Okome, PA – Today, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCR) celebrated the addition of two forest tracts in the Pennsylvania Wilds into the national Old-Growth Forest Network: Colton Point State Park in Tioga County and the Tiadaghton State Forest’s Bark Cabin Natural Area in Lycoming County.
“Pennsylvania leads the nation in designated old-growth forests, which is a testament to the Commonwealth’s legacy of conservation and environmental stewardship,” DCNR Deputy Secretary John Norbeck said. “These important designations are critical in helping the public understand the immense value of our forests, especially our older forests, and the value they add to ensuring we have clean air and water. Thank you to The Old-Growth Forest Network for continuing its mission of highlighting these special natural areas.”
Colton Point State Park is the 37th Pennsylvania forest to be inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network and the first in Tioga County. On the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge, the 368-acre park lies on the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge, which is also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. The rugged overlooks offer great views of the canyon. Leonard Harrison State Park is visible on the other side of the canyon.
“Colton Point’s induction into the Old-Growth Forest Network underscores the importance of protecting areas of scenic, historic and ecological significance, whether or not these areas are in a traditional forest setting,” State Parks Director John Hallas said. “This is a tremendous win for the Pennsylvania Wilds region and our wonderful state parks system.”
Colton Point was logged by the park’s namesake, Henry Colton in 1879-1880, however some trees were not harvested. This left, several acres of old growth hemlock and white pine exist between overlook areas, picnicking areas and hiking trails. Scattered old growth can be observed throughout the entire Pennsylvania Grand Canyon area, many in relatively difficult areas to access.
Bark Cabin Natural Area is the 38th Pennsylvania forest to be inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network and the first in Lycoming County. The 82-acre Bark Cabin Natural Area was established to protect a small grove of old growth hemlocks, mostly found within a 7-acre area within the Natural Area. The Mid-State Trail runs adjacent to the tract, where the oldest Eastern hemlocks grow.
“I am always in awe when walking among the old-growth trees across our beautiful state and thank the Old-Growth Forest Network for its work to identify and support forests in Pennsylvania and across the U.S.,” State Forester Seth Cassell said. “This designation reminds all Pennsylvanians of the forest heritage of Penn’s Woods and spotlights the unique and exciting opportunities that are offered for outdoor recreation and experiencing nature in their state parks and forests.”
DCNR recently unveiled Forests for All – A Plan for Pennsylvania’s Forests and People, a forward-thinking strategy to protect, enhance, and connect Pennsylvanians to the state’s 17 million acres of forests. The plan is a roadmap to ensure Pennsylvanians’ Constitutional right to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the environment while strengthening forestry management and public engagement all across the Commonwealth.
All forests are essential to a healthy ecosystem, but old-growth forests are particularly valuable for their unique structure. They retain more carbon and nitrogen than younger forests, improving water and air quality. For more information about old-growth forests, visit DCNR’s website.
“Preservation of the rare forests such as at Bark Cabin and at Colton Point create a valuable ecological resource,” said Brian Kane, Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager with the Old-Growth Forest Network. “These areas not only protect scarce and rare natural wonders, but they also provide environmental services such as storing carbon, providing wildlife habitat, and cleaning and retaining stormwater. We are truly grateful that the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recognizes the importance of old-growth forests - they have been a tremendous conservation partner to OGFN.”
Founded in 2012 by Dr. Joan Maloof, OGFN currently includes over 285 forests across 39 states. The network also educates the public about the ecological benefits of old-growth forests and speaks out regarding immediate threats to specific ancient forests. Learn more on OGFN’s website.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about Elk State Forest and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for happenings on public lands
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