Eastern Seed Zones (ESZ v2.2) in Minnesota

These seed zones were developed to help the National Forest System address sustainable forest management and ecosystem restoration challenges related to climate change in a uniform manner across regional and political boundaries and in a manner which encourages their adoption by state partners, the Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Interior (DOI), state forestry agencies, NGOs, seed producers, land managers, and other interested groups or individuals. A seed zone is defined as a region with homogenous climate and topography. Plants/trees residing within a seed zone possess, in theory, similar adaptations to local conditions.<br/><br/>USFS Eastern Seed Zones Data Viewer: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=7f1fbeefbc074301af487e817cbca927<br/><br/>The DNR Division of Forestry will be transitioning to these US Eastern Seed Zones as Seed Source Control policy is revised beginning in 2022. The current Minnesota six seed zone system remains in effect until the policy has been revised and published: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/ecssilviculture/policies/dp5-nursery-seed-source-control-2016.pdf