Spruce top thieves: How demand for a north woods cash crop is sparking an illicit trade

A man stands near a spruce tree with the top cut off.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officer Shane Zavodnik examines an illegally cut spruce tree while standing in a frozen swamp in late November, on private property near Eveleth. Illegally cut spruce tips have helped grow a booming holiday greenery industry that's worth more than $20 million in Minnesota.
Derek Montgomery for MPR News