Pennsylvania Game Commission seeks help for habitat projects

Dallas, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Game Commission is looking for able-bodied volunteers interested in making a difference.

In the coming months, the agency has planned several habitat workdays on State Game Land 36 in Franklin Township and State Game Land 123 in South Creek Township, both in Bradford County.

The workdays will be facilitated by the commission’s habitat management staff.

The focus of these habitat workdays is to expand shrubland habitat for eastern cottontail rabbits, and create young forest habitat much needed by ruffed grouse and American woodcock.

The work consists of tree felling, limbing, and bucking downed trees, brush pile construction, and pruning apple trees. Areas are predetermined based on the time of year they are being managed and the location on the landscape.

Normally, there are between five and 10 volunteers from the various conservation organizations as well as several Game Commission employees.

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The commission asks that interested parties RSVP to the Central Dispatch Center at 1-833-742-4868 or 1-833-742-9453 in order to notify Philip Kasper, land management group supervisor, they plan on attending. This will ensure that there is enough food for everyone who attends.

Work dates are as follows:

– Saturday, March 14, from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

– Meeting location: State Game Land 123 Parking area on Game Lands Road located at 41.912740, -76.788726.

– Saturday, March 28, from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

– Meeting location: State Game Land 36 Parking Area located on Long Valley Road at 41.6674564, -76.5953433

A special note, the only entrance into this portion of the game land is from Mountain Road, there is no access to drive north on Long Valley Road from Schrader Creek Road.

Volunteers should plan on being outside for the majority of the day. All volunteers will be required to sign a liability release waiver prior to participating in the habitat workday.

Each person who is planning on felling or bucking trees is required to bring their own personal protective equipment in addition to a chainsaw. Fuel and bar oil will be provided by the commission.

PPE consists of a hard hat, ear protection, protective safety glasses, gloves, saw chaps and boots.

There will be a limited amount of loaner pruning equipment provided by the Game Commission.