Learn About Maple Syrup Production

Ever thought about making your own maple syrup?  Now is your chance to learn during the peak of the sugar run!  On Saturday, March 19th beginning at 9:30 AM at the Millheim Fire Company, Millheim, PA you can join the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA), Penn State's Shavers Creek Environmental Center, and Macneal Orchards and Sugarbush for a day of indoor and outdoor activities. 

Learn each step involved in maple syrup production, from tree identification to boiling, grading, and packaging finished syrup for market.  Forest management strategies to promote "sugar bush" health and productivity will also be provided.

For registration details and/or read the full story click here.

Pennsylvania Lifts Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine

On Friday, February 18, 2011 the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced that it will be lifting the Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine concerning the in-state transport of ash materials and all hardwood firewood will be lifted beginning Aprill 15th.  Teh federal quarantine will remain in effect to help stop the spread into other states.  The wood industry in Pennsylvania will greatly benefit from these changes.

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture today announced that the state Emerald Ash Borer quarantine restricting the in-state movement of ash materials and all hardwood firewood will be lifted April 15. However, a federal quarantine remains in effect.

The Emerald Ash Borer is a highly invasive, wood-boring beetle that kills ash trees and poses a threat to the state’s $25 billion hardwoods industry.

“Lifting our quarantine will allow free movement on Emerald Ash Borer-regulated materials within Pennsylvania,” said acting Agriculture Secretary George Greig. “As Emerald Ash Borer has moved rapidly across the state, the in-state quarantine restrictions no longer serve a productive purpose.”

Because of the beetle’s aggressive movement across Pennsylvania, the in-state quarantine – initially intended to slow the pest’s spread – is now unnecessary. 

To read the full story click here.

For detailed information on the Emerald Ash Borer click here.

(Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, February 18, 2011)

Announcing the White-tailed Deer Management Webinar Series

Penn State Natural Resources Extension in partnership with the Quality Deer Management Association and the Penn State School of Forest Resources Web Seminar Center announces the White-tailed Deer Management Webinar Mini-Series.  A series of three webinars will be provided “live” at noon and 7:00 PM the third Tuesday of each month beginning in March and running through May.  Each will last approximately one hour.

March 15, 2011 - Implementing a Successful Deer Management Program
Presentation will discuss different deer management strategies and provide real-world examples of how to manage whitetails. It specifically addresses antlered and antlerless deer management on public land, private land, and on small ownerships. Presented by Kip Adams, Certified Wildlife Biologist and Northern Director of Education and Outreach, Quality Deer Management Association.

April 19 - White-tailed Deer Breeding Biology and Communication
Following a year in the life of a whitetail buck this presentation will discuss dispersal, home range, and movement patterns; physical changes a buck experiences from 1.5 years of age to maturity; how deer communicate during the breeding season; and how hunters can use this information to improve management. Presented by Kip Adams, Certified Wildlife Biologist and Northern Director of Education and Outreach, Quality Deer Management Association.

May 17 - Providing Quality Habitat for White-tailed Deer
Providing quality habitat for deer of all age classes is essential for any successful deer management program. This presentation will discuss vegetation management from a forest, old field and food plot perspective, and explain how each fits into an overall habitat management plan providing the necessary food and cover for each season of the year. Presented by Matt Ross, Certified Wildlife Biologist, Licensed Forester, and Certifications Program Manager, Quality Deer Management Association.

To register and take part in the live seminars or to view previously recorded webinars visit the Pennsylvania Forests Web Seminar Center registration page.

Harvesting Forest Renewables Sustainably

Came acrosse a great article that helps to clear up a lot of the controversy surrounding forest biomass harvesting.  It appeared in Biomass Power and Thermal magazine.

Harvesting woody biomass is ‘preventive medicine’ for our forests and just what the doctor ordered for timber-dependent communities.

The solution to some of America’s most pressing environmental, energy and economic challenges can quite literally be found at our feet. Sustainable harvesting of forest renewables (woody biomass) is “preventive medicine” for our forests, helping limit the number and severity of forest fires, reducing the habitat of destructive insects to help ensure that the healthiest trees thrive, and promoting the growth of healthier, stronger trees. In addition, it offers struggling communities a much-needed, new revenue stream and other social benefits.

To read the entire article click here.


By Mike Schmidt, Manager of Forestry Renewables, John Deere Construction & Forestry Division. January 25, 2011.

2011 - The International Year of the Forest

Did you know that 2011 is the International Year of the Forest?  The United Nations general assembly declared 2011 as the year of the forest to promote the important role forests play in our everyday lives and to promote sustainable management, conservation, and development of forests worldwide.  This effort is supported by the U.S. Forest Service, American Forest Foundation, and the National Association of State Foresters.  These agencies are working together to develope and facilitate plans for the U.S. celebration.

To raise awareness of the benefits of America’s forests, cooperating agencies have declared Saturday, May 21st as National Walk in the Woods Day.  The idea is to get your family, friends, elected officials, or a local youth group out in the woods!  The American Forest Foundation also provides a list of  other "Things You Can Do."  There are plans to put together some resources and a tool kit to help you plan other activities.

Click here for a calendar of Key Forest Related Events.