IamSauerKraut t1_j72gres wrote on February 3, 2023 at 4:27 PM

Most of PA was cleared of the large trees in its forests by about 1900. Folks thought the supply was endless... until it wasn't. Took real effort to grow back the trees.

Now we've got insects and fungus removing certain species. Chestnuts and elms are mostly gone. Ash are almost gone. Hemlocks are in danger. And now chestnut oaks are under attack by fungus. Which tree is next?

abou824 OP t1_j72h0pk wrote on February 3, 2023 at 4:29 PM

I thought it was incredibly interesting to read about Joseph Rothrock's efforts to start up the state forest initiative, as well as the history of the fire towers. I'm glad to see that Penn state is taking the invasive insect problem so seriously.