Chairperson. This person will also represent
the School Forest to the DNR as the site
coordinator.
• Oversee the formation of subcommittees and
task forces as necessary.
There are many tasks to be completed over the
life of a School Forest. It is not expected that they
should all be accomplished in the first year. The
following list includes areas of interest that either
the School Forest Committee or a subcommittee
should address:
• Writing a Mission Statement (see School
Forest Web site www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest)
• Community use, including forest access and
security
• Trail development and maintenance
• Site enhancements (signs, bathrooms, benches,
buildings, etc.)
• Annual evaluation of the School Forest’s
educational usability
• Site maintenance
• Teacher workshops and curriculum
development
• School forest history (historical use of site and
the listing of original flora and fauna)
• Fundraising
• Creating a treasury (to support the treasurer or
financial officer)
• Natural resources inventory
• Identifying and implementing ways to
encourage educators to utilize the School
Forest
• Ensuring the School Forest meets the needs of
the school(s) using it
• Public relations.
13
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
Individual members of the School Forest
Committee should:
• Perform their assigned tasks in a timely
manner to facilitate the orderly running of the
School Forest
• Participate in committee evaluation and future
planning
• Attend all regularly scheduled committee
meetings
• Devote sufficient time to consistently fulfill the
duties of their position
• Be actively involved with school forest
happenings
• Seek out and mentor others to be future school
forest committee members.
School Forest Site Coordinator
The School Forest Site Coordinator is the person
who keeps things running. This person should have
great leadership and organizational skills. Most
often this role is filled by a teacher or someone
who works closely with students in the School
Forest. Below is a list of potential School Forest
Site Coordinator duties. However, each School
Forest site is unique, and there may be additional
duties you perform for your School Forest.
The School Forest Site Coordinator position can
be fun, or demanding – if you allow it to be. Try
not to feel overwhelmed! The Minnesota School
Forest Program Manager is available to answer
questions, offer advice, and assist you with issues
as they arise. Be sure to contact the Minnesota
School Forest Program Manager to establish
yourself as the site coordinator, and to provide
the office with the correct contact information so
important news, information, and materials can be
sent your way.
The School Forest Coordinator should:
• Plan and oversee all meetings of the School
Forest Committee
• Maintain a current awareness of committee
work between meetings
• Report to the committee members on
decisions of the school board or principal that
affects their work
• Submit an annual report to the Minnesota
School Forest Program Manager every June
• Ensure the School Forest is compliant with
School Forest Program Criteria (page 7)
• Communicate with the School Board at least
once a year
• Facilitate members’ active participation and
decision-making
• Recommend potential committee members
and future leaders to the rest of the committee
• Oversee public relations and interactions with
the media
• Guide committee direction based on the
mission of the School Forest.
The School Forest Site Coordinator is responsible
for keeping the School Forest running. Use the
information provided in the handbook to help
manage and sustain your School Forest site and
committee.
14
Measuring trees at Pike Lake School Forest.Mn Dnrwww.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
While there are many things for the School Forest
Coordinator to do, following are four areas that
should get specific attention:
1. Program Criteria
It is necessary for all criteria to be met for your
School Forest to maintain its certification with
the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
If you will have trouble meeting the program
requirements, please contact the Minnesota School
Forest Program Manager to discuss your situation.
2. Annual Report
You are responsible for completing the School
Forest Annual Report and sending it to the
Minnesota School Forest Program Manager in
June of every year.
3. School Forest Committee
The key to a successful School Forest is building
a strong foundation with many participants and
partners. Work with the School Forest Committee
to manage and use your site. The School Forest
Handbook provides more suggestions on working
with the School Forest Committee. You will
receive a copy of the School Forest Handbook
when you become an official Minnesota DNR
School Forest.
4. Mission Statement
Each School Forest should have a mission
statement that reflects the purpose and direction of
the School Forest Committee and can be referred
to often as a marker to help the committee stay
on course. See the School Forest Web site for
information on developing a mission statement.
15
Map of North Shore Community School Forest.MnDnrwww.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
The outdoor classroom itself is the most important
part of the School Forest! Be sure to contact the
Minnesota School Forest Program Manager
about your School Forest land. Whether the land
is already district owned or new land needs to be
acquired, there are some tips that will help you
finalize the process.
