Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams-Dunn Wednesday extended an invitation to residents of Clearfield County and beyond to visit the almost 600-acre tract that became the latest addition to Moshannon State Forest following official county action late last year.

Donated by the county to DCNR for management under the Bureau of Forestry, the Camp Wopsononock property is a former Boy Scout camp in Gulich Township, Clearfield County, and borders Cambria County, just north of Tyrone.

“Graced with several natural springs and a large pond, numerous hiking trails and an important plant community, this tract is among the largest and most ecologically intact forest areas in southeastern Clearfield County,” said Dunn. “I encourage residents of the Clearfield County area to take advantage of the coming spring weather and hike and explore these new and diverse state forestlands.”

Dunn thanked Clearfield County’s Board of Commissioners and the Clearfield County Municipal Services and Recreation Authority, former owner of the land, for working closely with DCNR’s legal counsel and its bureaus of Forestry and Recreation and Conservation to effect the ownership change.

The Bureau of Recreation and Conservation had approved a grant for the tract’s purchase in 1986, and suggested it be donated to the Bureau of Forestry to comply with grant terms.

“Much of this area was appreciated by those who already utilized what was offered -- hikers and hunters, horseback riders, campers and other outdoors enthusiasts,” Dunn noted. “These diverse recreational uses are an excellent match with Moshannon State Forest and the Bureau of Forestry’s mission.”

“This is an exceptionally beautiful, high-quality forest,” said Moshannon State Forest District Forester John Hecker. “We are excited that the county has entrusted us with its stewardship, and we look forward to meeting with users and communities in developing future plans.”

With this latest acquisition, a total of 27,769 acres has been added to the statewide state forest system under Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration.

The Moshannon State Forest District’s 578-acre acquisition brings its total acreage to more than 190,600 acres on the Allegheny Plateau. The state forest derives its name from “Moss-hanne,” or "moose stream," the Native American description of the waterway that runs through the area.

Moshannon State Forest District lies primarily in Clearfield, Elk, and Centre counties, with small tracts in Cameron and Clinton counties. Moshannon is one of eight state forests in the Pennsylvania Wilds region.

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2/29/2016