Did you know more than half of the U.S. drinking water originates in forests? Pennsylvania contains nearly 83,000 miles of waterways --- more miles of rivers and streams than any other state in the  continental U.S.

Join the members of the Pennsylvania Forestry Association as we explore the essential relationship between our forests and waters.

This year’s PFA meeting features a new one-day format and an agenda packed full with high-quality speakers, including representatives from Stroud Water Research Center, Penn State Extension, Chesapeake Forests, Woods & Water Consulting and a keynote address by John Arway, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission.

Forests and waters have been intricately linked in the history, culture and development of Pennsylvania. From the beginning, Pennsylvania waterways provided passage into the ‘deep woods’ and transportation to/from the early settlements. Today, Pennsylvania waters are no less important --- providing sources of drinking water, habitat for a variety of organisms, animals and fish and providing passage into a wonderful world of water-based recreation! Any activity within a watershed has the potential of affecting the quality of our water sources.

Set for Friday, October 5 at the Shenecoy Sportsmen Club in Huntingdon, PA, the Pennsylvania Forestry Association and the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association will once again host a Sporting Clay Shoot the day before the Annual Meeting. Click below for registration and sponsorship information.

We welcome friends and business to join us as Sponsors of the Annual Meeting. 

For sponsor recognition information or to sponsor, call (717) 319-4638 or email [email protected]

Rooms are available for $99 per night (plus tax). The deadline for reservations in the room block is September 5, 2018. Call Toftrees Resort and Conference Center at (814) 234-8000.

The Pennsylvania Forestry Association is seeking nominations for the 2018 Sandy Cochran Award for Excellence in Natural Resources Education. This award honors individuals or programs designing, developing, and implementing educational programs focused on the conservation and management of Pennsylvania’s natural resources. Nominations are by letter of support and include background information on the nominee, such as would be included in a vita. As well, the nominator should provide information on program focus (e.g., water, forests, recreation, wildlife), principle audiences affected (e.g., adults, students, youth programs, resource professionals), geographic area targeted (e.g., statewide, region, county, school district), and, if possible, behavior or impact changes linked to the program. Each nomination must also include three letters of support for the nominee.

The Awards Committee has extended the deadline to submit nominations until September 1, 2018.

For more information or to submit a nomination, contact the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, Attention: Cochran Award Chairman, 116 Pine Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101 or email: [email protected].

Each year at its annual meeting, the Pennsylvania Forestry Association (PFA) recognizes an individual, organization or group’s significant contributions to the public recognition of the importance of Pennsylvania’s forest resources in the same tradition and spirit of Dr. Joseph T. Rothrock. Dr. Rothrock served as the first president of PFA and earned the title, “Father of Forestry in Pennsylvania,” through his untiring efforts to promote the forest conservation movement in Pennsylvania.

NOMINEES FOR THE AWARD WILL BE EVALUATED ACCORDING TO THREE SELECTION CRITERIA

Nominations for the award should address these three criteria in appropriate detail.

Nominations are welcome from any interested individual or group.  The Awards Committee has extended the deadline to submit nominations until September 1, 2018. Membership in the PFA is not a requirement for the nominee or those submitting a nomination. For more information or to submit a nomination, contact the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, Attention: Rothrock Award Chairman, 116 Pine Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101 or email: [email protected].

Submitted By PFA President Richard Lewis

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry is holding a series of 21 public meetings to introduce and describe it's individual draft State Forest Resource Plans to the public and to accept public input on each plan.

I am pleased that Pennsylvania Forestry Association Board Members have committed to attend and represent PFA interests at approximately half of these public input meetings.

I attended the August 3rd Michaux State Forest Forest Resource Plan public meeting and came away very impressed with the depth and the scope of the planning effort. I was especially pleased to note a steady annual flow of raw forest Products (about 1 million board feet) being harvested from this state forest each year in spite of its high environmental pressure and heavy recreational use it receives due to its close proximity to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington and Harrisburg urban areas.

The meeting attendees also learned about the management issues associated with large special events on the State Forest (cross country running races, mountain bike rallies, motocross races, large group horse trail rides, etc.). The modest permit fees for these large organized special events do not even come close to covering the costs of managing the events.

The Michaux State Forest also has a special challenges with the monitoring and management of 454 “grandfathered” leased private camps that all have cabins on them.

