Rothrock State Forest Stewardship

Rothrock State Forest is comprised of 96,345 acres located in Huntingdon, Centre, and Mifflin counties and is managed by the DCNR Bureau of Forestry.   The core mission of the Bureau is “to ensure the long-term health, viability and productivity of the Commonwealth’s forests and to conserve native wild plants.” To accomplish this, the Bureau manages state forests under sound ecosystem management, to retain their wild character and maintain biological diversity while providing pure water, opportunities for low-density recreation, habitats for forest plants and animals, sustained yields of quality timber, and environmentally sound utilization of mineral resources.

Rothrock contains unique habitats, supports extensive wildlife diversity, influences adjacent private forest health and provides ecological services, recreational opportunities and economic benefits to local economies. As the communities surrounding Rothrock State Forest grow, it is important to protect these natural resources and services.  This is done by strategically enhancing and expanding on opportunities that could further benefit local economies while protecting Rothrock State Forest’s natural resources.
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Each year a detailed activities plan is crafted to address these various stewardship goals.  You can find the current 2019 Rothrock Activities Plan here.
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The Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation Friends of Rothrock State Forest chapter assists in these efforts by raising funds for trail development and improvement, organizing events, activities and work days, and providing education opportunities.  Please consider assisting by volunteering with the Friends of Rothrock chapter and participating in our events.