Bureau of Forestry

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry is dedicated to ensuring the long-term health, viability, and productivity of Pennsylvania's forests while conserving native wild plants. As the state's lead forest conservancy agency, the Bureau of Forestry provides leadership and advocacy on issues related to forest management, trees, and native plants.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Forest Fire Management:

- The bureau is responsible for extinguishing wildfires on both public and private lands, assisting in the suppression of approximately 600 wildfires annually across 6,000 acres in the Commonwealth. They also educate the public about wildfire risks and train volunteers and local fire companies in wildfire suppression.

2. Forest Health and Conservation:

- The bureau monitors and manages destructive forest insects and diseases, coordinating statewide suppression efforts for invasive species like the gypsy moth. It also conserves Pennsylvania’s diverse native plant communities and classifies the status of the state's 3,000 native wild plant species, with over 500 being state-listed as rare, threatened, or endangered.

3. Public Outreach and Education:

- The Bureau of Forestry is actively involved in public outreach, providing credible information about forest conditions to industry, academia, other government agencies, and conservation organizations. Topics range from woodlot management to urban tree planting.

4. Forest Land Management:

- Approximately 70% of Pennsylvania's forest land is privately owned. The bureau offers leadership and technical assistance for the conservation and management of these lands. The state forest system, comprising 2.2 million acres across 48 counties, is managed with an ecosystem approach to provide a multitude of uses and values.

5. Water Quality and Ecosystem Services:

- The state forest system serves as a vital source for municipal drinking water and high-quality coldwater streams. The bureau also coordinates tree planting along streams on private land to enhance water quality in Pennsylvania waterways and the Chesapeake Bay.

6. Sustainable Harvesting and Natural Gas Management:

- The bureau sustainably harvests approximately 15,000 acres annually within the state forest system to provide wood products, create wildlife habitats, and enhance forest health. It also manages natural gas activities on 700,000 acres, working to minimize environmental impacts.

7. Recreation and Infrastructure:

- Citizens enjoy a variety of recreational activities within the state forest system, including hiking, camping, hunting, and snowmobiling. The bureau maintains thousands of miles of trails and infrastructure to ensure quality recreational experiences.

Leadership:

Seth Cassell currently serves as the Pennsylvania State Forester and Director of the Bureau of Forestry, overseeing the department from the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg, PA.