R.D. Offutt Co. Forest Conversion On Hold

A plan by Fargo-based R.D. Offutt Company to clear northwestern Minnesota pine forests is put on hold.

The DNR wants to take a closer look at the conversion of forests to potato fields.

They estimate that RDO has already purchased about 12,000 acres in four Minnesota counties.

The DNR says the current rate of forest loss in the region has not been seen in recent memory.

Permits for irrigation wells and further land clearing are on hold while the DNR does an environmental review which could take a year.