How important is forestry in Butler County?

The timber and forest products industry is one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the state employing more than 80,000 workers.

Of Butler County's 504,700 acres, forests account for more than 248,000 acres, which is more than 49 percent of the county's land. According to the most recent statistics, almost 92 percent of those acres are privately owned. The estimated value of the standing timber is more than $236 million.

The private landowner plays a key role in the stewardship of our forests. To assist landowners and other interested individuals in making educated decisions about the management of this valuable resource, Penn State Cooperative Extension and the Woodland Owners of Clarion Allegheny Valley are sponsoring the Forest Landowner's Conference on Feb. 21 in Fryburg, Clarion County. The program is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. and adjourn at 3:30 p.m.

The program will cover topics such as landowner programs, quality deer management, forest certification, and harvesting and processing lumber. Speakers include representatives of the DCNR Bureau of Forestry, Penn State Cooperative Extension, and private landowners.

Preregistration is requested. A fee of $15 per person will include lunch and all program materials. The deadline to register is Feb. 13.

For a copy of the program brochure and registration form, contact the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761 or e-mail butlerext@psu.edu.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, Extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.