BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Almost 60% of Pennsylvania is covered by quality hardwood forests, enjoyed by 13 million commonwealth residents, as well as visitors.
State officials this week are seeking input from residents about how to best conserve, steward and enhance them.
“[The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources] is committed to its mission of stewarding the commonwealth’s natural resources for future generations and we want to engage the public before finalizing this plan to maintain the commonwealth’s forests and native wild plants,” said State Forester Seth Cassell, in a news release.
“We are hopeful that the public uses this opportunity to learn more about the future of Pennsylvania’s forests and to provide feedback to DCNR on this important plan.”
State officials are holding a virtual town hall meeting from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday for residents to share their feedback on the Bureau of Forestry’s newest strategic plan. Registration is required. The plan, “Forests for All: A Plan for Pennsylvania’s Forests and People,” is available to review online and is currently undergoing review and finalization.
Forestry officials want “a Pennsylvania of abundant, healthy, and resilient trees, forests, and native wild plants; an engaged populace that values and equitably receives the benefits these resources provide; and people and communities across Pennsylvania that are inspired and empowered to steward these resources,” according to the draft plan.
The commonwealth has a 2.2 million-acre state forest system, divided into 20 forest districts. The Lehigh Valley is situated in the William Penn and Delaware state forest districts, 17th and 19th, respectively.
“The strategic plan draft outlines a vision and mission for the future of the commonwealth’s forests and its people rooted in strengthening the ecosystem management foundations laid by the agency and growing in its connections with people and communities,” officials said.
Cassell outlined a 10-year challenge for the bureau, as well as residents and stakeholders with two main goals, including to conserve, protect and establish 250,000 acres of forest land across the commonwealth and to connect people who live, work and play in the state with forests and trees.
The plan outlines five goals, including:
- Ensure Pennsylvania’s ecosystems are resilient.
- Conserve and enhance the societal benefits of Pennsylvania’s trees, forests and native wild plants.
- Connect all people with trees, forests and native wild plants.
- Provide diverse, sustainable recreation opportunities on state forest lands.
- Invest in the Bureau of Forestry and its people.
At the town hall, state officials will cover “who the Bureau of Forestry is, what its intentions and plans are for the future and what it means for you as someone that benefits from and cares for forests,” according to an event description, posted online.
Comments provided during the meeting will not be collected as official public comment, according to the release. A public comment period will be scheduled.
For more information, visit the DCNR’s website.