We encourage all PFA members, whether leadership members or not, to attend this series of State Forest Resource Plan public input meetings to fully understand and comment on the challenges of managing the forest products, recreation, water, and wildlife resources that we so highly value from our State Forests.

A list of times, dates and locations of the 16 remaining State Forest Resource Plan Public Input Meetings can be found here:

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Conservation/ForestsAndTrees/StateForestManagement/ResourceManagementPlan/Pages/default.aspx

On Tuesday August 7th PFA President Richard Lewis and PFA Executive Director Caleb Wright participated in a round-table luncheon discussion with US Congressman Glenn 'GT' Thompson organized by Versant Strategies (the association management firm that manages PFA’s administrative, financial, government relations, communications, and other PFA Tree Farm programs and activities). 

Lewis highlighted the “Trade War” issue and noted the Trump Administration is planning to impose tariffs starting in October on $60 Billion of Chinese goods. China quickly announced plans to retaliate by imposing a similar level of tariffs on US goods at the same time the US tariffs are imposed. The Chinese tariffs will have a significant economic impact on the US hardwood industry, especially in Pennsylvania, the largest hardwood producing state. The planned Chinese tariffs include a 20% tariff on all hardwood logs from the US. Also, a 25% tariff on Oak lumber, a 20% tariff on Cherry and Ash lumber, 5% on Maple and Yellow Poplar lumber and 20% on “other temperate non-coniferous lumber.” Lewis noted that these tariffs when imposed will have a severe negative financial impact on the wood fiber manufacturing and wood supply chain including wood consuming mills, timber harvesting and transportation, industry equipment and parts suppliers and woodland owners who manage their hardwood forests for harvest.

Congressman Thompson responded that he and his House colleagues are “weighing in everyday” on this issue to the White House and noted that he was pleased to see that the European Union had announced a goal of zero tariffs. This is a goal for all US trading he personally supports.

Also discussed during the round-table luncheon were the following issues: the forest damage and mortality potential from the invasive Spotted Lanternfly insect recently found in southeastern Pennsylvania, the decline of the PA dairy industry due to over production and government agency “demonizing” of milk fat, the importance of establishing high speed broadband infrastructure for rural areas, the proliferation and variability of local pesticide use regulations, the declining ag workforce (jobs in agriculture that US workers won’t take regardless of pay scale) and the need to establish a “pathway to citizenship” for undocumented Ag and Forestry workers, and the need for more government financial assistance for career and technical (CTE) education.

Harrisburg, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), the United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Penn State University provided an update on their work to control the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly – an invasive insect that has the potential to seriously impact the tree-fruit, grape, and timber industries, which are collectively worth nearly $18 billion to the state's economy.

“Through this partnership, we have been able to successfully raise awareness about this pest: what it looks like, where it’s found, and the damage it could do,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “This coalition has been the boots on the ground working to control the Spotted Lanternfly’s spread--and we’ve made significant strides--but we know there’s still much work left to do.”

Governor Tom Wolf and the General Assembly approved $3 million in dedicated state funding to combat the Spotted Lanternfly as part of the fiscal year 2018-19 budget. This funding supplements $17.5 million in federal funding from USDA, received earlier this year. Redding noted that this funding has helped the coalition, which also includes numerous local partners, invest in a statewide survey, control and treatment services, grants, and research.

This year, the partners are engaged in a multi-pronged approach to control the invasive pest. PDA has taken responsibility for suppressing Spotted Lanternfly populations in the core infestation area, while USDA has established a perimeter extending 18 miles out from the core area, where they are working to eliminate any infestation. Between the two agencies, the entire spotted lanternfly quarantine area--13 counties in southeastern Pennsylvania--are being covered. Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has taken the lead on public outreach through its Cooperative Extension service. 

 

“Our main operational goal this season is to treat all the known positives from last year, and treat any new properties this year into mid-September,” said Timothy Newcamp, USDA APHIS State Plant Health Director in Pennsylvania. “Our scientists are studying the effectiveness of different pesticides, working on trap and lure development, exploring biological control options, and studying alternative host suitability. This research, along with that of our partners, will not only help in the battle against this invasive pest, but it will also help shape the direction of the Spotted Lanternfly Program.”

"Penn State Extension and Research within the College of Agriculture Sciences is focused on increasing the public and industries awareness of the SLF and studying the pest to learn more about its biology, damage potential and how to more effectively manage its populations," added Dr. Dennis Calvin, Associate Dean and Director of Special Programs at Penn State Extension.

Redding said that public outreach and education is critical to controlling the Spotted Lanternfly’s spread.

“We want the public to not only understand the urgency of this problem, but also be able to help us in trying to eliminate it,” said Redding. “If people are aware of the pest, and know what it looks like, they can report sightings to us so that we can respond more quickly. If the insect is found someplace outside of the quarantine zone, the sooner we know about it, the sooner we can react and prevent it from spreading.”

Pennsylvanians are encouraged to report sightings of the pest through an online reporting tool found at extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly or by calling the new hotline, 1-888-4BADFLY. The hotline will connect callers to Penn State Extension staff who will provide guidance and next steps.

The commonwealth is also engaging with the business community, stressing the risk that interstate and international commerce may be impeded. Businesses operating within the quarantine must obtain an operating permit, which requires training and passing a test to demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of the pest and quarantine requirements. Permits demonstrate that individuals can identify the pest and ensure that it is not present on transported items. New York, for example, has begun inspecting shipments moving from the quarantined areas of Pennsylvania into their state to ensure trucks are permitted. New Jersey also recently instituted a quarantine in three counties that may affect the interstate movement of goods from Pennsylvania.

Redding added that the Wolf Administration has been training employees and issuing permits to those state workers who have taken the test. The commonwealth also plans to permit state vehicles that travel through the quarantine zone.

“The commonwealth is leading by example, and has taken the important step of permitting its state vehicles. Thus far, state employees in a number of agencies have taken the permitting test online and are training their teams to know what to do when they’re traveling in a state vehicle,” Redding added.

Find out more about Spotted Lanternfly at agriculture.pa.gov/spottedlanternfly, www.aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests/slf, and extension.psu.edu/shopby/spotted-lanternfly. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Shannon Powers - 717.787.5085

WASHINGTON — A new report by USDA Forest Service researchers provides science-based information to help decision-makers, practitioners, and researchers to promote the sustainable harvest of nontimber forest products.

The Assessment of Nontimber Forest Products in the United States Under Changing Conditions synthesizes the best available science for managing nontimber forest resources in the U.S.

“Many private landowners harvest nontimber products to generate income from their forests,” said Forest Service Interim Chief Vicki Christiansen. “The harvest of specialty products like medicinal herbs, wild onions, and mushrooms creates jobs, boosts rural economies, and meets growing market demands.”

These harvests contribute millions of dollars to the U.S. economy each year. For example, in 2001 the estimated market value of four medicinal and floral species (blood root, black cohosh, American ginseng, and galax) exceeded $25 million. However, the lack of available data has impeded a thorough economic analysis of these and other nontimber products. The Forest Service report helps fill this gap and guides readers through the laws and regulations at the local, state and federal levels that complicate sustainable management and conservation of these important natural resources.

“Commercial markets for many raw nontimber forest products are well-established, even when not highly visible,” said Toral Patel-Weynand, national director of Sustainable Forest Management Research and one of the report editors. “However, changing conditions from environmental stresses like drought, fire, insects and disease, and climate variability put all of these economic benefits at risk.”

Nontimber forest products are harvested in all types of forest, grassland, and wetland environments. Changes in forest dynamics, including soil moisture and temperature, may impact populations and ranges of non-timber forest species, particularly understory spring ephemeral herbs. The report assesses the potential effects of climatic variability on nontimber forest products and how those effects may disrupt the benefits derived from non-timber forest products.

The report also highlights the importance of nontimber forest products to the cultures of diverse communities in the U.S. Including these stakeholders in management and policy dialogues will help promote sustainable the harvest of nontimber forest products for decades to come.

To learn more, view the complete report at https://doi.org/10.2737/SRS-GTR-232.

The mission of the Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

–U.S. Forestry Service

Last month, PFA President Richard Lewis and Executive Director Caleb Wright attended the National Council of Forestry Association Executives in Portland, ME. While there, they attend the Forest Industry Associations Council (FIAC) meeting which discussed public policy issues across the country.

In 1927 this section of the Little Arnot Run on the Allegheny Plateau was clearcut for sawtimber. Since then the forest has been left to naturally regenerate. This is a classic example of an even-aged forest that has been unmanaged. A select thinning of this forest in 1958/1968 would have dramatically changed the average tree size of the forest in 2018. For more information, contact Wayne Bender at the Hardwoods Development Council.

