06/11/2018
Harrisburg, PA – A veteran of the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resource’s Bureau of Forestry has been
appointed state forester and will serve as director of the bureau.
 |
| Ellen Shultzabarger |
Ellen M.
Shultzabarger, who has worked for 14 years in various positions in the Bureau
of Forestry, begins as the bureau director starting today.
“The
director plays a critical role in the daily operations of the Bureau of
Forestry, a vital role as state forester in national forest management issues,
and also is an integral part of the leadership team of the department,” DCNR
Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “In Ellen, we have found someone with proven
leadership abilities, a vision for the bureau and the department, and a strong
natural science background. She is a
strong communicator, respected among her colleagues and works in a
collaborative way to achieve the goals of the bureau and further the mission of
the agency.”
Shultzabarger,
41, takes over the reins of Pennsylvania’s state forest system -- one of the
largest in the nation that is certified as well managed to ensure its future
health.
The DCNR
Bureau of Forestry manages 2.2 million acres of state forestland, conserves native
wild plants, and promotes stewardship of all of the commonwealth’s forest
resources for values including sustained yields of timber; clean water; plant
and wildlife biodiversity and habitat; and wild character.
Some of the
opportunities and challenges facing Pennsylvania’s forests and the bureau in
the coming years include addressing the impacts of invasive species and
diseases; stewardship of private forest lands; assessing recreational needs and
opportunities; managing activities related to energy and rights-of-ways;
adaptation planning for future climate change; and elevating the values of
forests and trees.
Shultzabarger
is the first woman to hold the position of state forester and bureau director
since the creation about 125 years ago of what is now the DCNR Bureau of
Forestry.
“I am truly
excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead a talented group of
forestry and natural resources professionals to sustainably manage the forests
of Pennsylvania to assure long-term viability of working forests, both public
and private,” Shultzabarger said. “I will strive to connect people to the
outdoors, manage the state forests entrusted to us, and increase awareness of
the importance and benefits of trees and forests.”
Shultzabarger
has worked for the bureau in a variety of positions, with the most recent being
the Chief of Conservation Science and Ecological Resources. During her tenure
at DCNR, she has led a number of highly visible projects that span all aspects
of its work, including oil and gas management; restoration and monitoring;
wildlife management; invasive species; and recreation planning.
Before
beginning work for DCNR in 2004, Shultzabarger served with the Massachusetts
Division of Fish and Wildlife, Tufts University and several local and national
non-profit conservation organizations.
Shultzabarger
graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in Natural
Resources. She also received a graduate certification in Urban Environmental
Planning and Policy from Tufts University.
Shultzabarger
lives in Lancaster with her husband Brian and their two children.
For more
information on the DCNR Bureau of Forestry or Pennsylvania’s 2.2-million acre
state forest system, visit the DCNR website at www.dcnr.pa.gov.
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