THE ANF IS AMONG THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AREAS OF PENNSYLVANIA AND HAS A RICH AND SPIRITED HISTORY.

The Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is Pennsylvania’s only National Forest, which spans across Forest, Elk, McKean and Warren counties. The ANF is among the most beautiful areas of Pennsylvania and has a rich and spirited history. During the 19th Century, a great deal of deforestation took place in the ANF. Fortunately, it has re-grown in the last 100 years and is now one of the most diverse forests in the country. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Department of Agriculture, the forest was established in 1923 and is more than a half million acres in size.

The ANF is special for many reasons. The forest is multi-use, meaning it successfully combines forestry, recreation, tourism, timber harvesting and energy production. I believe all of these attributes offer a unique setting to benefit the entire Commonwealth. In the 116th Congress, I will continue to serve as a member of the Agriculture Committee, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Forest Service and policies governing our national forests.

I believe the following points are crucial to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the ANF:

Increase Timber Harvesting and Management: Timber and hardwood products have long been an important part of the economic engine in the 15th District. Under longtime federal law, 25% of timber revenues generated on national forests are returned to the county of origin for essential public services. However, I remain concerned by the decreased amounts of board feet that have been produced across the national forest system in the past two decades. Increasing management activities, including harvesting, will better support our communities and overall forest health.

Support the Forest Service: The Forest Service manages the ANF and does great additional work in research and development. I believe it is essential for the forest to receive adequate funding in order to carry out these core functions. I am a strong advocate for the Service and for appropriate funding in order to support national forest regions and carry out the agency’s mission.

Continue Energy Production: In 1859, Colonel Edwin Drake drilled the world’s first commercial oil well in Titusville, Pennsylvania. As a result, northwestern PA played a critical role in American industrialization and the worldwide development of the petroleum industry. Due to the region’s history, the U.S National Park Service recognizes northwestern Pennsylvania as the Oil Region National Heritage Area.

With this history in mind, oil and gas production continues to be a major economic engine in the ANF and surrounding areas. However, unlike other national forests, some 93% of the mineral rights are owned by the private sector. Pennsylvania law guarantees mineral owners are provided with “reasonable access” to their property. As such, I will continue to support production in the ANF and the rights of mineral owners to access their property. 

Increase Recreation and Tourism: As a former healthcare professional and Boy Scout Leader, I encourage the many benefits of outdoor recreation and physical activity. In Pennsylvania’s 15th Congressional District, we are blessed with an abundance of lands that can cater to some of the best outdoor experiences in the state. The ANF offers year-round activities such as camping, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, ATVing and snowmobiling. As your Member of Congress, I will continue to advocate on behalf of expanded recreation and tourism throughout our region.