Minnesotans Can Earn Cash for Gathering Pine Cones

Raise your hand if you spent more money on Christmas than you wanted to. Did you put more on your credit cards and now the bills are coming due with higher payments? 

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If you’re looking to make some extra money without having to take on a part-time job, and maybe you would like to do something good for the area and for future generations, this could be just what you’re looking for. 

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is buying black spruce and jack pine cones from residents who college these seeds from around the state. They want healthy, viable cones.  

What that means is that the seeds must be ripe, closed, and free of stems or debris. There are several locations around the state where you can drop off these pine cones, click here for a complete list.  

If you are not completely sure about which cones are which, the DNR has this outline available for you.  

The DNR is paying $100 per bushel of black spruce cones and $30 per bushel for the jack pine cones. And if you’re curious, a bushel equals around nine gallons.  

The jack pine cones are found in the sandy soils of Central and Northern Minnesota while the black spruce is found more in the lowland sections of the state. 

This program is designed to help with the future of the forests in Minnesota. The seeds that you collect are vital to helping ensure that there are trees and forest areas for future generations.  

If you still have questions, refer to this release from the Department of Natural Resources for more information.