Gallitzin State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gallitzin State Forest |
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IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
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Autumn at the Charles Lewis Natural Area
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Location of Gallitzin State Forest in Pennsylvania
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| Location | Pennsylvania, United States |
| Area | 24,370 acres (98.6 km2) |
| Elevation | 2,402 ft (732 m) |
| Established | 1916 |
| Governing body | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Website | Gallitzin State Forest |
Gallitzin State Forest is a special natural area in Pennsylvania, United States. It's managed by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry. The main office for the forest is in Ebensburg, which is in Cambria County.
This forest covers about 24,370 acres (9,862 hectares). It's split into two separate parts. The biggest part is called the Babcock Division. It's located in northern Somerset and northwestern Bedford Counties. The smaller part is in northern Cambria and Indiana Counties.
Gallitzin State Forest got its name from Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin. He was a Roman Catholic priest who did important work in the Allegheny Mountains in the early 1800s. People called him "The Apostle of the Alleghenies" because of his pioneering efforts.
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History of Gallitzin State Forest
Gallitzin State Forest was created in 1916. This happened because a lot of trees were cut down in the mid-to-late 1800s. People were worried that the forests would not grow back properly.
Why Forests Were Cleared
Lumber and iron companies cut down many old trees. They often cleared entire areas, leaving behind only dry tree tops and stumps. Sparks from passing steam locomotives often started huge wildfires. These fires stopped new trees from growing.
Protecting Pennsylvania's Forests
Conservationists, like Dr. Joseph Rothrock, became very concerned. They feared the forests might never recover without proper care. They believed the state should buy land from the lumber and iron companies. The companies were happy to sell because they had already used up the natural resources.
Changes began in 1895 when Dr. Rothrock became the first commissioner. He led the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters. This department later became today's Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. In 1897, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a law. This law allowed the state to buy land for "forest reservations." This was the start of Pennsylvania's State Forest system.
Environment and Wildlife
Gallitzin State Forest is part of the Appalachian mixed mesophytic forests region. The forest sits on the western edge of the Allegheny Plateau. The land here is about 2,400 feet (730 meters) above sea level.
Unique Tree Species
This area has a climate that is somewhat like an alpine climate. This means you can find trees like birch here. Birch trees are more common in places further north, like New England and Canada.
Nearby State Parks to Explore
If you visit Gallitzin State Forest, you might also want to check out these nearby state parks:
