Wisconsin DNR Will Pay You Now For Red + White Pine Cones

If you're like me, then you enjoy spending time outdoors doing a wide variety of things. For me, it could be a run or walk, a bonfire, or even working with my computer on the deck.

I never expect to earn any extra money while I'm out there, but the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has me realizing that it's something that can be done.

The DNR recently announced it needs help collecting red and white pine cones for its reforestation program. State nurseries will pay collectors to bring in the cones to one of the seed- and cone-buying stations that are scattered across Wisconsin.

Right Now Is The Prime Time To Collect Pine Cones For Cash

According to the DNR, early September is the prime time to collect mature red and white pine cones in Wisconsin because the color has just turned brown, but the scales have not yet opened to release the seeds.

The state nurseries pay $125 per bushel of red pine cones and $60 per bushel of white pine cones. A bushel is 8 gallons, and experienced collectors can pick a bushel of red pine cones in about 2 to 3 hours when the cone crop is good. White pine cones are larger, so picking a bushel usually takes about an hour.

How To Collect Pine Cones

Before collecting cones, everyone is urged to contact one of the three state nurseries below to ensure purchasing is still open.

Griffith Nursery – Wisconsin Rapids 715-424-3700
Wilson Nursery – Boscobel 608-375-4123
Hayward Nursery – Hayward 715-492-1204

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Once you're ready to go out and collect pine cones, the DNR urges you to keep the following things in mind:

All seeds must be of natural origin. Trees in your yard are not appropriate for seed harvest.
When mature, the seed within will develop a dark brown seed coat with a papery light brown wing. The perfect time to pick the cones is before the cone opens.
Wear gloves so your hands don’t get covered in sap.
Picking is easiest and safest for the collector and the tree when done from the ground using handheld landscaping shears.
A quick snip leaves a small wound on the tree and a clean cone. Then, a collector just needs to store the cones in a cool, dry area until they can be transported to a seed collection site.
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.

Wisconsin DNR Forest Trees Of Wisconsin Booklet

The DNR’s “Forest Trees of Wisconsin” booklet can help you identify red and white pines.

How To Sell Pine Cones

The Wisconsin DNR offers the following tips when selling pine cones:

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. The DNR reserves the right to refuse purchase if the cones don’t meet specifications.