The Wisconsin DNR at the Rhinelander Ranger Station, 511 North Hanson Lake Road, will only be purchasing good quality Jack Pine Cones and a limited quantity of Red Oak acorns this fall.

The DNR will pay $30 per bushel for Jack Pine Cones and acrons (one bushel minimum). A voucher payment system is used. A copy of the voucher is given to the seller and a check will follow in the mail. The seed will be used to produce trees at the DNR tree nurseries.

Ripe Jack Pine Cones may be brown or gray in color. Collect only closed cones by cutting or pulling them from branches, or they may be found in red squirrel caches. Store cones in cool shady locations to avoid having them open before delivery.

Red Oak acorns cannot have any caps on them and acorns must be floated in water. Any acorns that float are not viable seed.

Person interested in collecting must contact the Rhinelander Ranger Station at 715-365-2633 in order to register and obtain information prior to collecting. Information will be provided on species identification and Jack Pine Cone requirements. No cones or acorns will be accepted without first registering.