Pennsylvania has some of the most valuable forests in the United States. These forests are valuable for different types of wood products as well as wildlife, fresh air and water, peace and quiet, beauty and fun. Most of our society's needs depend on forests, so we must manage forests carefully to keep them productive. Because forests provide continuous benefits, they are considered "renewable resources". If your parents or other people you know own woodland, they are part of a large group of people. Over half a million forest land owners in Pennsylvania

Why Do We Harvest Trees?
Landowners can collect trees from their forests for many reasons. They may want to make a better place for wildlife. They may want more light on the forest floor. They may want to give the trees more room to grow. They may need money. These different goals require landowners to consider many things before deciding to cut down trees.

Harvesting some trees provides more growth space for remaining trees and tree seedlings. A well-planned harvest focuses more on trees that remain than trees to be cut. These "leftover" trees and seedlings will provide forest benefits that future generations will enjoy, so choosing them carefully is important.