Wisconsin buying pine cones

(The Center Square) – The state of Wisconsin wants your pine cones.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced it is buying both white and red pine cones by the bushel.

“The state nurseries pay $125 per bushel of red pine cones and $60 per bushel of white pine cones,” the DNR said in a news release.

This is time for pine cones to fall across most of Wisconsin, and the DNR is hoping to use them to replenish forests throughout the state.

“The state nurseries will pay collectors to bring in these cones,” Joseph Vandehey, Wisconsin DNR forestation team leader, said in a statement. “We have a network of seed- and cone-buying stations scattered across the state.”

The DNR explains the collection process as relatively simple.

“A bushel is 8 gallons, and experienced collectors can pick a bushel of red pine cones in about 2-3 hours when the cone crop is good. White pine cones are larger, so picking a bushel usually takes about an hour,” the DNR said.

The DNR says there are a couple of requirements if you’re going to collect pine cones this fall:

● All seeds must be of natural origin. Trees in your yard are not appropriate for seed harvest.

● Do not mistake Austrian or Scotch pine for red or white pine. Scotch pine bark is flaky (especially toward the upper part of the stem) and orange, and its cones appear twisted and green, even at maturity. Austrian pine tends to be found in urban environments, has a stocky appearance and has darker bark.

● Store the cones in breathable containers in a cool, dry place.

● Deliver the cones to one of the DNR buying stations as soon as possible. If excess debris is mixed in with the cones, they may be rejected, or a price reduction may be applied.

There are three state nurseries that are accepting cones. The DNR says you should call the nurseries in Wisconsin Rapids, Boscobel and Hayward to see if they are open and accepting pine cones.