Russ Gibbs PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Russ Gibbs

PA Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources

Topics of the Day

Pennsylvania Forest Ownership

Need for Forest Stewardship

Forest Stewardship Program

Need for Forest

Stewardship

Who Owns Pennsylvania’s Forests?

Private69%

Public31%

State Forests and ParksState Game LandsAllegheny National Forest

Families and individualsCorporateForest industry

Source: National Woodland Owner Survey, 1994

Need for Stewardship & Planning

Many private forest landowners have no management plans at all

Forest landowners are unsure of their objectives

Unaware of how forests can benefit from management practices

Some do not realize the financial value of their woodlands

Others may not understand sustainable management practices

Forest Stewardship

Program

Forest Stewardship Program

Goal: Sustaining private forestlands

1. Provide education and technical assistance

2. Encourage management plans

Forest Stewardship Program Provides

Technical Assistance

SUGGESTED SCHEDULE OF MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

YEAR PARCEL ACTIVITY

2009 A Travel Corridors

2010 B Group Selection

2011 A Forest Openings

2012 Open Fields Establish Borders

2013 C Thinning (improvement cut)

2014 E Create Snags

2015 A Create Snags

2016 B Group Selection

2017 C Build Hiking Trail

This schedule may need to be adjusted depending on financial needs, timber markets, timing of actual harvest,

and availability of contractors.

Forest Stewardship Program Provides

Education and Awareness

Education and Awareness

• Publications (Forest Stewardship Series)

• Programs and presentations

• Internet site (PA DCNR)

• Outreach and training

• Pennsylvania Forest Stewards volunteers

• Woodland owner association groups

Forest Stewardship Resources

Summary

Pennsylvania Forest Ownership

Importance of Forest Stewardship

Forest Stewardship Program

Questions?

Russ GibbsService Forester

Bureau of Forestry10 Nickman Plaza

Lemont Furnace, PA 15456

(724) 437-7983rugibbs@pa.gov