The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held an informational meeting this week to hear an update from Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis on the state’s forest management plan.

Secretary DiBerardis said Pennsylvania’s forest ecosystems are generally in good shape providing clean water, recreational opportunities and plant and animal habitat as well as sought-after wood products. However, regeneration of the forests is an issue since they are under pressure from deer overbrowsing and acid rain.

Another major issue is safely providing opportunities for ATV and snowmobile trails in ways that do not damage the forests. DCNR is working to develop ATV riding areas on lower value land, like strip mines, to accommodate this need.

The Secretary touted the success of the Forest Land Beautification Program saying that volunteers spent over 11,000 hours cleaning up 264 illegal dumpsites in 15 State Parks and 16 State Forests since the program began.

Visit the state Forest Management Plan webpage for more information.

9/23/2005