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People may wonder why trees are harvested on state forest lands, and the reasons are many:
During the four-year period from 2017 through 2020, DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry harvested timber on an average of over 12,600 acres per year.
While that may seem like a big number, it represents only about half of one percent of total state forest land.
State forest timber is selected for harvest in accordance with the State Forest Resource Management Plan, and when it meets the criteria set forth in the bureau’s Harvest Allocation Model.
This model considers an array of factors, like:
Some timber harvests are done in response to factors independent of the model criteria. An example is the salvage harvest, which is implemented after an insect outbreak kills trees, or a storm blows down a forest stand.
Salvaging timber lost to insects or storms utilizes timber resources that would otherwise be left to decay.
The management of state forests (including timber harvests) meets the criteria for third-party certification by both the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).
Meeting the rigorous standards set forth by the FSC and SFI ensures that timber harvests on state forest lands are sustainable and environmentally appropriate.
After timber is harvested, the forest floor receives newly abundant sunshine. Energy from the sun stimulates the germination of seed and fuels the growth of shade-intolerant plants, many of which are favored by wildlife that are dependent on early successional forests.
The flush of growth on the forest floor is a boon to many game species like rabbits, deer, turkeys, and ruffed grouse. Non-game species — like certain songbirds and predators — also benefit from periodical timber harvests.
DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry typically utilizes a silvicultural approach called shelterwood. The shelterwood harvest method leaves a sufficient number of mature, healthy trees to serve as seed sources and protection for a new generation of trees.
Also, if the situation dictates, foresters may prescribe deer fencing as well as the removal of competing or undesirable species to encourage optimal forest regeneration. Even in salvage situations, DCNR takes measures to be sure a healthy forest will grow once again.
Harvesting trees on state forest lands provides many benefits to the forest ecosystem and people. Forests are a renewable resource, and young forests are valuable for a variety of reasons. The sustainable harvest methods DCNR uses ensures the future of the natural resources while providing maximum benefit.
If you own forestland, you may have considered selling your timber at some point. Selling timber can provide income, and if done properly, can actually be good for your forested land.
If you are thinking about selling your timber, be sure to follow these tips:
Author: Guest Contributor
The Pennsylvania Wilds is home to more than 2 million acres of public land, 50 state game lands, 29 state parks, 8 state forests, 2 National Wild & Scenic Rivers, abundant wildlife, hundreds of miles of land and water trails, some of the darkest skies in the country, and the largest elk herd in the northeast.
The PA Wilds team is grateful to share the many stories of this region through the words and images of our talented guest contributors.