Protecting Pennsylvania's Clarion Junction Forest

To support local mills and timber-related jobs in Pennsylvania, we purchased 32,598 acres — the largest conservation acquisition by a nonprofit in the commonwealth’s history.

Quick Facts

38B

gallons of water filtered per year

328

forest-related jobs retained

440

acres of wetlands protected

Northwestern Pennsylvania’s forests are essential to the region’s character and economy. These forests serve as a destination for tourists, offering ample opportunities for hunting, fishing, kayaking and other recreation. They also play a critical role in providing wildlife habitat and filtering the air and water.

Forest-related industries play a big role in the rural communities nestled within this region. In Johnsonburg, in Elk County, the local paper mill has been in existence since the town’s beginnings more than a century ago and remains the town’s largest industry and employer today. Working forests surrounding Johnsonburg provide a steady source of wood for the mill and support hundreds of local jobs.

Our Role

In 2018 — in the largest conservation acquisition by a nonprofit in Pennsylvania history — we purchased the ecologically and economically important Clarion Junction Forest in Elk and McKean counties to protect it from subdivision and change in land use. We will sustainably manage the 32,598 acres of working forestland over the next few years, providing the time needed to determine and implement permanent conservation strategies that support both recreational access and local economies.

Why This Project Matters

Our goal in acquiring Clarion Junction Forest was not only to ensure that the land will stay forested, but that it can continue to support local mills and timber-related jobs.

Domtar Paper Company mill in Johnsonburg, PA which uses timber from Clarion Junction Forest. Photo credit: EcoPhotography

 

Protecting this land is a big win for Pennsylvania’s environment. It provides a bridge between Pennsylvania Game Commission lands and Allegheny National Forest, a connection that will benefit both people and wildlife.

The forest also safeguards important habitat for bears, deer and birds such as American woodcocks, black-throated blue warblers, cerulean warblers and Louisiana waterthrushes. Our efforts to conserve Clarion Junction Forest — located within the Pennsylvania Wilds region, a 2.1-million-acre stretch of working forests that provides hunting, paddling, fishing and elk viewing opportunities — will boost the region’s $1.7-billion annual tourism industry. The land will be open to public recreation, including hunting and trout fishing.

Under [The Conservation Fund’s] ownership, these lands will sustainably support the regional forest products industry, remain a valuable part of the local tax base and allow for public recreational access. It’s great to see these conservation outcomes balanced with a win for our local communities.”
Lucas Dillinger

Wood Procurement Manager at the Domtar mill in Johnsonburg

The Conservation Fund's partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission allows for a variety of recreational opportunities to take place in the Clarion Junction Forest in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Public-private partnerships are key to protecting critical forestland, wildlife habitat and the continuity of Pennsylvania's outdoor legacy.”
Scott Bearer

Habitat Planning and Development Division Chief, Pennsylvania Game Commission

Learn More

Photo credits (from top of page): EcoPhotography

Project Staff

Kyle Shenk
Vice President, Northeast Region and Pennsylvania Director

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Help protect America's priceless natural landscapes and ensure that we have healthy environments, places to work and play, and real economic opportunity.

Close up of white fungi