Spanning more than 5,600 acres within Elk State Forest, these woodlands mark Cameron County's first designated old-growth forest.
Emporium, PA – Today, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Deputy Secretary John Norbeck joined Old-Growth Forest Network leadership to announce the induction of Elk State Forest's Square Timber Wild Area into the national Old-Growth Forest Network, an organization that connects people with nature by creating a national network of protected, mature, and publicly accessible native forests.
This is Cameron County's first designated old-growth forest. Square Timber Wild Area spans more than 5,600 acres and features a variety of tree species including stands of dry oak-heath, red oak mixed hardwood, northern hardwood, gray birch, white pine, and red maple forests.
“I am excited to celebrate the induction of the Square Timber Wild Area into the Old-Growth Forest Network," said Norbeck. “This important designation is critical in helping the public understand the value of our forests, especially our older forests, and the value they add to ensuring we have clean air and water. Thank you to The Old-Growth Forest Network for continuing its mission of highlighting these special natural areas."
Located in Elk State Forest, Square Timber Wild Area is so named because the first timber harvested was hewn into square timbers. It is also known for a log loading record on January 30, 1905, when 51 cars were loaded with 711 logs totaling 170,000 board feet in six-hours, 59 minutes. Elk State Forest derives its name from the great numbers of elk that once thrived in the area. It encompasses almost 217,000 acres of northern hardwood and mixed oak forest located in Elk, Cameron, Potter, and McKean counties. The state forest is located in the Pennsylvania Wilds, offering year-round outdoor experiences that truly make Pennsylvania – The Great American Getaway.
"Pennsylvania leads the nation in the designation of protected old-growth forests inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network," said Brian Kane, Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager with the Old-Growth Forest Network. “The Commonwealth shows a remarkable continuity in identifying and safeguarding these rare and important forests. Square Timber will continue to mature and grow in its ecological value over time and provide great ecological and cultural value to the Cameron County region."
All forests are essential to a healthy ecosystem, but old-growth forests are particularly valuable for their unique structure. They retain more carbon and nitrogen than younger forests, improving water and air quality. For more information about old-growth forests, visit DCNR's website.
Founded in 2012 by Dr. Joan Maloof, OGFN currently includes over 257 forests across 39 states. The network also educates the public about the ecological benefits of old-growth forests and speaks out regarding immediate threats to specific ancient forests. Learn more on OGFN's website.
Visit DCNR's website for more information about Elk State Forest and check out DCNR's Calendar of Events for happenings on public lands.
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