In the Know: Resources for Forest Landowners

Owning a piece of Pennsylvania's forestland can be a bit like bringing that first baby into the family - those who have been around babies much of their lives feel pretty comfortable and confident that they know what to do; those who haven't desperately wish their little ones came with instructions. Fortunately, there's a lot of help both for new parents and for woodland owners.

The Center for Private Forests at Penn State, Penn State Forestry and Wildlife Extension

Forestry and wildlife information and educational programs for woodland owners provided through publications, articles, workshops, conferences, learn now videos, short courses, and research. Their focus is to help people make informed decisions that improve their well-being and ensure healthy, sustainable forests.

Find the Center for Private Forests:
Email: PrivateForests@psu.edu
Facebook: Center for Private Forests at Penn State
Instagram: @privateforests

Find Penn State Extension:
Email: RNRext@psu.edu

Pennsylvania DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Information, technical guidance, and assistance to woodland owners. Each county has a service forester who can, on request and as schedules allow, examine woodlands, make management recommendations, review existing stewardship plans, monitor activities for federal cost-share programs, and give advice on woodland issues. No charge for these services.

Find Pennsylvania DCNR Bureau of Forestry
To find your county's service forester, click on Service Foresters List (PDF).

Many other federal, state, and county agencies can provide information, technical and financial assistance, and professional expertise to forest landowners. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides cost-sharing funds and resources for a variety of practices that promote good forest stewardship. The Pennsylvania Game Commission assists landowners with wildlife management, including deer impact, and has wildlife diversity biologists who can work with forest landowners to develop wildlife habitat conservation plans.

Many organizations provide opportunities for landowners to join with others in their region or who share similar interests, building a robust community to encourage, equip, and motivate one another in the care of their land. These include these quarterly Forest Leaves contributors: Pennsylvania Forestry Association, Pennsylvania Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee, and the Pennsylvania Tree Farm Committee. Also, be sure to check out the many Pennsylvania woodland owners associations.

More details of stewardship-related services provided by public agencies and private organizations are in the Forest Stewardship publication, Sources of Information and Guidance for Forest Stewards. To receive a free copy, email or call 1-814-863-0401 with your name and mailing address, or download the PDF.