Industry News

The Lumber Heritage Region Supports Lycoming County Tourism with a Mini Grant. Williamsport, PA – May 13, 2024 - The Lumber Heritage Region is pleased to announce that it has been granted a mini grant for $5,000 to the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau to support the development of four new brochures highlighting the rich heritage and attractions of Lycoming County.

The Pennsylvania Hardwoods Development Council, in partnership with the Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Association and Stiles Machinery, is facilitating a webinar on the current status and future opportunities of Hardwood CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) in Pennsylvania and beyond.

NATIONAL GRANT ASSOCIATION offers Classes and Training for individuals & organizations. Each class is a live, online session. Open to all; no previous experience is assumed or required.

The Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania Inc. (LHR) is now accepting applications for LHR’s 2024 Mini-Grant  Program. Funding for the Lumber Heritage Region 2024 Mini-Grant Program is provided through the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (BRC) and therefore must adhere to all statewide rules and regulations. Eligible applicants for the program would include non-profit 501(c)3 organizations, municipalities, COG's, Conservation Districts, Educational Institutions, and Housing and Redevelopment Authorities. The project must be located within the boundaries of the Lumber Heritage Region. The Lumber Heritage Region covers 15 counties and is one of Pennsylvania's 12 Heritage Areas.

A Special Thank You!! At the Lumber Heritage Region, we are so thankful for you! From our amazing partners, to our supportive volunteers and to our partner organizations that help us with our mission, we say thank you! Thank you for helping the LHR to preserve and share stories that accentuate the importance of the lumber industry for the past, present and the future and the heritage of the people who were and are a part of this region. We could not do all that we do without you, each and every one of you and for that we are THANKFUL! The staff of the Lumber Heritage Region would like to wish you and yours a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Yesterday the LHR attended the 2023 Trail of the Year Celebration at the Kinzua Bridge State Park. This event was a public recognition of the volunteers, partners and funders that took part in making the trail an award winning asset in the region. The LHR is proud to announce they gave the MJ2KB trail club over $1000 in funding towards the placement of interpretive panels and a mural. This funding was made possible as part of our Mini Grant Program. We would like to congratulate the MJ2KB Trail Club on this distinguished award.

Join the Allegheny National Forest as the celebrate their centennial and 100 years of growth. Save the Date for ANF Centennial Celebration September 24th the Allegheny National Forest Turns 100 Warren, PA, July 27, 2023—The USDA Forest Service announced that the public is invited to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Allegheny National Forest’s establishment on Sunday, September 24, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Twin Lakes Recreation Area. Admission is free for this family-friendly event. Planned festivities include live music, guest speakers, kids' activities, commemorative giveaways, interpretive hikes, an expo of organizations, history displays, food trucks, and beverage vendors. Constructed on July 17, 1937, by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Twin Lakes Recreation Area provides a beautiful setting to immerse yourself in nature and history. Come and commemorate the recovery of the land, one hundred years of sustainable growth, and the collaborative conservation work that promises a resilient forest for generations to come. The celebration at Twin Lakes Recreation Area is the signature event for a weekend of exciting opportunities that include the ANF100 Juried Art Exhibition at the Crary Art Gallery, ANF on Film: A Hunter’s/Angler’s Guide to ANF at the Struthers Library Theatre, and the Jakes Rocks Trail Fest at Kinzua Beach. Our partners and local businesses have sponsored additional activities to encourage your enjoyment of the forest including a 100-mile Hiking Challenge, a 100-mile Paddle Challenge, a Centennial Trail of History, a Centennial Geocache.

Forest Her is an exploration of the historical roles women have provided to their communities through scientific forest management. From the perspectives of private forest landowners, professional foresters, citizen foresters, and a groundbreaking conservation trailblazer, these women are planting trees and inspiration for a healthier planet for today and tomorrow. Click on the Link to watch the video today!

The Rossi Group shares an inside look at their company and the Forest Product Industry.

The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2022-2023 Mini-Grant Program.  These grant projects will leverage more than $66,000 in local spending to build communities and improve life for the residents and visitors.

