Still time to weigh in on state forest planning

There's still time to make sure officials know your thoughts on future management of Penn's Woods. Why are public lands important to you? 

Rock Run stream, Loyalsock State Forest

As we posted in a recent blog, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is taking citizen input on how it manages our state forests in twelve public meetings -- happening now -- on the Draft State Forest Resource Management Plan (SFRMP). 

The draft plan, last revised in 2007, is the main tool the Bureau of Forestry uses to manage Pennsylvania's approximately 2.2 million acre state forest system. 

At each public meeting, DCNR staff will take input in a small group setting and record your comments. In our previous blog post you'll find more details and a full meeting schedule through November 18.

Do you camp, fish, or hike in PA's forests? Are you concerned about the environmental impacts of unconventional gas development? What kinds of conservation issues are important to you in preserving our state forest system and its natural and recreational treasures? 

This is your chance to be part of the public process and help protect these special places -- like the Clarence Moore Lands of the Loyalsock State Forest, pictured above -- for future generations.

Upcoming meetings include October 29 in Clarion, November 3 in State College, November 10 in Carlisle, and November 12 in Williamsport. All meetings take place from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. and we have the full details and locations. 

Can't make a meeting? Written comments are also accepted through November 30 at StateForestPlan2015@pa.gov.

Kate Gibbons is Northeastern PA outreach coordinator and is based in Wilkes-Barre.