RNR: An Auto Tour of Forest Demonstration Sites

Penn's Woods: An Auto Tour of Forest Demonstration Sites

Forests cover more than half of Pennsylvania and private landowners own more than 70 percent of this forestland. Forests have ecological, economic, and social benefits. The majority of people enjoy the many forms of recreation and the natural beauty forests provide. Because Pennsylvania's extensive forests contain high-quality hardwoods, timber harvesting is an fall foliage

important part of the state's economy. The continued flow of high-quality hardwoods depends on the management decisions Pennsylvania landowners are making today. We all depend on forests for wood and paper products and many Pennsylvanians rely on the forests for their livelihoods.

Timber harvesting is frequently a controversial issue. A forest provides many different benefits, and preference of its use varies from person to person. Controversy about timber harvesting often escalate because people (forest landowners and the general public) know little about timber harvesting and its role in maintaining sustainable forests.

With proper planning and careful management, timber harvesting can be beneficial by helping to maintain a vigorous, healthy and productive forest. However, it is essential when planning a timber harvest to consider potential consequences such as the species mix and the quality of the residual stand and avoid negative impacts such as erosion.

Pennsylvania has adopted criteria for evaluating sustainability to maintain the long-term health and vitality of Pennsylvania forests. The criteria are the average tree size, species composition (seed source), and quality of the residual stand, presence of advance regeneration, presence of interfering plants, and abundance of white-tailed deer. Deer adversely affect forests by consuming seedlings inhibiting tree regrowth.

Demonstration Sites

At least seven timber harvesting demonstration areas across Pennsylvania introduce landowners and the general public to different methods of timber harvesting along with their benefits and consequences. Initial data provided information on plant and animal species diversity, residual forest conditions, mortality, and economic value of each treatment. Efforts to monitor and document long-term impacts are ongoing.

What are timber harvesting treatments? Select this link to learn about timber harvesting treatments, their benefits and consequences.

How can I learn more about forest stewardship? The links page contains additional resources and the Forest Stewardship series, is a free publication for landowners interested in forest management and is produced by Penn State Natural Resources Extension. Publication topics include timber harvesting, understanding and conserving biological wealth, estate planning, backyard trees, and teaching youth about forest stewardship.

Penn State | College of Agricultural Sciences | School of Forest Resources

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