If a school or district already owns the land, you
can proceed with school board approval and
submit an application. But be sure to contact the
School Forest Program Manager first.
What if School or District Owned Land is Not
an Option?
• Consider the needs of your school. What type
of land features (forest, water, wetland, prairie,
etc.) will best suit your needs?
• Talk with a school administrator to identify
any school lands available in your area.
• Is land available within a reasonable distance
of your school? Does it match your needs?
• Contact the Minnesota School Forest Program
Coordinator to determine your best option.
Purchased or School Owned
Land can be purchased by the school district
for the purpose of establishing and maintaining
a School Forest. Or, the school district owns
existing land that can become a part of the
program. Example: Horace May Elementary,
Bemidji.
Tax-Forfeited Land
The School Forest Statute (Minn. Statute, Section
89.41) allows tax-forfeited land to be deeded to
a school district or educational institution. This
process involves working with county government,
since county offices administer most tax-forfeited
land in Minnesota. Example: Pillager School
Forest, Pillager.
Land Partnership
Schools can enter into partnership with a city,
corporation, or private landowner to gain access to
land. The most common partnerships are with city
entities to use community parks as school forests.
Example: Linwood School Forest and Community
Park, Linwood.
Donation
While land donation to a school is rare, it
does happen. A private individual, business, or
organization can donate a parcel of land to a
school. Example: Jensen Woods, Alexandria.
steP 3: acquire schOOl fOrest l and
16
Sign in Crosswinds School Forest.Mn Dnrwww.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
Things to Consider When
Acquiring Land
Existing Easements
A land ownership issue to consider when acquiring
School Forest land is an easement. An easement
is the granting of rights for access to land to
satisfy an interest. A School Forest may need to
get an easement or give one to another interest.
Easements are typically granted for purposes of
right-of-way, right of entry, and right to water.
For example, a public snowmobile or hiking trail
might be located adjacent to a School Forest and
the city or county might request an easement
across School Forest land for citizens to access the
trail. Or a School Forest site might have the best
entry point by crossing a private individual’s land,
and thus an easement is necessary. Easements are
handled either at the time of land acquisition or by
the school district superintendent or lawyer after
land acquisition. The School Forest landowner is
the ultimate decision maker on an easement. If you
have questions about easements, contact your local
DNR forester, School Forest Program Manager, or
school district legal representative.
Transportation
Transportation issues should be considered prior
to acquiring a School Forest if it is not located
adjacent to the school grounds. This includes
safety and fiscal considerations if buses must be
utilized to transport students to the School Forest
site.
Accessibility to All Students
Distance to site, difficulty of terrain, and safety
issues should be considered. If compliance with
the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a
concern, contact your school’s attorney and ADA
specialist for clarification. There are many things
that can be done to make School Forests accessible
to everyone.
Traditional Use of Land
Find out if your School Forest land has
traditionally been used for hunting, trapping,
snowmobiling, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use,
horseback riding, or access to another area. These
uses may conflict with the intended use of a
School Forest, and impact the activities you will
be able to safely conduct there. For additional
information, consult the “Legal Issues: Restricted
Use of School Forest Lands” section of the School
Forest Web site. You may also wish to contact the
Minnesota School Forest Program Manager and
your local DNR conservation officer.
School Maintenance Staff
Some school forest sites are located adjacent to
the school grounds and are able to utilize school
maintenance staff to support School Forest
land management. It is crucial to engage school
maintenance staff early in the development of
the School Forest and to keep them actively
involved in school forest activities. Their support
can be a big benefit if they are engaged and feel
some ownership in School Forest projects. Keep
communication open and respect each other’s
ideas and needs. Consider inviting a member of
the school maintenance staff to be on your School
Forest Committee to keep communication open
and encourage their involvement and ownership in
the site.
17
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
steP 4: BecOme a schOOl fOrest
Submit a Proposal to the School
Board
To become a School Forest your application must
include a copy of the School Board Resolution
designating the site as a School Forest. Sample
resolutions can be found in this section. Writing
and submitting a proposal to the School Board is
an important and necessary step!
Before you may request a school board resolution,
the property must be owned by the school district
or partnering agency (city, county, state, federal, or
private) with which the School Board is willing to
enter into agreement.
