Harrisburg, Pennsylvania -- The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources today received the
Leadership Award from the
Forest Stewardship Council for 25 years of positive forest management.
The award comes as Governor Josh Shapiro has consistently worked to protect the Commonwealth’s rich environment and ensure Pennsylvanians’ Constitutional right to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the environment.
“The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is excited to celebrate this incredible honor, which highlights 25 years of management certification and the tremendous work of our Bureau of Forestry to be a national leader in forest conservation,”
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “These efforts ensure we have healthy, vibrant forests for wildlife habitat, sustainable forest products, and more. Congratulations to our Forestry staff for this well-deserved honor.”
In addition to receiving the award for 25 years of Forest Stewardship Council forest management certification, the Bureau of Forestry was credited with proving success across a wide range of forest conditions, multiple agencies, and evolving public expectations.
The Forest Stewardship Council is a trusted national and international forest certification organization and its leadership awards recognize uncommon excellence that advances responsible forest management and forest conservation.
“We are truly humbled and honored to receive this award and we intend to continue to be leaders in sustainably managing forestland and working to preserve natural spaces for future generations,"
State Forester Seth Cassell said. “I believe our team in the Bureau of Forestry is second to none. This award proves that our work and commitment to excellence is truly making a difference. Thank you to the Forest Stewardship Council for recognizing our work."
The Bureau of Forestry was among the 20 recipients of recognition in 2023, which follows a
successful audit announced last year.
Forests cover nearly 60 percent of the Commonwealth and
Pennsylvania’s Forest Action Plan focuses on an array of values including:
- Clean air and water
- Recreation opportunities
- Wood products
- Habitat for thousands of plants and animals
- Carbon storage
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is currently developing a strategic plan,
Forests for All: A Plan for Pennsylvania’s Forests and People (PDF), which outlines the 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 plan is currently undergoing review and finalization, and is subject to change.
The current plan outlines five goals in support of that vision and mission.
Pennsylvania’s state forest system extends into 50 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
It offers water and air purification, recreation, aesthetic beauty, plant and animal habitat, economic and societal benefits through provision of wood products, and environmentally sound utilization of mineral resources.
Pennsylvania is divided into 20 forest districts, responsible for protecting all forestland within their boundaries from fire, destructive insects and disease.
Visit the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ website for more information about
Pennsylvania’s state forests and check out the department’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.
MEDIA CONTACT: Wesley Robinson, 717-877-6315
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