Shapiro Administration Marks 1 Billion Board Foot of Sustainably Harvested Timber

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has reached a milestone in its long-term management of Pennsylvania's public forests, with 1 billion board feet of timber sustainably harvested from state forest lands since the agency's Bureau of Forestry established a harvest allocation model in 2004. The milestone was marked today at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum in Potter County.

"One billion board feet of sustainably harvested timber is enough to circle the Earth about 8 times - that is a lot of lumber!" said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. "It is an important milestone for Pennsylvania and a testament to the Bureau of Forestry's long-term commitment to responsible forest management. We can be proud of this achievement while recognizing that our work continues. We have a responsibility to balance timber production with protecting forest health, wildlife habitat, water resources, and public access so Pennsylvania's forests remain healthy and productive for generations to come."

In 2004, DCNR's Bureau of Forestry established a Harvest Allocation Model to guide timber harvesting over the long term on state forest lands. The model helps the agency manage timber production within sustainable limits while supporting broader forest management goals outlined in the State Forest Resource Management Plan. Additionally, DCNR's Forests for All - A Plan for Pennsylvania's Forests and People outlines the Bureau of Forestry's priorities for managing healthy, resilient forests, engaging the public, and sustaining Pennsylvania's forest resources for future generations.