New Interest in Old Forests

New Interest in Old Forests: Creating an Assessment Method for Pennsylvania Old-growth

February 27, 2024, 12 p.m. ET, 11 a.m. CT, 10 a.m. MT, 9 a.m. PT

New Interest in Old Forests: Creating an Assessment Method for Pennsylvania Old-growth

Old-growth forests have recently gained nationwide attention for their significant carbon storage capacity and biodiversity; however, many basic questions remain on their identification and ecology in Pennsylvania. In this webinar, Ecologist Jaci Braund will discuss how the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program is using new methods to identify what differentiates old-growth forests in Pennsylvania based on regional literature and field observations. Goals for this project include utilizing these characteristics to drive best management practices for both old-growth and mature forests, and determining habitat needs for old-growth species.

Jaci Braund standing next to a tall tree in a forest
Photo courtesy of Jaci Braund.


Presented by

Jaci Braund headshot

Jaci Braund
Ecologist,
Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program

Jaci Braund is an Ecologist with the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program located in Harrisburg, PA. Her ecology work primarily involves classifying plant communities within Pennsylvania and researching old-growth forests. Jaci has been spearheading this project on old-growth forests for Pennsylvania since 2021 and is developing the assessment methods for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry.


Special Thanks to the US Forest Service for Supporting this Program.

Forest Service

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