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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    Swinging Bridge Replacement on JP Saylor Trail

    August 8, 2026: Please be advised that work replacing the swinging bridge on the JP Saylor Trail in Ogle Township has resumed. 

    The contractor will continue improving the access trail and remove the old bridge prior to constructing a new, safer bridge. 

     The area of the existing bridge will be off limits to the public during construction to ensure safety. 

    Access to the middle ridge loop of the JP Saylor Trail can be gained by crossing Shade Creek upstream from the bridge utilizing natural stones.  

    Strip Road and Strip Mine Road Advisory

    Strip Road and Strip Mine Road in the Babcock Division near Windber are experiencing an increase in heavy truck traffic due to a major wind farm maintenance project. 

    Caution should be used due to the increase in traffic volume and winter road conditions can change rapidly. 

    This project is expected to continue into the fall of 2026.

    Chronic Wasting Disease

    Chronic Wasting Disease, which is an always fatal disease to deer and elk, has been detected in Gallitzin State Forest.

    Hunters should be aware of special rules and regulations that apply to deer harvested within the Disease Management Area. It is recommended that those deer be tested for the disease.

    More information about chronic wasting disease can be found on the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture websites.

    In addition, the Pennsylvania Game Commission provides information about deer processors in the Disease Management Area.

    Don’t Move Firewood

    To help protect the forest from invasive insects that can kill trees and devastate the ecosystem, please do not transport firewood over long distances.

    Firewood can harbor insects such as emerald ash borer. Cut or purchase your fir​ewood where you intend to burn it.