A history of tree bounties in the upper midwestern United States: North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota

Abstract

ABSTRACT Tree bounties were a historical mechanism to facilitate afforestation. This study investigates how citizens participated in historical tree bounty programmes in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Although tree bounties in the United States have been around for centuries, there has been very little published literature on how participants used them. Six hundred and one tree bounty claims from North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota were examined and statistically analysed with t-tests. For example, it was found that for Ward County, North Dakota, box elder trees, cottonwood, willow, and poplar trees were more commonly planted; an average of 909 trees were planted per acre, the majority of applicants had homesteaded the land, and the average number of trees planted covered two acres. A statistically significant difference occurred where more claimants planted trees in northeast and northwest directions. The types of trees planted; the number of trees planted per acre; the number of times tree bounty claims were submitted; and incentives are discussed. Ideas for future research include expanding the research study and further understanding the breakdown of tree bounties for future improvement.