DCNR Celebrates Induction of Portion of the McKeever Tract into the Old-Growth Forest Network

​Sandy Lake, PA -- The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Deputy Secretary John Norbeck today celebrated the induction of the McKeever Tract in Clear Creek State Forest into the Old-Growth Forest Network.

"DCNR is pleased to have designation bestowed on a portion of the McKeever Tract in Clear Creek State Forest, and we appreciate the support of the Old-Growth Forest Network in honoring the history and heritage in the many old-growth forest areas across Pennsylvania," Norbeck said. "Designations like this serve as a model for conservation as we continue to preserve natural spaces and look for solutions to our global climate crisis."

A 20-acre stand of Eastern hemlocks and other hardwoods, including red and white oak, grow on the southeastern end of the 201-acre McKeever Tract and are believed to be over 150 years old.

The characteristics of this forest are unique in Mercer County and provide an ecosystem that is very healthy for species that thrive in an old-growth forest.

A newly constructed trail, starting at the McKeever-Goddard trail and ending within the old-growth forest, allows views of the hemlocks and older trees in this part of the forest.

Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed budget would dedicate $8.5 million to development of trails on state parks and forests.

Members of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps Meadville crew also joined the event to highlight work they had done on the McKeever-Goddard Trail, which connects Clear Creek State Forest to Maurice K. Goddard State Park.

The governor's budget also includes a 5 million investment in a regional effort to diversify and strengthen conservation career and workforce pathways for young people through the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps.

All forests are important to a healthy ecosystem; however, old-growth forests are especially important because of their unique structure.

Old-growth forests retain more carbon and nitrogen than in forests of other age classes; and are superior for improving water and air quality.

Visit DCNR's website to learn more about old-growth forests.

Hemlock is a major component of the old-growth forest in areas like the McKeever Tract.

The loss of many old-growth hemlocks, mostly due to the invasive hemlock wooly adelgid, has resulted in increased light to the forest floor in recent years.

The Old-Growth Forest Network connects people with nature by creating a national network of protected, mature, publicly accessible, native forests.

The organization intends to preserve at least one forest in every county in the United States that can sustain a forest.

The Old-Growth Forest Network works to identify forests for the network, ensure their protection from logging, and inform people of the forest locations.

An environmental learning center was established in 1974 through the vision and foresight of Ivan McKeever, founding members of the Sandy Creek Conservancy, and local community members.

The center provided education for students, teachers, and individuals from many different areas.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry's Clear Creek State Forest District, acquired the property in 2022.

"Pennsylvania is a leader in the quantity of old-growth forests dedicated to the network," said Brian Kane, outreach coordinator and mid-Atlantic regional manager with the Old-Growth Forest Network. "With 29 Pennsylvania forests now in the national old-growth network, the Commonwealth shows its commitment to the preservation of old-growth forests, within its boundaries. The inclusion of a portion of the Clear Creek State Forest into the Old-Growth Forest Network, shows how the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources continues its support for the protection of these valuable national resources."

Kane noted the support of volunteer county coordinators who help with forest identification and observations, pointing to retired University of Pittsburgh faculty member Walter Carson who assisted with this project.

Founded in 2012 by Dr. Joan Maloof, the network currently has over 185 forests in the network across 32 states.

The portion of the McKeever tract in Clear Creek State Forest joins 29 other Pennsylvania forests already in the Network.

The Old-Growth Forest Network also recognizes exceptional forest advocates, educates about the extraordinary ecological benefits of old-growth forests, and speaks out regarding immediate threats to specific ancient forests. Learn more at the Old-Growth Forest Network website.

Clear Creek State Forest comprises 16,716 acres in Jefferson, Clarion, Venango, Forest, and Mercer counties.

Clear Creek is one of eight state forests located within the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Visit DCNR's website for more information about Clear Creek State Forest and check DCNR's Calendar of Events​ for happenings on public lands.​

MEDIA CONTACT: Wesley Robinson, DCNR, 717-877-6315

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