Wolf Administration Names New Pennsylvania State Forester

Harrisburg, PA – A veteran of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resource’s Bureau of Forestry has been appointed state forester and will serve as director of the bureau.

Ellen M. Shultzabarger, who has worked for 14 years in various positions in the Bureau of Forestry, begins as the bureau director starting today.

“The director plays a critical role in the daily operations of the Bureau of Forestry, a vital role as state forester in national forest management issues, and also is an integral part of the leadership team of the department,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “In Ellen, we have found someone with proven leadership abilities, a vision for the bureau and the department, and a strong natural science background. She is a strong communicator, respected among her colleagues and works in a collaborative way to achieve the goals of the bureau and further the mission of the agency.”

Shultzabarger, 41, takes over the reins of Pennsylvania’s state forest system -- one of the largest in the nation that is certified as well managed to ensure its future health.

The DCNR Bureau of Forestry manages 2.2 million acres of state forestland, conserves native wild plants, and promotes stewardship of all of the commonwealth’s forest resources for values including sustained yields of timber; clean water; plant and wildlife biodiversity and habitat; and wild character.

For the full Press Release click here.

For more information on the DCNR Bureau of Forestry or Pennsylvania’s 2.2-million acre state forest system, visit the DCNR website at www.dcnr.pa.gov.

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

Newport, PA – On the heels of the first Spotted Lanternfly hatch of the season, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA), the United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Penn State University today warned of its potential $18 billion impact on the commonwealth’s businesses, trade, and economy. 

 “Pennsylvania and its commodities are seriously threatened by the Spotted Lanternfly, and our coalition stands ready today to help protect our economy and communities,” said Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. “It’s important to remember that there’s a human on both sides of this equation; on one end are the people whose livelihood depends on selling their products. On the other end, the consumers who love those products. Through this unique partnership, PDA, USDA, and Penn State University, are poised to combat this pest and continue to safeguard the commonwealth’s agriculture industry.”

 The Spotted Lanternfly is an inch-long black, red and white spotted insect native to Southeast Asia and first identified in Pennsylvania in 2014. The invasive insect, whose first egg hatch was spotted over the weekend in Berks County, feeds on agricultural commodities produced in the state, such as hops, grapes, apples, and hardwoods.

 During today’s event at River Bend Hop Farm and Brewery in Perry County, the coalition outlined the efforts the state and federal government have made to combat the pest and the steps Pennsylvanians can take if they spot this invasive bug.

 “As part of our cooperative efforts to protect America’s valuable agricultural resources from the destructive impacts of spotted lanternfly, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and our partners at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Penn State University are conducting extensive work to contain and suppress the invasive pest. But we need the public’s help in stopping the spotted lanternfly,” said USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Administrator, Kevin Shea. “This pest is a great hitchhiker and can travel on items residents and businesses move. You can help stop the spread by looking for and reporting any signs of this damaging insect. For more information, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/hungrypests/slf.”

 “The College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Extension, part of the state's land-grant university and a top-20 public research institution, routinely partner with county, state and federal governments to address emerging issues, like SLF, that affect the state's agricultural industries, communities and citizens,” said Penn State Dean of Agricultural Sciences Dr. Richard Roush. “We are working closely with partners to find and implement strategies for containing and managing infestations, and to educate growers and the public about the spotted lanternfly. This public-private collaboration is a powerful force in dealing with all aspects of this invasive pest.”

Governor Tom Wolf proposed nearly $1.6 million in dedicated state funding to combat the Spotted Lanternfly as part of his fiscal year 2018-19 budget plan. If approved, this funding will supplement $17.5 million in federal funding announced earlier this month by USDA. Additionally, PDA’s Bureau of Plant Industry has engaged in extensive surveillance and eradication efforts, and it has worked with businesses and residents to ensure they are doing their part to prevent its spread.

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

As reported by the Altoona Mirror.

William Loch “Bill” Bow, 67, Hollidaysburg, passed away Tuesday at UPMC Altoona.

He was born in Lebanon, son of the late George and Velma (Gringrich) Bow. On Dec. 27, 1969, he married Terry Clowes in Fogelsville.

