Central Pennsylvania Forest Landowner Conference Announced

Penn State Cooperative Extension, in partnership with Penn State School of Forest Resources, DCNR Bureau of Forestry, and the Woodland Owners Association of Centre County are pleased to announce the 2010 Central Region Forest Landowners Conference. The conference is scheduled from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Saturday, February 27, 2010, at the Penn State School of Forest Resources Building, University Park, PA. This year the conference focuses on “What Every Forest Landowner Needs to Know.” Topics include: tree identification, maps and boundaries, timber sales, habitat enhancement, woodlot safety, insects and diseases, forest ecology, timber taxes, and others.

Pennsylvania has nearly 17 million acres of forests covering 60% of the state’s land area. The largest share of Pennsylvania’s forest is privately owned, accounting for more than 70% of the forested acres (12.5 million acres). Estimates put the number of private forest owners at more than 750,000. Families own forest for diverse reasons including values such as aesthetics, wildlife, privacy, and family legacy.

Pennsylvania’s forests support a forest products industry that is a key component of the state’s economy. The industry is the fourth largest in the state, employing over 90,000 workers in 2,500 firms and contributing more than 5 billion dollars to the state’s economy annually. Pennsylvania’s forests also provide habitat for a diversity of plants and wildlife. They are a source of beauty and serve as a place to recreate. Our forests also help to purify the air we breathe and the water we drink.

The forests of Pennsylvania are a renewable resource. Please plan to attend this year’s conference to learn how you can properly manage your forest to ensure it provides continued benefits into the future.

To register or for more information contact the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in Centre County at 814-355-4897 or e-mail CentreExt@psu.edu. The registration fee is $20.00 per person and includes presentations, a luncheon, and educational materials. The deadline for registration is Friday, February 20. Participants must be pre-registered. To download a copy of the conference brochure click here.