If your school is private or parochial, your school
may not be administered by the local School
Board. If so, your governing body (parish council,
etc.) shall submit a similar resolution with the
application.
Be prepared when you submit your School Forest
proposal to the local School Board. Don’t waste
the time of this busy panel. Keep the following
items in mind.
1. Consider the benefits and potential risks
involved with the School Forest BEFORE you
meet with the board so you can anticipate their
questions and be prepared with well thought
out answers.
2. Have visible support with you. Ask your school
administrators and fellow faculty members
to attend the meeting. Invite parents who
believe the school would be a more complete
educational institution with the addition of
a School Forest. Invite business owners who
have pledged their support.
3. A picture is worth a thousand words. Take
photographs so school board members can
become familiar with the site and questions
can be answered more succinctly. Take maps to
present information concerning future requests
for site improvements.
4. Prepare to attend more than one meeting. The
proposal may be tabled if all questions cannot
be answered or if additional time is needed for
the School Board to render its decision. Don’t
be discouraged if this is the case.
5. Consult the Minnesota School Forest Program
Manager and local DNR Forester for support
and information.
6. Prepare a draft resolution before the meeting
so school board members are not scrambling
to find the proper wording.
18
Minnesota School Forest Program Manager
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Forestry
500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4044
651-259-5272 or 1-888-646-6367
schoolforestdnr@state.mn.us
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
School Board Resolutions
The following, four sample resolutions can be used
as a model for forming a School Forest resolution.
1. “NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
THAT: Approximately thirty acres currently
known as the Stillwater Area High School
Environmental Learning Center within Parcel
B (Section 1) be designated as an outdoor
classroom and Minnesota School Forest.”
2. “Resolved, the Board of Education of Lake
Superior School District No. 381 approves
the establishment of a Silver Bay School
Forest and outdoor classroom comprising
40 acres described as the SW1/4 of the NW
1/4, Section 36, Township 56 North, Range 8
West, and supports enrollment of said school
forest in the DNR School Forest Program for educational purposes.”
3. “Be it resolved by the School Board of
Independent School District No. 719, State
of Minnesota, as follows: That the forest land
within the Five Hawks Outdoor Learning
Center be designated School Forest land and
be named Five Hawks School Forest.”
4. “BE IT RESOLVED by the School Board of
Independent School District No. 622 that 3
acres of land located at T29N R22W, Section
13 be designated as an outdoor classroom and
Minnesota School Forest, effective May 15,
2002.”
Submit a School Forest
Application
Application should be made to the Minnesota
School Forest Program Manager using the
form available on the School Forest Web site
www. mndnr.gov/schoolforest. It is recommended
that contact (by phone or e-mail) be made early in
the process to receive better advice and instruction.
Include the following items when you submit
your paperwork to the Minnesota School Forest
Program Manager for entrance into the School
Forest Program:
• Completed application
• Copy of Property Deed
• Legal description of designated land
• Map of area
• School Board Resolution
If you have difficulty obtaining any of the items
listed, contact the Minnesota School Forest
Program Manager for assistance.
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www.mndnr.gov/schoolforest
20
SCHOOL FOREST APPLICATION
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Forestry
Date:
School Name:
School Forest Name:
Address:
Phone:
County:
School District:
Additional schools that may use the school forest:
Contact Person/Site Coordinator:
Address:
Phone:
E-mail:
The land ownership is classified as: (check one) tax-forfeited __ private school
__other, please explain:
A copy of property deed is required.
Number of Acres:
Legal Description:
Required Attachments:
Legal description, if not listed above
Copy of property deed
Map of site, plat map or other
School Board Resolution declaring site a School Forest (copy of meeting minutes)
Potential School Forest Committee Members:
These are members of the school, community, or county that might be interested in participating
in planning or organizing the School Forest. Such as parents, students, teachers, administrators,
local or state government staff, business members, foresters, gardeners, etc.
Name Position/Title
Have you been in contact with your local DNR Forester? Yes No
If yes, who have you spoken with?
Have you consulted any other foresters? Who?
What assistance from the School Forest Program would be beneficial to your site?
Once your application is received, the School Forest Program Manager will contact your site
coordinator with further information on the program and what can be done to best assist your
site. Submit completed application and all required attachments to:
School Forest Program
DNR Forestry
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4044
Questions?
Call the School Forest Program Manager
651-259-5272.