On May 10 and 11, 2013 at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona, nearly 500 of Pennsylvania’s forest landowners, resource professionals and service providers converged to share a learning experience unprecedented in the state.

Imagine all the possibilities for learning when people who share a common interest - stewarding the forest - come together to share ideas and opportunities! It was billed as the Private Forest Landowner Conference: The Future of Penn's Woods and was organized by the Center for Private Forests at Penn State and a suite of cooperators.

The list of presentations was substantial and covered fifteen tracks, including: Forest Finance, Forest Legacy, Forest History, Backyard Woods, Forest Recreation, Woods Wildlife, Forest Health, Tending and Management, Landowner Resources, Wood Products, Making Your Woods Accessible, Forests and Water, Aesthetics and Biodiversity, and Forest Policy and Advocacy. In total, in a day and a half, participants had the opportunity to choose from among ninety-nine presentations during nine concurrent sessions. There was something for every participant's interest.

The exhibitors were equally diverse and ranged from consultants to financial institutions to conservancies to landowner resource groups and everything in between. There were even demonstrations featuring a portable sawmill, charcoal making and the "WoodMobile." These booths alone were worth the price of admission.

It was truly rewarding to be part of this event; to see the enthusiasm participants shared with each other; to hear them talk about what they learned, their experiences, and their love for their land.

2013 Conference Key Note Speakers
2013 Private Forest Landowners Conference Program Guide

The program guide enables participants to see what activities and seminars were available at the conference. The guide includes a letter from the Director of The Center for Private Forests at Penn State, Jim Finley, information about our Keynote Speakers, presentation descriptions and their speakers, and the Conference Committee.

2013 Private Forest Landowner Conference Photos

James C. Finley Center for Private Forests

Address

416 Forest Resources Building
University Park, PA 16802

James C. Finley Center for Private Forests

Address

416 Forest Resources Building
University Park, PA 16802