Some or all of your Heritage areas may be located within the Appalachian Regional Commission designated region. You and a “gateway” community within your region may want to take advantage of this great training opportunity provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission, the Conservation Fund, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Forest County Historical Society has set education as a priority in serving our Forest County community. We have finalized our schedule for our Tuesday lecture series called Tuesday Talks at the Museum.  These talks all start at 7:00 at the museum.  Speakers will talk for half of an hour and then stay around until 8:00 for any questions from the audience.  This event is free for all museum members and cost $5.00 for nonmembers.  We hope we have an interesting line up for you this summer and you will come and join us.   For more information visit https://forestcountypahistory.org/  

The Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania Inc. (LHR) is pleased to announce the region’s 2022 Mini-Grant Program. Funding for the Lumber Heritage Region 2022 Mini-Grant Program is provided through the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (BRC) and therefore must adhere to all statewide rules and regulations. Eligible applicants for the program would include non-profit 501(c)3 organizations, municipalities, COG’s, Conservation Districts, Educational Institutions, and Housing and Redevelopment Authorities. The project must be located within the boundaries of the Lumber Heritage Region. The Lumber Heritage Region is one of Pennsylvania’s 12 Heritage Areas covering 15 Counties.

Forest Service News Release Environmental Analysis of Fourmile Project Allegheny National Forest Seeks Comments Bradford, PA, February 28, 2022— The US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service announced that Allegheny National Forest’s Bradford Ranger District is initiating an environmental analysis of the 45,647-acre Fourmile Project, located in Glade, Mead, and Sheffield, Townships, Warren County, and Hamilton Township, McKean County, Pennsylvania.

You are being invited to participate in a 1 hour Virtual Information Session that will introduce SkillUp North Central PA, which is an incredible opportunity for you to access thousands of training courses FREE OF CHARGE. This platform can be used to screen/train new hires, enhance the skills of your present workforce, and/or customers you serve. It is customizable to fit your specific industry needs and is accessible across all devices 24/7. Please view the attached flyer and log into one of the Information Sessions to learn how you can partner with Workforce Solutions and address your training needs to build a stronger workforce. Tuesday, November 30th at 3:00 PM and Monday, December 6th at 1:00 PM https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81513970191 Or Join by phone: (929) 205 6099 Meeting ID: 815 1397 0191

There are only two weeks left to apply for the USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers (PATHH) program. Now is the time to check and see if you or someone you know may benefit from these funds! Perhaps this program won’t apply to you, but it may be helpful to a customer, vendor or neighbor of yours. If you haven’t done so already, take a moment to share the USDA’s PATHH program fact sheet with them.

The Lumber Heritage Region funds protective panels for Serenity Glass Park. In 2017 the LHR welcomed a new attraction to the region. Located in Port Allegheny, PA the Serenity glass park is a colorful display of glass representing the work and assets in the region. With displays up to sixteen feet high, you can view a sparkling castle, a tree of life and memorial and honor blocks. Over the years the wear and tear on the park have threatened the beauty and integrity of some of the glass pieces. That’s when Susan Carlson and Linda Devlin approached the LHR for help. Fortunately, the LHR was able to give matching dollars to the park through DCNR Partnership Funds to purchase protective panels for the sixteen-foot displays representing the region and all it has to offer. The Western New York Glass Company was able to install clear panels on three of the displays to protect them from further damage from the salt and dirt from the nearby Route 6 traffic. “This is an important piece of history, and a proud piece of artwork for the community of Port Allegheny. I am happy we could help to protect this vital part of the Port Allegheny community.” States Executive Director Holly Komonczi.

Lumber Heritage Region provides mini-grant to Pennsylvania Lumber Museum for Lumber Camp Bunkhouse and Jobber’s Residence Interpretation Project.

Forest Service News Release Forest ATV Trails Open at 8AM on Friday Riders start your engines! Warren, PA, May 26, 2021—USDA, Forest Service, Allegheny National Forest will open all-terrain vehicle and off-highway motorcycle (ATV/OHM) trails at 8 AM on Friday, May 28, 2021 for the summer riding season that runs through Sunday, September 26, 2021. Riding a motorized vehicle on the ATV/OHM trails requires an annual permit that is valid through the end of the calendar year.

Attention All Hardwood Employers  Planning to Hire Summer Help?  Looking to Attract Youth to Your Industry? Consider participating in the PA SLIP Program this summer!! This program covers 65% of an eligible intern's wages!  The SLIP internship program is a great strategy to assist in retaining our young people and making them aware of the career opportunities in their own backyard!   Don't miss out!  A limited number of openings are available and applications are being accepted now!   

The Allegheny National Forest is pleased to announce that as part of the Great American Outdoors Act four local projects have been selected for fiscal year 2021. The selected projects will be the first round of improvements to address deferred maintenance on the Forest while improving our visitor’s experience.

