PA Forestry Timeline by Owen Underkoffler

1681 — William Penn’s Charter of Rights

25undeow — 2024-08-28 18:10:28 UTC

Penn instructed colonists to leave one acre of trees for every five acres they cut down. Largely ignored by colonists, this was done to preserve oaks and mulberries for silk production.

1662 — First Sawmill Erected in Pennsylvania

25undeow — 2024-08-28 18:13:05 UTC

The mill was built in modern day Philadelphia. That area of the state was very lucrative because of its soil and forests.

1700-1735 — Earliest Fire Prevention Laws in the State

25undeow — 2024-08-28 18:27:35 UTC

The General Assembly enacted the first laws against “unseasonable firing of the woods.” These early laws were not very effective.

1885 — Arbor Day was First Designated

25undeow — 2024-08-28 18:33:30 UTC

Pennsylvania’s governor was given authorization to designate Arbor Day each year. Arbor Day is still celebrated today by planting trees and working to protect our forests.

1893 — First State Park was Created in Pennsylvania

25undeow — 2024-08-30 00:24:57 UTC

The first state park in Pennsylvania was Valley Forge; established in 1893.

1870-1892 — Michaux Forestry Lectures

25undeow — 2024-08-30 00:31:45 UTC

The Michaux Forestry Lectures were the first major attempt by the state government to educate the public on matters of forestry and silviculture.

1886 — Pennsylvania Forestry Association was Created

25undeow — 2024-08-30 15:25:15 UTC

The organization quickly published a magazine and raised $5,000 (over $150,000 in today’s money) to begin operations. Within a year, membership grew to 450 members, surpassing the American Forestry Congress, a national organization, in membership.

1901 - The Commission of Forestry was Created

25undeow — 2024-09-02 17:26:12 UTC

The PA Commission of Forestry was created and Joseph T. Rothrock was appointed comissioner.

1904 - Camping on State Land was Regulated

25undeow — 2024-09-02 17:34:04 UTC

To battle habitat destruction and the building of homes on state lands, the forestry commission required permits for camping and created more rules and regulations for camping and recreation.

Early 1900s - Campgrounds were Established Across the State

25undeow — 2024-09-02 17:41:27 UTC

These campgrounds followed the rise of automobiles and were intended for drivers to use when they needed a place to stay during a long drive. The camps worked very well and reduced the amount of forest fires in the state.

1923 - Department of Forestry was Renamed

25undeow — 2024-09-02 17:42:31 UTC

The Department of Forestry was renamed the Department of Forests and Waters.

1928 - Cook Forest State Park was Established

25undeow — 2024-09-02 17:45:53 UTC

The forest was purchased for $650,000 and had many acres of old growth forest. This was the first state park established to protect a natural resource.

1933 - Roosevelt Created the CCC

25undeow — 2024-09-02 17:53:00 UTC

The Civilian Conservation Corps created many new jobs for people suffering from the stock market crash in 1929.

1935 - Roosevelt Created the WPA

25undeow — 2024-09-02 17:54:24 UTC

The WPA created new jobs for people suffering, but it also allowed for many new pieces of infrastructure to be created across the country. For Pennsylvania, this meant many new bridges, buildings and roads.

1955 - Maurice K. Goddard was Appointed Director of the Department of Parks and Forests

25undeow — 2024-09-02 18:04:45 UTC

Goddard proposed creating a state park within a 25 mile radius of every resident in the state. At the time there were 44 state parks, but 175 potential state parks were being scouted.

1955-1961 - Visitation of State Parks Increased

25undeow — 2024-09-02 18:06:16 UTC

In these years, visitation increased from 8 million to 24 million yearly.

1963 - Project 70 was Passed in Congress

25undeow — 2024-09-02 18:13:55 UTC

Project 70 approved of funding to purchase land for the Department of Forestry. The Project greatly improved conservation in Pennsylvania.

1990s - Campsites were Modernized

25undeow — 2024-09-02 18:22:58 UTC

The Bureau of State Parks began to modernize facilities to fit modern visitors. This meant campsites were leveled and changed to recreation areas. Additionally, toilets were changed from vault style toilets to flushable ones.

2009 and 2011 - Bureau of State Parks was Awarded

25undeow — 2024-09-02 18:28:31 UTC

The Bureau was awarded the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration.

1972 - Tropical Storm Agnes Hit Some State Parks

25undeow — 2024-09-02 18:29:46 UTC

The storm damaged 63 state parks resulting in $63 million in damages.