The Plan To Protect Pennsylvania Forests

About 60% of the state is covered by forest, a canopy that filters air and water, provides jobs, and enriches our lives.

But unfortunately, climate change is fated to hurt our Pennsylvania wilds with the spread of invasive plants, loss of species diversity, and insect outbreaks. So what can be done to help Pennsylvania forests in the next decade?

Forestry officials are working out strategies for long-term sustainability. It’s a part of the Pennsylvania Forest Action Plan, which will receive funding from the next federal farm bill. This huge spending plan focuses on agriculture, nutrition, and conservation, and it’s just one of the many priorities competing for floor time in Congress right now.

Every state has a Forest Action Plan with analyses of forest conditions and health trends in public, private, rural, and urban land. We’re a part of the Northeast-Midwest Region.

In total, the farm bill is expected to cost $725 billion over five years and $1.5 trillion over 10 years. Time is ticking: the bill expires on Sept. 30.

Want to help the local tree canopy? Donate to Tree Pittsburgh or attend their Arbor Aid event this Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.