PFA: Banquet Recap and Pennsylvania Forestry News

40th Annual Conservation Banquet

What a wonderful time this year! I want to personally thank all the volunteers and participants of the 40th Annual PFA Conservation Banquet and Fundraiser. The Brush Mountain bluegrass put everyone in the mood for a good time and set the stage for a good old-fashioned Pennsylvania "Bidding War" in both the live and silent auctions. Congratulations to all the raffle and drawdown winners. The top three winners were James Tomanelli, third place $500 winner; Scott Cummings, second place $1,000 winner; and Lori Hill, who did a brief dance of excitement as the grand prize winner of $10,000! Several changes were made this year to the process and layout of the event. We will be meeting soon to review our notes and begin planning the 2026 event, so please feel free to send us your constructive feedback.

Penn State Mont Alto Campus Closure

As many are already aware, Penn State Mont Alto (PSMA) is one of seven Penn State campuses announced to close in 2027. As the first forestry school in the state (originally the Forest Academy), the history of forestry education at Mont Alto is significant. All of us in the greater forest community benefit from the education PSMA provides to both its students and through public outreach. If you are compelled to support the PSMA Forestry Program, please contact your state legislators.

PA Forest Industry Report

The Hardwood Development Council (HDC) is spearheading a project to document and address the current challenges and opportunities related to Pennsylvania's forest and wood products industry. Pennsylvania’s forest products industry is faced with significant challenges with market declines, tariffs, and reduction in workforce. To address these challenges, HDC is collaborating with partners (including PFA) to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to strengthen and enhance Pennsylvania's forest industry. The final document, Advancing Pennsylvania's Forest and Wood Products Industry, will be completed in 2025. It is aimed at providing a snapshot of our forest products industry and a roadmap on how to develop and attract new opportunities.

Association of Consulting Foresters (ACF) National Conference

The Penn Chapter of ACF had the honor of hosting the 2025 National Conference in Lancaster, PA June 21–24. The conference theme is “Penn’s Woods: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going.” The conference was open to members and non-members and promised to be a fun and educational look at the history and future of forestry in this great commonwealth and beyond. More information can be found on the ACF National Conference website.

I hope these warm days renew your outdoor spirit and bring joy to you and yours. If Krista, Daisy, and I missed you last year…l hope to bump into you this year out on the trail in the splendor of Penn’s Woods!

For more information about PFA, visit their website or call 800-835-8065.

Written by Matt Sampson, PFA President.