Bill was a 1968 graduate of Ewing High School, Trenton, N.J. In 1973, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in forestry from Virginia Tech. He was currently employed as a forester at DCNR, Huntingdon Branch, doing what he loved, surrounded by trees. He previously worked at Appleton Papers, Roaring Spring.

Bill enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, playing golf, traveling, the beach and the outdoors.

To honor Bill’s memory, the family requests that a tree be planted for him with The Trees Remember at thetreesremember.com.

Roger Madigan, former member of the Pennsylvania legislature died June 2, 2018 at the age of 88. A friend to the forestry industry, Mr. Madigan was a former Penn State agricultural trustee from 1979 to 2001. He earned a B.S. in dairy production from the University in 1951. Hailing from Towanda, Madigan was spent 13 years representing the 110th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives before running for the Pennsylvania Senate where he retired in 2008.

Private Services were held June 7 with internment at Bradford County Cemetery.

The Deer/Forest group is looking for a representative from the Pennsylvania Forestry Association to attend a strategy meeting. In recent months, a number of groups have meet discussing concerns over rising deer numbers. These groups include the Society of American Foresters Deer/Forest Committee, The Forest Health Collaborative, and the PA Forest Stewards Deer Working Group. All have expressed similar concerns; deer over-browsing, the need for increased hunting opportunities, controlling deer that have managed to get inside of deer exclosures, and threats from chronic wasting disease. To that end, all three groups have decided to come together to strengthen their voice and unify their message. A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 20th from 9:30- Noon, location to be determined. If you are interested in joining this group as a representative of the Pennsylvania Forestry Association please let Dave Jackson (814-355-4897 or drj11@psu.edu) know as soon as possible. Thank you.

From the American Tree Farm System:

On May 18th, the House rejected the 2018 Farm Bill with a vote of 213 no to 198 yes votes. Although the bill failed, through the work of Tree Farmers actively involved in our advocacy and our partners in Washington, we were able to secure funding and policy improvements in the text that advance the cause of sustainable land management for family forest owners. A sincere thanks to all the advocacy leaders who joined us in calling Capitol Hill during the lead up to voting. With your help, we were able to defeat many amendments that could’ve undone our progress.

 

One such amendment was introduced by Rep. Biggs (AZ), which repealed the 2002 Farm Bill’s Energy Title. Among other programs, this change would have eliminated the Community Wood Energy Program (CWEP) and the BioBased Markets Program (USDA BioPreferred), both of which support the markets for forest products that make proper management possible. The amendment was rejected by a margin of 265 votes!

 

In the coming weeks, both chambers’ work on the Farm Bill will continue. The House is expected to hold a second vote on June 22, and the Senate is expected to introduce and mark up its draft of the bill during the week of June 6. 

PA Tree Farmers of the Year (2017) Field Day

Location: Perkey Tree Farm

Greene County, PA

What a successful day in the woods under a blue sky was enjoyed by over 50 participants on May 12! Tree Farmers, Tree Farm Inspectors, educators, neighbors, and woodland members enjoyed sharing in the celebration hosted by Marial and Arlyn.

The day served as an outlet for passing on knowledge and the love of the woods.

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 A Walk in Penn’s Woods!

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. Deadline for application is August 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: thePFA@paforestry.org.

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 deadline for nominations is August 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: thePFA@paforestry.org.

Please join us: PA Tree Farm Committee Meeting

Date: Thursday, June 14

Time: 9:00am - 11:30am

Location: Central PA Convention and Visitors Bureau (800 E Park Ave.,State College, PA)

The State Committee is comprised of volunteer members. We all come from various 

backgrounds, but we share the commitment to improve the forestland through sustain-able forestry. The four sides of the Tree Farm sign tell the story: Water~Wildlife~Recreation~Wood  

The Pennsylvania Game Commission will be presenting a program on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) as part of its summer wildlife educational series. This program will be held Wednesday, July 18, at 7 p.m. at the Back Mountain Regional EMA building in Dallas. 

NE Region Wildlife Management Supervisor Kevin Wenner will present information on the status of CWD in PA, how it affects deer, factors that influence disease transmission, and control measures currently in place.   

