Forested riparian buffer strips of perennial vegetation contribute to sustainable agriculture by reducing soil loss, improving water quality, and stabilizing stream banks. Also there is a direct correlation between healthy forests and high quality streams. Implementing buffer strips of trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses improves aesthetics and provides wildlife habitat. We believe protecting, maintaining, and even creating new forested corridors along streams is essential to protecting the vitality of our water resources.

The Sullivan County Conservation District is committed to preserving, maintaining and creating healthy forests through education and professional assistance. The District can assist private woodland owners, foresters, loggers and developers in forest planning, management, and tree care.

 

The following is a list of related assistance provided by the District:

• Tree Planting/Reforestation - determine the suitability of soils to help landowners get better planting results. Tree shelters can be purchased through the District.
• Habitat Improvement - help improve forest habitat for specific types of birds and animals.
• Establishment of riparian buffers - through the CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program) administered through the Farm Service Agency.
• Erosion/Sediment Control - help to develop erosion/sediment pollution control plans for those involved in harvesting and road building activities and assist with stream crossing permits. (see Regulations/Permitting page)
• Urban Forestry - provide workshops on maintenace and information on shade trees, site selection, and insect and disease problems.
• Seedling Sale - provide quality seedlings locally. Each year the District has a seedling sale. The seedlings are sorted and packaged by staff and directors and made available at a convenient, centralized location in the County.
• Education - we sponsor and are actively involved in educational activities such as Woodlands Resources Adventure Camp and the PA Envirothon Program.

Bradford/Sullivan

Forest Landowners Association 

     The Bradford/Sullivan Forest Landowners Association is an organization of forest landowners that strive to educate others in forest management to achieve the highest economic, silvicutural, recreational, and aesthetic value.

     The association also assists woodlot owners in finding solutions to their individual problems. 

     Services of the BSFLA include providing information regarding federal and state laws, regulations and permits, gas and oil leases, Clean and Green Act, PA Forest Stewardship Program.  The association makes use of a scholarship fund to support and encourage present and ensuing generations of new forest stewards.

     The BSFLA conducts educational meetings and publishes informative newsletters through the year.  The association is also involved with legislative issues and policies concerning forest landowners.

     To view the December 2009 newsletter of the BSFLA click here.  

The 2010 Woodland Owners Conference will take place on March 6 at the Penn College of Technology Campus in Williamsport.  The theme is "Income From Your Woodland".  For more information or to register for the meeting, click here and download the pdf brochure.  Reminder: Registration is $30 per person until February 26th.  After this date, registration is $35 per person.  A couple from the same property will pay $50.