DCNR Announces 2,500-Acre Addition to Pinchot State Forest

This news release was originally published by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and was republished here with permission.

Harrisburg, Pa. — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced that the agency has added the 2,500-acre Miller Mountain property in Wyoming County and the property is now included in Pinchot State Forest. 

Miller Mountain’s inclusion into Pinchot State Forest marks the first state forestland in Wyoming County. The 2022 addition of 669-acre Vosburg Neck State Park was the first state parkland in the county.  

“We are excited to finally be able to add state forestland to the region and once again announce a first for Wyoming County as we did with Vosburg Neck last year,” Dunn said. “I cannot wait to view the area from the top of Miller Mountain and take in the beautiful sights provided from its vistas. Thank you to The Conservation Fund for the tireless work on this project and for conservation across the nation.” 

Miller Mountain is located in Endless Mountains Heritage Region and within a half-mile of an Important Bird Area. The land provides critical habitat for migratory birds, black bears, white-tailed deer and bobcats. The mountain is open to the public, however DCNR is establishing the state forest boundary lines and assessing the property for public access and recreational opportunities. 

”What a perfect property to open to the public at the peak of fall color,” said Kyle Shenk, Northeast Regional Director for The Conservation Fund. “Thanks to the dedication and hard work of all those involved, Miller Mountain will remain a stunning backdrop for the town of Tunkhannock and become a destination for outdoor recreation.” 

The mountain supports headwater streams of the Susquehanna River watershed and protects the and rural character of the Susquehanna River Greenway and nearby town of Tunkhannock. The 2,216-foot peak is believed to be the last remaining undeveloped peak of its size in Pennsylvania that had been privately owned. Its topographical imprint on the landscape is regionally unique and visible for a remarkable distance. 

“This is another significant milestone for Wyoming County,” State Senator Lisa Baker said. “Inside of two years, we have witnessed the establishment of our first state park and now the designation of our first tract of state forestland. Crucial parts of the landscape are protected against development, as is true for vital habitat of wildlife in the area. Along with the recreational opportunities that will open up, these projects reinforce for residents and visitors what a livable and attractive area Wyoming County is.” 

Funding from DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry via the Keystone Fund, along with funding from Williams Companies in connection with the construction and operation of the Atlantic Sunrise natural gas pipeline project, made the permanent protection of this forested landscape possible. 

“Environmental stewardship is core to our values at Williams. This was an incredible opportunity to help the state secure this magnificent mountain forestland for public use, creating access opportunities that our employees, their families and neighbors will enjoy,” said Chad Teply, senior vice president of Williams’ Transmission and Gulf of Mexico Operating Area. “We’re excited about all of the recreational opportunities Miller Mountain has to offer, while truly appreciating that critical wildlife habitat and watersheds are protected for generations to come.” 

DCNR manages 2.2 million acres of state forestlands. Visit DCNR’s website for more information about Pennsylvania State Forests and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.