 

“Chronic Wasting Disease is a contagious and always fatal infection first detected in captive and wild deer in Pennsylvania in 2012,” said Wenner. “The management of CWD is critical to the long-term health of Pennsylvania’s deer herd.”  

The Back Mountain Regional EMA building is located at 3593 Route 118 (a half-mile west of the intersection of routes 118 and 415), in Dallas. No reservations are required.

For more information contact the Game Commission Northeast Region Office at (570) 675-1143.  

Woodland value may not always measured by the quality of timber. There are untapped treasures in the forest that can be managed and cultivated. These non-timber forest products can bring forest landowners some additional enjoyment and possible income. On June 15, the PA Bureau of Forestry, Community Partnerships RC&D, and the Mifflin County Conservation District will be hosting an Agroforestry Workshop from 9:00AM - 3:30PM at the Reedsville Volunteer Fire Company banquet hall (171 N Main St, Reedsville, PA). Registration starts at 8:30 am. A $5.00 fee will include lunch and handouts. There will be information presented about Diversifying Farm Income, Edible and Medicinal Plants, Mushroom Propagation, Tree Syrup Production, Multi-function Riparian Buffer plantings, small batch Charcoal Production and PA Forest Grown - Certified Organic. Preregistration is required by June 5th. For more information or register please contact the Mifflin County Conservation District at 717-248-4695 X 3148 or ddunmire@mifflinccd.com.

Join thousands of other concerned citizens like yourself. Become a Tree Tender and help increase tree canopy cover in your community. Tree Tenders® is a training program that empowers concerned residents to make dramatic strides towards restoring and caring for the tree canopy in their communities.

We hope you can join us! 

When

Fri., Jun. 22, 2018

(8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

 

Where

Southeast Agricultural Research & Extension Center 

1446 Auction Rd., Manheim, Pennsylvania 17545 

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

06-08-2018 Emerald ash borer has been an environmental problem, but now may be financial problem

Clarks Summit officials are seeking state grant money to manage damage a bug is causing to ash trees there. The emerald ash borer, a beetle native to Asia, has wreaked havoc on ash populations across several states, including Pennsylvania, since first being documented in North America about... -  Scranton Times

06-07-2018 2-Year Renovation Project at Shaver's Creek Nears Completion

The final phase of renovations at Shaver's Creek Environmental Center is for the birds. After being mostly closed to the public for nearly two years, the Penn State nature center in Petersburg will have a grand reopening on Labor Day weekend. But for now, work is under way on 14 new mews, or enclosures, for... -  State College News

05-31-2018 Nonprofit purchases 32K-plus acres of forest in Western Pa.

A vast swath of Penn’s Woods in Elk and McKean Counties will be conserved, thanks to a Virginia-based nonprofit. The Conservation Fund, in a news release, said the Clarion Junction Forest consists of 32,598 acres of “sustainable timberland” around the city of Johnsonburg, Elk County, in the “Pennsylvania Wilds,” just... -  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

05-22-2018 DCNR Announces Series of Meetings Seeking Public Input On State Forest...

  (Press Release)

05-22-2018 Ticks and mosquitoes are bringing more diseases. What can we do? | Opinion

Cases of vector-borne disease have more than doubled in the U.S. since 2004, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported, with mosquitoes and ticks bearing most of the blame. Joyce Sakamoto (The Conversation, photo) Mosquitoes, long spreaders of malaria and yellow fever, have more recently... -  Penn Live, Patriot-News

05-21-2018 Team to monitor ash trees deaths on national forest

DELAWARE, Ohio — There are 308 million ash trees in the forests of Pennsylvania, and one gleaming invasive insect poses a threat to all of them. On the Allegheny National Forest in northwest Pennsylvania, researchers from the USDA Forest Service’s Northern Research Station and foresters... -  Bradford Era

05-18-2018 See a Spotted Lanternfly? Here's what to do about the invasive insect showing up in Pa. Lanternflies, be gone. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Penn State University, are asking for your help in identifying and destroying the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive insect that has been discovered in Berks County.... -  York Daily