The Sustainable Forestry Initiative, with the support of volunteers from across the U.S. and Canada, officially set a new Guinness World Record for the most trees planted in one hour by small teams, planting a total of 202,935 trees.

Volunteers planted a total of 7,248 trees at Moshannon State Forest and Tuscarora State Forest.

Taking place on May 20, the successful effort involved 29 teams from across North America, including the Pennsylvania SFI Implementation Committee along with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

“Participating are a diverse group of young people, forestry industry representatives, community volunteers, and DCNR workers who all recognize our forests are critical to our health and the sustainability of our communities,” said DCNR Acting Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Their efforts will go far beyond setting a record—they will be realizing the tangible rewards of volunteerism while helping to ensure healthy forests for the future.”

“This year the Pennsylvania SFI Implementation Committee is celebrating 20 years of work aimed at fostering an appreciation of forest conservation and management throughout the forest community in Pennsylvania,” said Chuck Coup, program manager with the Pennsylvania SFI Implementation Committee. “We think this is a terrific opportunity to bring recognition to the importance of our forests while also working to ensure their future."

“Whether they recognize the economic, recreational or aesthetic value of our forests, volunteers pitching in next week all know our woodlands’ environmental impact is immense,” said Bureau of Forestry Director Daniel Devlin, who will be joining the groups in next week’s plantings. “Forests offset carbon dioxide emissions by 12 percent and are the source of more than half of our drinking water supply. Not to mention the critical wildlife habitat they provide.”

For more information on programs and activities, visit the PA Sustainable Forestry Initiative website.

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9/28/2015