Harrisburg, Pennsylvania -- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources State Forester Seth Cassell announced that the Bureau of Forestry will hold a virtual town hall meeting to share perspectives and receive feedback on its draft plan: Forests for All: A Plan for Pennsylvania’s Forests and People.
“DCNR is committed to its mission of stewarding the Commonwealth’s natural resources for future generations and we want to engage the public before finalizing this plan to maintain the Commonwealth’s forests and native wild plants,” Cassell said. “We are hopeful that the public uses this opportunity to learn more about the future of Pennsylvania’s forests and to provide feedback to the department on this important plan.
The public town hall will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
Registration is required for the event and town hall participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the strategic plan.
The strategic plan draft outlines a vision and mission for the future of the Commonwealth’s forests and its people rooted in strengthening the ecosystem management foundations laid by the agency and growing in its connections with people and communities.
The current plan outlines five goals in support of that vision and mission.
The plan is currently undergoing review and finalization and is subject to change.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is using the town hall to connect with Pennsylvanians in a real-time environment.
Comments provided during the meeting will not be collected as official public comment; however, the agency will collect public comment on the plan at a later date.
Nearly 60 percent of the Commonwealth is covered by quality hardwood forests.
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry manages 2.2 million acres of state forestlands in 50 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
Staff from the bureau also provide guidance and assist private forest owners with planning and management of 15 million acres of private forestlands.
Visit the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ website for more information about Pennsylvania forests and check out the department’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.