landowner resources
The CFC exists in large part to help Cook Forest area landowners who are planning for the future of their woodland, whether that means invasive control and working for good regeneration of desirable species, wildlife habitat creation, timber harvest planning and execution, or passing your property to the next generation.
Please contact us with questions, and we’ll get you to the folks who have some answers, or ideas, or recommendations. Forests don’t end at property boundaries, and by working together, every landowner can improve the quality of his own property as well as that of his neighbor’s, and of the public lands everyone in Pennsylvania loves and enjoys.
Woodland Owners Associations
First, consider joining our local Woodland Owners Associations, which are a valuable resource for and from landowners like yourselves, combining their experiences and knowledge and saving you potentially hours of research and debate:
- WOCAV -- Woodland Owners of Clarion-Allegheny Valley, serving Clarion, Forest, Jefferson, Venango, and Butler Counties
- NCFLA - North Central Forest Landowners Association, serving Potter, McKean, Cameron and Elk Counties
- NWPWA - Northwest Pennsylvania Woodland Association, serving Crawford, Erie, & Warren counties
Another excellent resource is the Penn State Extension, which offers articles, publications, and seminars both in-person and online.
Consider joining the Pennsylvania Forest Stewards, a group of scientists, professors, and landowners committed to practicing and teaching sustainable forestry. Read forestry articles authored by their specialists by clicking the “Forest Stewards” tag on our news page — or just
Considering Timber Harvest?
For those interested in a selling standing woodlands, please consider:
- having a Service Forester walk your land with you (free, professional advice, tailored to your goals for your woodlot!), then
- hiring a qualified consulting forester to handle the process, which is proven to increase both your income from the harvest and the value of what’s left behind, for later harvests — consult your Woodland Owners Association, or the following for a listing of qualified foresters who will work for you – not for the logger, or for the timber mill – to protect your property and maximize your value in multiple ways:
It’s also good to review the following for the most up-to-date information on the market, the law, and your options:
- Penn State Timber Market Report – timber prices, updated quarterly, with long-term insight articles
- Timber Tax Information – tips, deductions, and changes to the law
- American Tree Farm Certification – show your commitment to sound forestry while receiving information and on-the-ground management assistance
- Best Management Practices for Pennsylvania Forests – overview of forestry terms and ideal outcomes from active management of woodlots
Protect your Cook Forest property from invasives
Unfortunately, the days of letting the woods “take care of itself” are gone, as today’s woodlands are beset by invasive plants, invasive insects, parcel fragmentation, climate change, and other stressors. The first step is education – about your property, and about the above threats. The service foresters and woodland owners groups listed above can help with both.
In 2020 and years forward, the CFC is focusing on invasive plants – it’s a long process. Programs will include sessions and field work on education, control, and replacement with native species. Please follow us on Facebook for these events, including informational barbeques, herbicide technician training, and volunteer floats down the Clarion to kill and control Japanese Knotweed, a major threat to our water quality and biodiversity.
The CFC works to combat invasive insects as well – whatever your concern, you can contact us for information, assistance, or referrals: