Two State Parks Inducted into National Old-Growth Forest Network
Ole Bull State Park and Tuscarora State Park are the 44th and 45th forests to join the Old-Growth Forest Network, making Pennsylvania the leader for designated old-growth forests in the United States.
Ole Bull State Park in Stewardson Township, Potter County, consists of 132 acres along the Kettle Creek Valley. This area is called the Black Forest because of its once dense tree cover, mountainous terrain, and wilderness habitat. Tuscarora State Park consists of 1,618 acres across Rush, Ryan, and Schuylkill townships in Schuylkill County. It is home to the park office and visitor center for Tuscarora and Locust Lake State Parks, and over 80% of the park area is forested.
All forests are essential to a healthy ecosystem, but old-growth forests are particularly valuable as they retain more carbon and nitrogen than younger forests, improving water and air quality. For more information about old-growth forests, visit DCNR’s website.