The Lumber Heritage Region announced today the appointment of 4 new members to the board of directors. This brings the number of board members to 15.  The Lumber Heritage Region also announces the approval of Board Member Joshua Fox, Potter County resident, to Vice President of the Board.

Demonstrators, vendors, and industry experts NEEDED for LOGS 2 LUMBER event. This event will have various demonstrations from how to grade wood, cut wood, create bowls/tools, various crafts, demos, and safety. They are looking for more industry participation. If you are interested in participating or have questions, please contact Jaye Bressler 814.236.1100 or email jbressler@curwensville.org

USDA Forest Service signs supplemental environmental assessment project decision Marienville, PA, March 8, 2021 — The Allegheny National Forest has signed the decision notice for the South Branch Kinzua Creek Supplemental Environmental Assessment project. In the decision notice, Marienville District Ranger Rob Fallon, cited no significant impact to the 4,728 acre project area. Fallon selected to add 189 acres of regeneration harvests in eleven approved timber stands. The regeneration harvests will allow for the timely removal of forest canopy in these stands when tree seedlings are well established.

This morning Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced that eight counties have been added to Pennsylvania's Spotted Lanternfly quarantine zone ahead of the 2021 spring hatch.

There are many insects that reek havoc on Pennsylvania's forests. Learn about them and how you can help eradicate them.

PLAN your outdoor adventures in the PA Wilds with The PA Wilds Outdoor Discovery Atlas! The 50+ page Outdoor Discovery Atlas is the go-to guide for people looking to explore the wonders of the PA Wilds. It provides travel tips and planning resources, ideas on things to see and do throughout the region, and navigable maps. GET YOURS TODAY AND START PLANNING!

THE LUMBER HERITAGE REGION WAYFINDING BROCHURE PROJECT The Lumber Heritage Region is requesting proposals for the design and printing of a custom brochure that highlights all the LHR Wayfinding signs in our region, a map that pinpoints each sign, and a brief description of the project and LHR. Request for Proposal - Developing Brochure Content and Designing of the Brochure for The Lumber Heritage Region. Offers are invited from the reputed and experienced Agency/Company/Firm for developing marketing content for The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) brochure and designing of the same for print and using digital publishing tool.

Do you have woods in your backyard? The Woods in Your Backyard webinar series teaches land stewardship through nine live (one-hour), online evening lectures -- designed specifically (but not exclusively) for landowners with 10 or less acres.

Lumber Heritage Region Executive Director and Project Manager had the unique privilege of touring one of the the finest, state-of-the-art milling and drying facilities in the world, right here, in our back yard.

Spotted Lanternfly Alert The Spotted Lanternfly is an invasive species native to China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. In 2014 it was found in Pennsylvania, and has since spread to 26 counties which are now quarantined.

Help us recognize and understand the state of the Forest Products Industry in Pennsylvania. Read about the great work the industry is doing and the impact it makes on our local economy.

The North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning & Development Commission’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is a source of capital that serves as gap financing to assist small to medium-sized businesses that are starting or expanding in the 6-county region. RLF financing is designed to collaborate with private lenders to make loans to businesses with projects that will result in the creation and retention of jobs.

CHECK BACK HERE FOR ALL LHR RESTRICTIONS AND RESPONSES TO THE COVID 19 EPIDEMIC.

The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2020 Mini-Grant Program.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Deputy Secretary John Norbeck announced Pennsylvania’s state forest system, totaling more than 2.2 million acres, has received certification through one of the world’s most recognized, independent, third-party forest management certification standards, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Forest Management Standard. (photo by eileenpatton, creative commons/flickr.com)

Get the latest information on resources, public perceptions, impacts, and trends in the state forests of Pennsylvania.

10-DAY STATEWIDE PREDATOR HUNT COMING Wednesday, August 28 thru Saturday, September 7

Spotted Lanternfly Permits are required for businesses and organizations moving within or from the quarantine zone in the course of your work. Currently the counties of Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Schuylkill are under quarantine, but this is subject to change should SLF be discovered in any other areas.

Learn from experts how to enjoy the outdoor activities you love. Spend the day learning and enhancing your skills in many different activities.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: DCNR offering PENNVEST-funded grants to plant trees along streams.

LHR is pleased to partner with Kane Area Revitalization Enterprise for Expansion and Promotion of an Outdoor Entertainment Complex in Kane, Pennsylvania