DCNR
Adopts New Resource Management Plan for
State Forests
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Statewide meetings, widespread feedback helped fine-tune document HARRISBURG: The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has announced enactment of a new resource management plan to ensure its goal of state forestland sustainability while maintaining and enhancing its recreational and economic value. "This comprehensive roadmap, with its pronounced changes in management technique and updated inventory methods, reflects the sentiments of forest visitors and supporters who attended public meetings from Philadelphia to Erie," said DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. "Public input is the backbone of this landmark document." Secretary DiBerardinis said public comment on the draft plan showed a desire for DCNR to take the lead in addressing major issues affecting natural resources. He also noted that while the first resource management plan almost 50 years ago focused on timber management, the new plan takes an ecosystem approach, with a goal of forest sustainability. A key component of the plan is the expansion of the state's wild and natural areas by more than 20,000 acres. Although recreation remains the dominant discussion topic with the public, other comments were based on: bureau public information and education efforts, law enforcement, sustainable forestry, ecosystem management, science-based management, water quality, volunteerism and land acquisition, opportunities for low density recreation, habitats for forest plants and animals, sustained yields of quality timber and environmentally sound utilization of mineral resources. Public comments on forest recreation showed both ATV and snowmobile enthusiasts want more trails on state forestland - especially connector trails. Meanwhile, non-motorized users such as hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, were concerned with the quality of their recreational experience. Secretary DiBerardinis said many positive comments were received on the bureau's current timber harvesting program on state forestlands. The bureau plans to implement its silviculture program with a focus on: ensuring regeneration of harvested stands; balancing the forest age class distribution and extending rotation ages for certain forest types; and producing a continuous supply of high quality wood products to help support sustainable local and state forest-based economies. Since 1955, state forest management has been guided by written management plans revised at 15-year intervals. The development of this plan has been a multi-step, multi-year process, beginning with data collection and inventory of the resources beginning in 1998. The next revision of the plan will take place in 2005. The final draft of the State Forest Resource Management Plan can be found at www.dcnr.state.pa.us (select State Forests). Sierra Club® and "Explore,
enjoy and protect the planet."® are registered trademarks
of the Sierra Club. |