Delaware State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Delaware State Forest |
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IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
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Painter Swamp, Pike County, within Delaware State Forest.
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Location of Delaware State Forest in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 85,114 acres (344.44 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,145 ft (349 m) |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Delaware State Forest |
Delaware State Forest is a huge Pennsylvania state forest in the United States. It covers about 85,114-acre (344.44 km2) of land. That's like having over 65,000 football fields of trees! The forest is managed by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry. Its main office is in Swiftwater, which is in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. You can find parts of this forest in both Monroe and Pike counties. Northampton County is also part of the same forest district.
Contents
History of Delaware State Forest
Why the Forests Needed Help
In the late 1800s, Pennsylvania's forests were in big trouble. Companies that made lumber and iron had cut down almost all the trees. They often used a method called clearcutting, which means cutting down every single tree in an area. This left behind a lot of dry branches and stumps.
Fires and Forest Recovery
These leftover dry materials often caught fire. Sparks from passing steam locomotives (old trains) would start huge wildfires. These fires made it very hard for new trees to grow back. People started to worry that the forests might never recover.
The Start of Conservation
Thankfully, some smart people, called conservationists, realized something had to change. One important person was Dr. Joseph Rothrock. He believed that forests needed to be managed carefully so they could regrow. He became the first commissioner of a new state department in 1895. This department was created to protect Pennsylvania's natural resources.
Creating State Forests
In 1897, the state government passed a law. This law allowed Pennsylvania to buy land from the lumber and iron companies. These companies were happy to sell because they had already used up all the trees. This was the beginning of the State Forest system, which helps protect and manage forests for everyone.
Nearby State Forests and Parks
Neighboring State Forest Districts
Delaware State Forest is located near other important forest areas. To the east, you'll find the U.S. state of New Jersey. Other state forests nearby include:
- Pinchot State Forest (to the north)
- William Penn State Forest (to the south)
- Weiser State Forest (to the west)
Nearby State Parks to Explore
There are also several fun state parks close to Delaware State Forest where you can enjoy nature:
