Harrisburg, PA – On this International Day of Forests, a day dedicated to recognizing the essential role forests play in sustaining life on Earth, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is launching a new plan to ensure the state’s forests remain healthy, accessible, and resilient for future generations.
Today, DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Pennsylvania State Forester Seth Cassell 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.
“Our forests provide all Pennsylvanians with so many values—including clean air and water, jobs, wood products, and outdoor recreation opportunities that support our economy and more,” said Secretary Dunn. “It’s important that we anticipate and respond to potential opportunities and challenges and use our staff, funding, and resources wisely.”
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. This plan expands upon the foundations laid in the previous plan – Penn’s Woods – Sustaining our Forests – published in 1995. Penn’s Woods established strong resource management foundations and opened the gate for better technical assistance to landowners.
“Just as forests evolve and adapt, so must we,” said Cassell, who also serves as DCNR’s Director of the Bureau of Forestry. “This plan reflects our commitment to modern resource management and stronger connections with the people who live, work, and recreate in Pennsylvania’s forests.”
The plan focuses on three key areas:
- Strengthening the Bureau of Forestry’s Resource Management Foundations – Ensuring forests remain healthy and productive for generations to come.
- Growing Public and Community Engagement – Expanding efforts to connect Pennsylvanians with forests and the many benefits they provide.
- Investing in People and Teams – Supporting staff, partnerships, and resources to enhance conservation efforts through workforce development.
Nearly 60 percent of Pennsylvania is forested, with the Bureau of Forestry managing 2.2 million acres of state forest land across 50 counties. Staff from the bureau provide guidance and assist private forest owners with planning and management of 12 million acres of private forestlands. The bureau is also responsible for:
- Sustainable timber and resource management
- Supporting outdoor recreation and ecotourism
- Protecting clean water and watersheds
- Wildfire prevention and response
- Preserving wildlife habitat and biodiversity
- Conserving native plant communities
DCNR encourages residents, communities, and organizations to get involved on this International Day of Forests. Ways to participate include:
- Engage with local forestry programs and learn about sustainable land management.
- Volunteer for conservation projects to help restore and protect Pennsylvania’s forests.
- Explore Pennsylvania’s state forests and parks — take a hike, plant a tree, or simply enjoy nature.
- Share your story — post about your connection to forests using #ForestDay on social media.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about the Bureau of Forestry and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for happenings on public lands.
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