“This project will create early structural habitat which has been declining on the Allegheny National Forest,” said Marienville District Ranger Rob Fallon. “This will help us continue to move towards achieving the Forest Plan objective of having eight percent of the lands in the early structural stage.”
The project proposes to:
— Harvest approximately 2,100 acres for timber. This will provide quality timber products that contribute to the local and regional economy, national forest officials said.
— Create wildlife openings that range in size from 85 to 197 acres in stands that have been hardest hit by beech bark disease. These openings will be designed to maintain or regenerate trees and provide habitat for a diversity of wildlife, according to officials.
— Place large woody debris in streams to provide cover and rearing areas for native brook trout and associated coldwater species.
— Treat up to 222 acres for invasive species.
“This is an important project because it will provide a diverse wildlife habitat for forage and cover; nesting sites, breeding areas and young-rearing habitat and quality hunting and fishing experiences,” said Fallon.
The draft decision notice, project information and maps are available at: http://http://www.fs.fed.us/nepa/fs-usda-pop.php/?project=37119.
More information about the project is available by contacting Kevin Treese, Marienville Planning Team Leader at (814) 927-5759 or ktreesefs.fed.us.