Autumn Shows the Beauty of Change!
Autumn Shows the Beauty of Change!
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources logo
Forest Focus
The Bureau of Forestry Newsletter
Fall 2023
A view of a forested horizon in autumn with blue sky and white clouds over tree tops.
Pine Hill Vista Trail in Pinchot State Forest

Autumn Shows the Beauty of Change!

Welcome to the DCNR Bureau of Forestry’s fall 2023 edition of Forest Focus! In this issue, readers will meet the new State Forester, Seth Cassell, and learn about the development of the Bureau of Forestry's latest strategic plan.
Other articles include a look at extended wildfire seasons, forest carbon management, invasive species, and other interesting information.
If you haven't already, be sure to sign up to continue receiving Forest Focus!
A long-distance view of forested hillsides under blue, partly cloudy skies.

Forests for All: A Plan for Pennsylvania's Forests and People

Today, the forests and people of Pennsylvania are facing new and increasingly more complex challenges – from invasive insects and diseases, to public health crises, to changing climate.
Alongside its partners, peers, and public, the bureau has been developing a new strategic plan that establishes a vision for the Bureau of Forestry and defines its new mission focused on connecting with people and stewarding forest resources.
Learn More
USDA Forest Carbon infographic

Forest Carbon Management

Forests have long been recognized as natural climate change solutions due to their amazing ability to convert carbon dioxide into living tissues like leaves, bark, stems, and roots.
Through photosynthesis, trees sequester carbon and store it for hundreds of years (or longer). 
Learn More
A line of fire burns through a forested area at night.

Extended Wildfire Season in Pennsylvania

Although wildfires occur naturally and play a long-term role in the health of some ecosystems, changing wildfire patterns threaten to upset the status quo.
Multiple studies have found that climate change is leading to an increase in wildfire season length, wildfire frequency, and total burned area. 
Learn More
A Spongy moth caterpillar feeds on foliage.

What Can We Do About the Spongy Moth Outbreak?

Unfortunately, 2024 is predicted to be another bad year for Spongy moth (formerly known as “gypsy moth”) defoliation.
This will be the third consecutive year of heavy defoliation in Pennsylvania, with outbreak levels in 2022, 2023, and again predicted for 2024. 
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Forestry in Brief
Access the following links for the latest updates from the Bureau of Forestry.

From the
Pinchot Desk 

Seth Cassell, State Forester


I'm grateful and honored for the opportunity to serve the Commonwealth as State Forester.
Our forests, trees and native wild plants are so important to people and communities, and the work of our Bureau of Forestry team and its partners to conserve and steward them is more critical than ever.
As we go into the holidays and the New Year, please enjoy this issue of Forest Focus.
I hope to see you in 2024! 
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Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

The Research Report: Scientific Studies Inform Best Practices


What do you do when you have a question? You search for answers.
Scientific research helps the Bureau of Forestry answer questions and helps guide stewardship of the Commonwealth's trees, forests, and native wild plants.  
This Research Report focuses on pollinator roles in forest regeneration and the compounding impacts of non-native herbivore invaders.
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Danielle Rihel, Watershed Forestry Specialist, DCNR Bureau of Forestry

Forces of Nature

Employee Spotlight

Feature
Meet Danielle Rihel, Watershed Forestry Specialist! .
This Employee Spotlight provides space to recognize our conservation colleagues and the ongoing hard work that happens within the Bureau of Forestry everyday.
Dedication and committment to achieving our mission make us all forces of nature!
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Forest Friday Logo

The Best of Forest Fridays!


Each Friday, the Bureau of Forestry provides a unique and informative article on a forest related topic.
You will find the best Forest Fridays from the previous quarter, highlighted here.
If you would like to receive the weekly Forest Fridays email, please send us an email.
Learn More
Website
www.dcnr.pa.gov 
 Email
PaForester@pa.gov
 Phone Number
717-787-2703       
Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry | PO Box 8552 | Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552
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