KANE — The Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum set for Oct. 3 will feature a state forester, who will speak about resources, public perceptions, impacts and trends in the state forests of Pennsylvania.
Ellen Shultzabarger, state forester of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry.
The title of Shultzabarger’s presentation is “Pennsylvania’s Forests: Looking Forward.” The forum will be held on Oct. 3 at Grandma Bair’s Conference Center in Kane.
Shultzabarger obtained her B.S. in natural resources from Ohio State University and then completed her graduate work, receiving a certification in urban environmental planning and policy from Tufts University. Prior to starting work with the Pennsylvania DCNR in 2004, she worked with the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife, Tufts University, and several local and national non-profit conservation organizations. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Lancaster.
Prior to being promoted to state forester, Shultzabarger worked as the chief of conservation science and ecological resources. She gained experience in oil and gas management, restoration and monitoring, wildlife management, invasive species and recreation planning while serving in DCNR.
The DCNR manages 2.2 million acres of state forest, oversees forest fire management, forest insect and disease control, conservation of Pennsylvania’s native plants, including the Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Index and is responsible for promoting the conservation of both public and private forest lands.
“I strive to connect people to the outdoors, manage the state forests entrusted to us, and increase awareness of the importance and benefits of trees and forests. Our forests provide a wealth of benefits to Pennsylvanians, including fresh air, clean water, abundant wildlife habitat, healthful recreational opportunities, and renewable forest products,” stated Shultzabarger.
As a special addition to this fall’s Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum, Dr. David DeCalesta will be offering signed copies of his new book, “Deer Management for Forest Landowners and Managers: a How-to-book.” Praised by Quality Deer Management Association, the easy to read book is for landowners who want to learn to better manage deer and habitat. The book will be available for purchase by cash or check only.
Grandma Bair’s Conference Center is located at 608 North Fraley Street, downtown Kane, and shares a parking lot with the Save-A-Lot grocery store. A no-host social hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m will precede the talk.
Reservations are required for this event. Early reservations received on or before Sept. 19, will be $25, while reservations received after Sept. 19 will be $30. The cost for full-time students pursuing a natural resource degree is $10. No reservations will be accepted after Sept. 26.
For reservations, contact the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group at P.O. Box 133, Kane, P.A., 16735, at 814-837-8550 or FAX 814-837-4950, or e-mail hardwood@penn.com.
