“Pennsylvania Perspectives” Allegheny SAF Winter Meeting February 11, 2011 Dan Devlin, State Forester Conserving Penn’s Woods

Pennsylvania’s forest Translates from Latin to “Penn’s Woods” Forests cover 60 percent of the state (historically 95 percent) Vital part of our heritage, culture, economy and environment

Our mission … T o ensure the long-term health, viability and productivity of the Commonwealth’s forest and to conserve native wild plants.

Mission Managing state forests under sound ecosystem management Retaining their wild character Maintaining biological diversity While providing … –pure water –opportunities for low-density recreation –habitats for forest plants and animals –sustained yields of quality timber –environmentally sound utilization of mineral resources. Bureau of Forestry will accomplish its mission by …

Mission Protecting forestlands, public and private, from damage and/or destruction by fires, insects, diseases and other agents. Bureau of Forestry will accomplish its mission by …

Mission Promoting forestry and the knowledge of forestry by advising and assisting other government agencies, communities, landowners, forest industry, and the general public in the wise stewardship and utilization of forest resources. Bureau of Forestry will accomplish its mission by …

Mission Protecting and managing native wild flora resources by determining status, classifying, and conserving native wild plants Bureau of Forestry will accomplish its mission by …

Pennsylvania’s forest The “big woods”

Pennsylvania’s forest Rural woodlots and forested ridges

Pennsylvania’s forest The community forest

Pennsylvania’s forest Urban Forests

One forest, two contexts …

Statewide Assessment & Strategy

Background USFS State & Private Forestry “Redesign” 2008 Farm Bill requirement –“Statewide Forest Resource Assessment and Strategy” –Completed June 2010

Main Components All ownerships Conditions and trends Priority issues Priority landscape areas Long-term strategies Stakeholder input

Plan Organization Assessment Benefits & Services Conditions & Trends Issues Landscape Areas Strategy Long-term (5+ yrs) Landscape Areas Stakeholders & collaboration Measures of success National Themes

Plan Organization Assessment Benefits & Services Conditions & Trends Issues / Strategies Landscape Areas Strategy Long-term (5+ yrs) Landscape Areas Stakeholders & collaboration Measures of success National Themes

Conditions and Trends Criteria and Indicators Analysis –Sustainability rating for 18 indicators –Baseline for future assessments –Generated much discussion sustainabilitywww.na.fs.fed.us/

Issues & Threats Land use Forest health Forest management Climate change Communicating natural resource values Energy development Wildland fire and public safety Plant and animal habitat Recreation and Quality of Life

Land Use Statewide forestland base relatively stable Regional differences Ownership patterns Land Development Energy

Land Use Strategies Easements and acquisitions Planning –Regional and municipal –Estate Revitalize communities Energy BMPs

Forest Health Myriad of stressors –Plants, insects, diseases, atmospheric, etc. Inadequate regeneration –Deer impacts

Forest Health Strategies Develop IPM plans for destructive agents Statewide monitoring process Identify high-risk habitats –Risk Maps Identify and conserve high- value hemlock landscapes

Forest Management Regeneration, species composition, structure Increasing timber volumes Certification Carbon / Biomass Urban forests

Forest Management Strategies Effective communications and outreach Engage in county/municipal planning efforts Promote sustainable forest management

Climate Change Data suggests climate is changing Already impacting ecosystems Increased susceptibility to stressors

Climate Change Strategies Identify species and communities at risk Promote forest diversity Promote urban tree cover

Communicating Natural Resource Values Increasing disconnect to natural world Children and nature Understanding what people care about

Communications Strategies Interpretive opportunities on state forest lands Utilize recreational interest to promote forest stewardship Coordinate messaging of forest values Enhance web presence –Social media

Energy Development Marcellus, wind, biomass, rights-of-way Forest fragmentation Forest conversion Wild character –Recreational conflicts & experiences

Energy Development Strategies Proactive approach Improved communication with industry Monitor impacts –Economic, environmental, social Implement BMPs Adapt with changing technologies

Wildland Fire and Public Safety Wildland/Urban Interface expanding Public awareness Prescribed fire

Wildfire Strategies Maintain suppression capacity –Train and equip volunteers Cooperate with other agencies Ensure safe use of prescribed fire –standards

Plant and Animal Habitat PA is a “keystone” state Habitat loss Fragmentation

Habitat Strategies Identify important habitats of species of concern Develop regional landscape plans Restore contiguous landscapes

Recreation and Quality of Life Important values People do not always see relationship to trees/forests Increasing conflicts

Recreation Strategies Visitor Use Monitoring Plan Enhance partnerships/planning Preserve backcountry experiences and wild character Connect quality-of-life to outdoor experiences

Looking at Landscapes Geographic variation Issues and opportunities change “brings people together”

Landscape Approach Sense of Place / Common issues People care about where they live & play “brings people together” – common goals Northeast Landscape Initiative –

Statewide Assessment What does this mean for us? Source of information Guidance for our work (similar to SFRMP) Mechanism for project funding Opportunities for collaboration Foundation for future efforts –Penn’s Woods, strategic plan

Website Link

Conclusions Forests are sustainable Facing major issues –Energy development –Ownership patterns –Public disconnect Landscape Approach

Thank you!