Square Timber Wild Area Designated an Old Growth Forest

Elk State Forest 

 Pennsylvania 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. Brian Kane, Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager with the Old-Growth Forest Network said “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 at: 

https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/GoodNatured/pages/Article.aspx

https://www.facebook.com/elkstateforest