Overview:

Most state and federal forests were established for mutilple uses, including wood production and recreation. America in general and Pennsylvania in particular have been endowed with a wealth of forests and land, providing vast amounts of vital wood products and recreational opportunities. The variety of possibilities within this criterium is indictated by no less then 19 indicators measuring everything from the monetary value of timber harvested to the type of facilities available for tourism.

Analysis:

33. Degree of recycling of forest products.
After harvesting, all branches and tree tops are lopped to within 4 feet. This technique aids soil conservation, recycles carbon that are locked in the trees back into the soil, and protects seedlings from deer browse.

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37. Visitor days attributed to recreation and tourism
There have been many educational events since 1985, with the largest being the Pennsylvania Tree Farm 50th Anniversary, Sept. 1997, with over 400 landowners, children, and professionals in attendance. There is also an Americorps event with about 120 mentally and physically challenged people. On average, Freeman Tree Farm hosts from 150 to 200 people annually.

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39. Level of expenditure on forest-related research and development, and education
The Farm has several stewardship demonstration plots, including:

  • 12 acre, 10 year demonstration plot to research harvest cutting techniques. Established by Penn State University

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  • 6.5 acre USDA Forest Service Crop Tree Management demonstration/test site established in 1994

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  • 22 acre Crop Tree Management demonstration/test site established by Mr. Freeman in 1994. This site has the same number of crop trees as the USDA demonstration site but had fewer trees removed during the thinning.

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  • 10 acre Crop Tree Management area established by Clarion County Service Forester Gary Gilmore in 1996.*see pg. 16 of mgmt. plan*

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  • A portion of 44 acres was used as a horse logging demonstration site in 1997.

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41. Rates of return on investment in forests
For general information on rates of return on forest investments, see James R. Fazio's book "Woodland Steward: A Practical Guide to the Management of Small Private Forests".

Indicators:

  1. Value and volume of wood and wood products, including value added through downstream processing.
  2. Value and quantities of production of non-wood forest products
  3. Supply and consumption of wood and wood products
  4. Value of wood and non-wood products as a percentage of GSP (Gross state product)
  5. Degree of recycling of forest products
  6. Supply and consumption/use on non-wood forest products
  7. Forest land managed for general recreation and tourism, in relation to the total area of forest land
  8. Number and type of facilities available for general recreation and tourism
  9. Visitor days attributed to recreation and tourism
  10. Value of investment in forest health and management, reforestation, wood processing, recreation, and tourism
  11. Level of expenditure on forest-related research and development, and education
  12. Extension and use of new and improved technology in the forest industry
  13. Rates of return on investment in forests
  14. Forest land managed to protect cultural, social, and spiritual needs, in relation to the total area of forest land
  15. Non-consumptive use forest values, including social/cultural, recreational, and biological values
  16. Direct and indirect employment in the forest sector, and forest sector employment as a proportion of total employment
  17. Average wage rates and injury rates in major employment categories within the forest sector
  18. The viability and adaptability of forest-dependent communities, as they respond to changing economic conditions
  19. Area and percent of forest land used for subsistence.