This project, which focuses on private lands in priority areas in PA, was funded by a 2020 grant from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation that RGS, PA Game Commission, the American Bird Conservancy, and the Indiana University of PA have been implementing together.
The Laurel Highlands and PA Wilds Birdscapes project is a logical expansion of RGS’ and our partners’ previous Laurel Highlands and PA Wilds Dynamic Forest Restoration Block (DFRB) Projects. Based on success of past projects this is modelled after (Central Appalachian Habitat Stewardship and Delaware River Restoration Grants, specifically, the Delaware River Dynamic Forest Blocks and Pennsylvania Wilds efforts) the Principals (Dr. Ben Jones- the Ruffed Grouse Society, and John Taucher-Pennsylvania Game Commission) are expanding this effective model to all private woodland owners within the Laurel Highlands and PA Wilds Birdscapes.
The landscape will anchor off successful work on eight DFRB’s and expand onto privately owned woodlands with the intent to address forest health by increasing structural diversity of the forest. This project will fund management activities identified in existing plans to maximize implementation impact.
Consulting foresters will be engaged to overcome challenges faced by traditional family woodland owners, such as upfront costs to address invasive species. We will continue to coordinate with NRCS to direct consulting foresters and landowners to traditional Farm Bill programs, however this proposal will provide another tool in the toolbox for address the complexities for health forest management.
