More than 500,000 private landowners own 75 percent of the forested land in Pennsylvania—more than 12 million acres—and a program offered by the College of Agricultural Sciences has helped many of them take better care of their forest property.

Participants in the Forestry VIP/Coverts Program learn how stewardship practices can ensure healthy and productive forests for years to come. The program trains woodland owners to not only better manage their own forestlands, but also to motivate other woodland owners to become actively involved in the future of Pennsylvania’s forest resources.

Pennsylvania’s forests yield many benefits, including wood products, wildlife habitat, recreational activities, and beautiful vistas. They guard water quality by protecting watersheds and clean air by removing carbon dioxide.

The forests are also vital to the economy of Pennsylvania. The forest products industry is the fourth largest industry in the state, employing over 90,000 workers in 2,500 firms, and contributes almost $5 billion to the state’s economy annually. Nationally, Pennsylvania ranks number one in hardwood lumber production.

“Sustaining these forests for continued benefits into the future depends on whether they receive proper management,” says forest scientist Jim Finley, coordinator of the program. “VIP/Coverts volunteers are making an impact by helping others see the benefits of planning for the future of their forests and making decisions that protect management options for generations to come.

Three hundred forty-nine “stewardship volunteers” (VIPs) have gone through the program and been trained in sound forest management practices since its inception in 1991. They then serve as representatives of Pennsylvania’s Forest Stewardship Program, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry and the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
VIP/Coverts volunteers initially receive approximately 40 hours of classroom and field training in forest ecology, biodiversity, silviculture, wildlife science, environmental resource management, and other subjects related to stewardship. In exchange, VIPs agree to invest a like amount of their time relaying what they have learned to motivate forest landowners in their communities.

“These volunteers play an important role by working with professionals to increase program impacts,” Finley says. “By sharing credible information with their peers, these landowners are making a difference in the state’s forests.

“Pennsylvania’s forest resources extension program is a recognized national leader in part because of the commitment of our VIP/Coverts volunteers,” Finley adds. “These folks give willingly of their time and talent in many ways. A very visible and important product of their efforts are the 22 county landowner associations where forest owners come together to learn from each other—it’s forest owners teaching forest owners.”

Penn State is not solely responsible for the program, Finley notes. “The Ruffed Grouse Society, the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, and the U.S. Forest Service have given tremendous support to the VIP/Covert program,” he says. “The vision of leaders in these organizations has permitted us to build this excellent volunteer program.”

George Freeman of Knox, Pa., might be the best-known of all the Forestry VIPs. The 73-year-old retired Quaker State Oil Refining Corporation executive owns a 700-acre farm along Interstate Route 80 near Exit 45 in Richland Township, Clarion County. Known as Freeman Farm, the property is a showpiece for forest stewardship. Wagon tours are offered through a section that has ponds, deer fencing, forest crop tree plantations, and enhanced wildlife habitat.

“I have been a landowner since 1969 and I wanted to develop and improve the forest,” Freeman says. “Through the years, I realized the importance of good forest management. When forest stewardship came out with the first class, I felt I wanted to be involved in it. I have thoroughly enjoyed the Forestry VIP/Coverts Program and I think it has had a tremendous effect on the state.”

Freeman, who has been named both state and national tree farmer of the year, sees the Forestry VIPs as “silent salesmen,” quietly spreading the word about good forest management and improving the environment in Pennsylvania.

“There are so many people out there who really do want to manage their forest the right way, but don’t know where to turn,” Freeman says. “The Forestry VIP program carries the information they need to improve the forests on their land. Plus, the knowledge spread by the VIPs protects forest landowners from unscrupulous forest operators. We are ambassadors for the private family forest.”

Penn State faculty, Freeman says, have been instrumental in helping him turn his tree farm into a forestry workshop. On his farm is the only Penn State forest demonstration area that is not located on private, non-industrial land.

“I owe a lot to the Bureau of Forestry and Penn State,” Freeman says. “A lot of the private forestland in Pennsylvania is better off thanks to the Forestry VIP/Coverts Program.”