Tuscarora State Park in Barnesville is the first state park in Schuylkill County to be added to the Old-Growth Forest Network.

Earlier this week, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the inclusion of the local park, along with Ole Bull State Park in Potter County, to the network.

“The induction of Ole Bull and Tuscarora state parks into the Old-Growth Forest Network demonstrates the importance of protecting areas of scenic, historic and ecological significance, whether or not these areas are in a traditional forest setting,” state parks Director John Hallas said. “These designations are the first for Potter and Schuylkill counties, and we appreciate the work of the Old-Growth Forest Network as it continues to support connecting the public to these special places in Pennsylvania’s 125 state parks.”

The Old-Growth Forest Network’s mission is “connecting people with nature by creating a national network of protected, mature, native forests.”

DCNR Deputy Secretary John Norbeck said Pennsylvania is the national leader in designated old-growth forests because of the commonwealth’s legacy of conservation, environmental stewardship and continued focus on protecting them.

“These designations are critical in helping the public understand the immense value of our forests, especially our older forests, and the value they add to ensuring we have clean air and water,” Norbeck said.

Tuscarora is the 45th Pennsylvania forest to be inducted into the network. The 1,618-acre park is home to the park office and visitor center for Tuscarora and Locust Lake state parks. It became a state park in 1971.

Until the mid-1800s, the area was covered by a forest containing a variety of mature oak and chestnut. This dense forest was removed by the early settlers who cleared the land for agriculture and lumber. More than 80 percent of the park area is forested and second and third growth hardwoods grow there.

Founded in 2012, the network includes more than 346 forests across 40 states.

“The importance of the preservation of these rare forests cannot be overemphasized,” Brian Kane, the network’s Mid-Atlantic regional manager, said. “Forests such as those at Ole Bull and Tuscarora state parks perform critical environmental services that benefit communities, such as carbon storage, unique wildlife habitat and stormwater retention.”

As the United States celebrates America’s 250th this year, the forests serve as reminders of the enduring story of Penn’s Woods and the value of protecting its remaining old-growth areas.

“These designations remind all Pennsylvanians of the forest heritage of Penn’s Woods and spotlight the unique and exciting opportunities that are offered for outdoor recreation and experiencing nature in their state parks and forests,” state Forester Seth Cassell said. “I encourage Pennsylvanians to experience walking among the old-growth trees across our beautiful state and thank the Old-Growth Forest Network for its work to identify and support forests in the Commonwealth and across the U.S.”