Fulmer Falls in Childs Park (File photo by Jerry Goldberg) (
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During the current global pandemic, millions of individuals have been finding solace in Penn’s Wood, which boasts 16.8 million acres of forested land and covers roughly 58% of the state. All that land is more than the hiking trail meeting our shoes, a favorite hunting spot, or prized fishing destination.
Our forested lands protect and support us in more ways than we can count.They are climate defenders, economic stimulators, and unheralded protectors of public health. Forests are a natural and cost-effective solution to curb the effects of climate change. Trees in dense tracts of forest act like a giant sponge, siphoning and storing carbon from the atmosphere.
According to the National Wildlife Federation’s Natural Climate Solutions report, keeping forested land as forests is one of the easiest and most effective ways to address climate change. So why shouldn’t we invest in our forested areas?
These benefits depend on careful policy design and program implementation. When properly executed, Pennsylvania’s protected forests offer ample recreational, economic and environmental benefits. Studies suggest that forest recreational activities account for more than 5,000 jobs and $450 million in annual economic activity. Pennsylvania’s Bureau of Forestry works to ensure the forests we enjoy today are functioning to their fullest potential.
Harvests on State Forest lands are dual certified through the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and the Forest Stewardship Council, both of which recognize the achievement of environmental, social, and economic benefits. District foresters also help private landowners to solve their own sustainable forest management issues, in the process protecting water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat and at-risk species. Reach out to the Bureau if you have any questions about forest practices on your own property. Now is a uniquely opportune time to involve ourselves in the state’s forestry policies.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is soliciting public input on a strategic plan for how to manage forest lands over the next 25 years. It is critical that we let DCNR know that Pennsylvanians support protecting forests from industrial development, fossil fuel infrastructure and other impacts that could lead to fragmentation or loss of tree cover.
Our forestlands and our foresters carry out a vitally important mission for all Commonwealth residents. Let the bureau know how much all Pennsylvanians value Penn’s Woods.
Sarah Corcoran
Editor’s note: Sarah Corcoran is the Forest Watch Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Chapter of the Sierra Club based out of Northeast PA. If you have any questions or would like to become more involved with the Sierra Club, contact her at sarah.corcoran@sierraclub.org.