Republished from PennWatch posted 24 September 2025

Pennsylvania forest landowners can now apply for reimbursements of up to $25,000 through a new $5 million program designed to strengthen private woodlands against pests, disease, and the impacts of climate change.

The PA Woodland Resilience Enhancement Network (PWREN), launched by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry in partnership with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, is the first program of its kind in the Commonwealth. With more than 70 percent of Pennsylvania’s forests in private ownership, PWREN will empower landowners to protect clean water, wildlife habitat, and the long-term health of forests that are essential to local economies.

“Private landowners are critical to the future of Pennsylvania’s forests,” said Pennsylvania State Forester Seth Cassell. “PWREN is a key part of how we help landowners take the first step toward healthy, productive woodlands that will benefit future generations.”

Funded by the U.S. Forest Service, the program will reimburse landowners for forest management activities and provide access to technical expertise and peer networks.

“Healthy forests are essential for clean air, clean water, and climate resilience,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Through this program, we’re making it easier for landowners to take practical, science-based steps to strengthen their woodlands and ensure they can thrive for decades to come.”

“By working together with DCNR, we are helping landowners invest in forests that are not only vital to Pennsylvania but also to the health of the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed,” said Kate Fritz, CEO of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. “PWREN will make sure landowners—especially those historically underserved—have the tools and resources they need to steward their land.”

PWREN is open to landowners with between 10 and 2,500 acres of forest anywhere in Pennsylvania. Support may include:

  • Forest management activities that improve forest health
  • Customized woodland plans tailored to each property
  • One-on-one support from DCNR service foresters, free of charge
  • Connections to technical and financial resources beyond PWREN
  • Local learning networks to share knowledge and best practices

The program is especially focused on reaching underserved landowners who may not have had access to forestry resources in the past.

To get started, landowners should contact their local DCNR service forester, who will provide a free site visit, recommend practices, and help with the PWREN application.