The Allegheny National Forest contains the state's largest designated wilderness area, the 8,663-acre Hickory Creek Wilderness area, which is dominated by 120-foot tall trees that shelter a number of endangered species. The forest also boasts the 4,100-acre Tionesta Scenic and Research Natural Areas, which contain extremely rare and valuable remnants of eastern old-growth forest. Citizens propose the Tionesta and other areas on the forest for wilderness protection as the Forest Service moves closer to revising its management plan for the Allegheny.
Furthering "Zahnie's" Vision
"Working to preserve in perpetuity is a great inspiration... We are not fighting progress. We are making it," said Howard Zahniser, executive director of The Wilderness Society from 1945 to 1964 and author of the federal Wilderness Act of 1964.
"Zahnie" as he was affectionately known, was from Tionesta, Pennsylvania, located on the southwest border of the Allegheny National Forest. The Wilderness Society and our local partners, including Friends of Allegheny Wilderness, hope to further Zahniser's vision by working together to designate additional wilderness areas in the Allegheny National Forest.
Too Little Protected
Today, less than 2 percent of the Allegheny is congressionally designated wilderness. Fortunately, a number of potential wilderness areas remain on the forest, their wild resources intact. More fortunately still, an enthusiastic network of wilderness activists in Pennsylvania is committed to protection of these wild places.
Notables among these are the 4,100-acre Tionesta Scenic and Research Natural Areas. These areas contain old-growth forest remnants that have never been logged, unique wildlife habitats, and fine opportunities for primitive recreation. Large eastern hemlock and beech trees, some 500 years old and nearly four feet in diameter, dominate the area.
The Tionesta's ancient forests are thought to be the most extensive old growth forests remaining between the Adirondacks and the Great Smoky Mountains. In spite of its uniqueness, the Tionesta continues to be threatened by logging and oil and gas drilling.
Other Areas Deserve Consideration
The Forest Service is expected to revise the Allegheny National Forest resource management plan over the next four to five years. The Wilderness Society will work with our local partners to persuade the Forest Service to inject ecologically sound policies into the new plan and promote consideration of these areas for wilderness designation:
The Allegheny Front and the Tracy Ridge National Recreation Areas
The Allegheny Front National Recreation Area (7,393 acres) and the Tracy Ridge National Recreational Area (9,033 acres) were recognized thirty years ago for their outstanding wilderness potential. These areas were denied wilderness designation in the Eastern Wilderness Areas Act of 1975, and designated as National Recreation Areas in 1984. Fortunately, they still retain their wilderness character today.
Hickory Creek Wilderness Area Expansion
The Pennsylvania Wilderness Act of 1984 designated 8,600 acres of the Hickory Creek roadless area as Wilderness. However, expansion of the existing Wilderness area by a further 827 acres to the north would ensure the protection of the headwaters of the Hickory Creek while encompassing the entire Hickory Creek roadless area.
Minister Valley Roadless Area
A roadless area, this popular 1,417- acre recreational area is in need of further protection. By including the roadless area itself and several thousand acres of quality wilderness lands adjacent to the west and north there is potential for a further 6,000 acres of Wilderness.
Clarion River Roadless Area
This 3,777-acre roadless area that lies along the National Wild and Scenic section of the Clarion River has the potential to be expanded to over 5,000 acres of Wilderness that would benefit recreationists and wildlife alike.
For More Information
