Spanning nearly 430 acres within Erie Bluffs State Park, these woodlands feature significant older growth trees along the scenic Lake Erie shoreline
Today, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) State Parks Director John Hallas celebrated the induction of Erie Bluffs State Park in Erie County into the national Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN), an organization that connects people with nature by creating a national network of protected forests.
Erie Bluff’s woodlands are the 33rd forest in Pennsylvania to join the OGFN as it works to preserve at least one forest in every county in the U.S. that can sustain a forest. The network’s mission is to identify forests, ensure their protection from logging, and inform people of the forest locations.
“Erie Bluffs State Park is a tremendous place to visit and I am happy to be here today to celebrate the induction into the Old-Growth Forest Network,” said Director Hallas. “This beautiful, pristine park stands out among our wonderful state park system and I am grateful to the network for recognizing the importance of this unique natural space.”
Erie Bluffs State Park has nearly 430 acres of forest with the older growth trees occurring near the Lake Erie shoreline and along the Duck Run ravine. The diverse canopy includes large oaks and sugar maples and supports other species such as red maple, black cherry, Eastern hemlock, northern red oak, black oak, American hop-hornbeam, tulip poplar, sassafras, pignut hickory, bitternut hickory, black locust, basswood, and the rare pumpkin ash. The park also features a rare black oak woodland/savanna, Great Lakes region sand barren ecosystems, and a forested wetland.
“Pennsylvania has a high quantity of protected old-growth forests inducted into the network and the Commonwealth shows its continued commitment to the preservation of old-growth forests and belief in their values,” said Brian Kane, Mid-Atlantic Manager of the Old-Growth Forest Network. “Many people will be able to come and visit this remarkable forest and appreciate its maturity and its role in a healthy regional ecology. This forest is particularly significant in that it benefits the quality of water that finds its way to Lake Erie. Healthy protected forests are closely connected to clean drinking water for the region’s residents. Forests truly play a vital role in clean waterways and the water that reaches our homes, offices, and schools.”
State Parks like Erie Bluffs, and nearby Presque Isle State Park, offer fantastic outdoor experiences that truly make Pennsylvania – The Great American Getaway. In addition to its conservation value, Erie Bluffs offers a mile of Lake Erie shoreline, 90-foot bluffs, trails, and fishing at Elk Creek. It is a day-use park, with fishing and boating permitted. Swimming is prohibited at the park.
“This honor bestowed upon Erie Bluffs State Park highlights the richness of our natural resources here in Erie County,” said Erie Bluffs State Park Manager Matt Greene. “Presque Isle State Park is often thought of as the place to experience unique natural phenomena. With Erie Bluffs being recognized by the Old Growth Forest Network, it shows that this park is special in its own right, with a completely different ecosystem and experience for the visitors that come here.”
All forests are essential to a healthy ecosystem, but old-growth forests are particularly valuable for their unique structure. They retain more carbon and nitrogen than younger forests, improving water and air quality. For more information about old-growth forests, visit DCNR’s website.
Founded in 2012 by Dr. Joan Maloof, OGFN currently includes over 257 forests across 39 states. The network also educates the public about the ecological benefits of old-growth forests and speaks out regarding immediate threats to specific ancient forests. Learn more on OGFN’s websiteOpens In A New Window.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about Erie Bluffs State Park and explore DCNR’s new Calendar of Events for activities on public lands.
