Learning more about the strength and weaknesses of Pennsylvania's forest system was the reason behind a recent informational meeting of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said Rep. Adolph (R-Delaware), chairman of the committee.

"Pennsylvania's forests affect all state residents, whether you like to camp, ride all-terrain vehicles, go horseback riding, or hunt, or you simply want fresh air and open space to remain prevalent in the Commonwealth we need to investigate how best to manage our forests," said Adolph. "This informational meeting gave the committee a lot of good information that will help guide legislation that impacts Pennsylvania's forest system and forestry industry."

Those providing testimony at the informational meetings included, Craig Brooks, executive director of the Joint Legislation Air and Water Pollution Control and Conservation Committee, and Paul Lyskava, executive director of the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association.

Both men provided in-depth reports on how Pennsylvania's forests impact the environment, recreational activities and the economy.

Both testifiers said more studies need to be conducted on the impact of new deer management programs, and that a strategic plan for government acquisition of forests needed to be developed to make sure the state is not purchasing more or less land than is needed.

Also highlighted during the testimony was some of the many successes the state has already achieved in regard to forestry management, including obtaining more dedicated funding for forestry research and management, improving forest regeneration rates, increasing public education of responsible forest stewardship, and ensuring the laws and regulations pertaining to recreation and manufacturing of the state's forests are administered in a fair and efficient manner.

Rep. Adolph noted that the state's forests cover more than 17 million acres, or approximately 50 percent of the Commonwealth's total land area. According to the Pennsylvania Forest Products Association, forest products manufacturing produces annual revenues of $5.5 billion for Pennsylvania and provides nearly 90,000 jobs.

Rep. Adolph said additional committee meetings on the states forest lands are scheduled for the fall.

9/2/2005