Field Day Emphasizes Programs for Property Owners

Potter County Today

More than 30 people learned more about environmental conservation, forestry, and wildlife management Saturday during Field Day in Potter and McKean counties. After a morning workshop, they headed afield to tour three properties where some of the management practices have been put in place.

At a state game lands in Liberty Township, participants observed warm-season grasses and wildlife food plots. From there, they traveled to Walt and Marie Petrick’s property in Roulette Township to observe a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) planting. Final stop was Aspenwood Tree Farm, owned by Verda and Roy Knowlton in Roulette Township, where forest management and stewardship activities, as well as stream crossings, were discussed.

Several agencies offer technical assistance and cost-share options to property owners, such as the Private Landowner Assistance Program through the Pa. Game Commission; Farm Bill programs through the Natural Resources Conservation Service; the Biomass Program through the Farm Service Agency, and the Pennsylvania Tree Farm Program.

Penn State Cooperative Extension sponsored Field Day, in cooperation with Pa. Bureau of Forestry, Northcentral Forest Landowners Association, Pa. Tree Farm System, Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pa. Game Commission, and Farm Service Agency.