Be sure to check out the Grant Programs that the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is currently offering. These include the All-Terrain Vehichle and Snowmobile Grant, Peer and Circuit Rider Grant, and the Riparian Forest Buffer Grant.

Click here for more information.

The summer season is almost here. The PFHA needs volunteers for the Forest Heritage Discovery Center at Caledonia State Park. Our commitment is to be open from Memorial to Labor Day on Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 12 to 5. This is a great opportunity to help visitors learn about the forest conservation heritage of Pennsylvania and meet some very interesting people. We have instructions for volunteers and the exhibits are self-explaining. 

 

For more information and to pick a time please go to our website: http://www.paforestheritage.org/330 

Please let me know if you have any questions and concerns. Thank you for your help.

 

Regards,

Peter Linehan

PFHA President

PA Tree Farmer of the Year (2018) and PA Inspector of the Year (2018) have been selected. A site visit is scheduled for this month.

Great News: The American Tree Farm System and its 2018 Outcome Based Grant Program has awarded PATF a grant involving Tree Farm’s Participation in Walk in Penn’s Woods !

Please consider hosting a walk on your Tree Farm on Sunday, October 7 as part of the Walk in Penn's Woods Program. Check out https://sites.psu.edu/walkinpennswoods/ for more information.

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All Tree Farms targeted for 2018 inspection have been notified. If you have not yet done so, please contact your inspector. To find a list of certified Tree Farm Inspectors, visit www.patreefarm.org/inspectors If you need assistance, contact PATF via phone at 1-800-835-8065 or email at [email protected] or  burnhamjc@msncom .

In addition to being able to direct order clothing apparel with the PA Forestry Association logo here , you can now also order clothing apparel with the PA Tree Farm logo. (Add links to PFA store and PA Tree Farm store – also send link to Andy to add TF shirt info to PFA website). We now have clothing apparel with the Tree Farm logo for sale. Go to https://squareup.com/store/tree-farmers to view/order items. This is similar to the PFA clothing. Sales will generate a small amount of revenue that will be deposited in the Tree Farm account. Small because we want the cost to remain low to be able to show Tree Farm pride.

The 2018 Mid-Atlantic Bioenergy Conference & Expo is moving to the heart of downtown Philadelphia, in the newly renovated Convene CityView location at 30 South 17th St. (14th floor) Philadelphia, PA. Just blocks from Amtrak, local transit, and a short ride from the Philadelphia International Airport, CityView is an ideal location for MABEX 2018.

Mid-Atlantic Bioenergy Conference & Expo

September 12-14, 2018

CityView, Philadelphia, PA

Commercial & Public Applicator Pesticide Short Course will help build a foundation of knowledge about safe and proper handling and use of pesticides.

When

Day 1: Core (Part 1) - Mon., Sep. 24, 2018 (9:00 AM - 3:45 PM)

Day 2: Core (Part 2) - Tue., Sep. 25, 2018 (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

Day 3: Category 07 & 23 - Wed., Sep. 26, 2018 (9:00 AM - 3:30 PM)

Day 4: Category 06 & 23 - Thu., Sep. 27, 2018 (9:00 AM - 2:15 PM)

Day 5: Category 10 - Fri., Sep. 28, 2018 (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

Where

Penn State Extension York County 

112 Pleasant Acres Rd., York, Pennsylvania 17402 

Learn More: Visit the Event Website for More Details

08-02-2018 Wolf Administration Announces Investment in Snowmobile, ATV Trails Across PA

  (Press Release)

08-01-2018 Deer Management tags available on LH Authority Watershed

LOCK HAVEN — The Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) was developed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to provide support to landowners who are still struggling with the results of deer damage on their property. DMAP allows for additional antlerless deer tags to be available on... -  Lock Haven Express

07-31-2018 The common thread in California's wildfires: heat like the state has never seen

The northern Sacramento Valley was well on its way to recording the hottest July on record when the Carr fire swept into town Thursday. It was 113 degrees, and months of above-average temperatures had left the land bone-dry and ready to explode. Within a few hours, hundreds of... -  Los Angeles Times

07-30-2018 Flooding damage minor in Pennsylvania's state parks and state forests

A few Pennsylvania state parks had closed temporarily by the end of last week, after days and days of heavy rains and flooding, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. But, most state forests across Pennsylvania largely dodged the bullet.... -  Penn Live, Patriot-News

07-12-2018 DOH: Wolf Administration Highlights Tick and Mosquito Awareness...

  (Press Release)