The Nature Conservancy Expands Forest Outreach Program
Source: The Nature Conservancy
July 24, 2007
Forester to work with private landowners on forest restoration for wildlife and improve economic return from timber harvests
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA — July 24, 2007 — The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania today announced it is expanding its forest outreach program to assist private forest landowners in the protection, management and restoration of high-quality ecologic and economic values of private forestland.
“Pennsylvania is known for its high-quality timber industry and large intact forests that provide thousands of good jobs for our residents and that serve as a tremendous resource for wildlife and recreational activities,” said Bill Kunze, state director for The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania. “With more than 11 million acres of state forest in private ownership, it was critical for Pennsylvania and our mission to have experts on staff who can assist landowners with best management practices that protect our natural resources and provide a sustainable income to those who depend on its harvest.”
Michael Eckley, a certified American Tree Farm inspector, joined the Nature Conservancy as the Pennsylvania Chapter’s first outreach forester and will be based in Central Pa. focusing on the Appalachian forest areas. Prior to joining the Conservancy, he most recently worked with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources - Division of Forestry and the Virginia Department of Forestry. Eckley holds a master’s degree in forest management from the University of Maine.
Pennsylvania is the nation's leading producer of hardwood lumber. Approximately 58 percent of Pa. – 16.6 million acres – is forested, with 61 percent in private ownership, according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Pennsylvania is home to more than 3,000 forest product companies, employing nearly 92,000 individuals, According to the state Department of Agriculture. The timber industry contributes $5 billion to the state’s annual economy.
“With so much of Penn’s Woods in private ownership and so many families dependent on sustainable harvest management for their livelihoods, it is an ecologic and economic necessity to help forest landowners use sustainable forest management tools that are used throughout the U.S. and around the world,” said Dylan Jenkins, director of Forest Conservation for the Nature Conservancy in Pa. “For lands that are not publicly owned or already designated as a preserve, we’ve found the best conservation strategy is to demonstrate to landowners the value of what they have or could have through proper forest management. By working with willing landowners on a voluntary basis, we can help landowners earn a sustainable income from their forests while balancing their needs with the needs of the plants and animals that help keep nature healthy and contribute economic returns to the community.”
Jenkins added that maintaining or restoring a healthy forest provides benefits well beyond those afforded to the landowner. Intact forests help offset carbon emissions, act as filters along water ways to reduce nutrient runoff to protect drinking water, and provide essential habitat to migratory species and game animals.
“People, plants and animals around the world depend on healthy lands and waters for survival,” said Kunze. “By working with private landowners and local communities, we can achieve lasting, measurable results in Pennsylvania.”
