125 Years of Stewardship and Conservation

In 2018, the state parks and forests both celebrated a significant milestone. A bill signed in 1893 formed the PA Forestry Commission, tasked with the control of forest fires and to establish a forest reserve system. The system began with the purchase of 7,500 acres in Clinton County to be used to “furnish timber, protect the water supply of Young Woman’s Creek, and to provide recreation for citizens.”

Our first state Park, Valley Forge, was also established in 1893, recognizing the importance of putting aside places of cultural and natural significant for the benefit of all – recognition that we truly do live in a Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, our chapters, and other great outdoor partners celebrated this important quasquicentennial with activities and events, culminating on May 22 with an event at the State Capitol and establishment of the first statewide “Park and Forest Week,” celebrated annually now from May 23 through 30.

A colorful and interesting take on the 125th anniversary can be found on the website for Pennsylvania’s Conservation Heritage and the story map, “125 Years of Preservation and Investment.” Read more about Pennsylvania’s 125 years of stewardship and conservation in this downloadable fact sheet, excerpted from the Spring 2018 Penn’s Stewards newsletter. The online magazine Keystone Edge included a look at the significance of the celebration in their May 31 issue.

Remarks were delivered at the State Capitol in celebration of the establishment of Parks and Forests Week.

• Senator Baker
• Senator Schwank
• Representative Harper (video)
• Representative Longietti
• Deputy Secretary Norbeck