Conservation District Programs

Forest Management

Conservation districts work with forest land owners and timber harvesters to minimize erosion and sedimentation during silvicultural activities. They inspect timber harvesting operations for compliance with the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law.

Conservation districts also provide information and referral for forest land owners seeking information on forest management, the Forest Stewardship Program and forest land owners associations. They work in partnership with county governments, state government (PA Bureau of Forestry), federal government (US Forest Service), private industry, and other organizations to deliver information and services to forest land owners and managers and to cooperate on programs like PA StreamReLeaf, and the Conservation Reserve Program.

Conservation districts also provide training for foresters and timber harvesters in Erosion and Sedimentation Control on timber harvesting operations through their work with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. They also provide adult education through forestry demonstration projects in their local communities to show the benefits of good forestry and conservation practices and with youth through Youth Forestry Camps, Envirothon and other activities.