Sustaining Penn's Woods Background

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When we influence the forest ecosystem, we must ensure that our actions are not detrimental to the forest's long-term health and environmental quality.

Proper forest management helps ensure that whenever we influence the forest ecosystem, our actions are not detrimental to the forest's long-term health and environmental quality. Since forest ecosystems are dynamic, the best management strategies work with, rather than against, natural changes.

Silviculture involves tending forests and establishing new ones. It is the theory and practice of controlling species composition, growth and regeneration by following principles of ecology and economics to reach management objectives.

A variety of federal and state laws and regulations govern timber harvesting to: Forest Management

protect land and water
protect highways and bridges
protect workers and property owners
protect wildlife and sites of historical and other significance.

All earth disturbance activities must comply with the Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law. Regardless of the size, these activities must have a plan to minimize erosion and prevent sediment pollution.

No single silvicultural or harvesting method is best for all woodlands or landowners.

Learn more about Best Management Practices and Harvesting Types.

The information on this page is taken directly from the "Sustaining Penn’s Woods" curriculum. This fact sheet has been reviewed and approved by the PA Department of Education.

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