Conservation Tools

Featured Library Items

Chrin Brothers Inc. v. Williams Township Zoning Hearing Board and the Township of Williams (PA Commonwealth)
This case is one of the few where a timber harvester sued to overcome restrictions set forth by a local timber-harvesting ordinance. The municipality won this case, as it demonstrated that the restrictions were reasonable and defensible.

Model Timber Harvesting Ordinance, PA
A model ordinance created by PSATS, DCNR and various academics ordaining and enacting regulations to timber harvesting practices and to allow for and encourage proper forest management within a township.

PATrees.org
Information the care of trees and forests. Includes answers to many questions regarding planting, health, diseases, finding assistance, etc.

Timber Harvesting/Riparian Buffer Ordinance, Kennett Township
A very well-written and concise example of a timber ordinance. We’ve included this document due to its detail in addressing riparian buffers and woodland disturbance.

Stoltzfus v Zoning Hearing Board of Eden Township, Lancaster County, 2007 WL 3274837 (PA Cmwlth, 2007).
PA Commonwealth Court case upholding a municipality's refusal to grant a variance to an individual requesting that a log processing business on agricultural land be reclassified as a forestry use.

Taylor v. Harmony Township Board of Commissioners (PA Cmwlth, 2004)
PA Commonwealth Court case upholding an ordinance which restricted timber harvesting on steep slopes that are flood or landslide-prone. The appellant argued the township may not restrict timber harvesting, because the MPC prohibits unreasonable restrictions on timber harvesting. The court found...

Timber Harvest Operations Field Guide For Waterways, Wetlands and Erosion Control
Information to assist timber harvesters to prepare and implement soil erosion and sediment control plans, and to work around streams and wetlands. Experience has shown that most soil erosion problems originate with the improper layout or construction of skid trails, logging roads and landing area...

Timber Harvest Ordinance, Center Township
This ordinance is posted to show the sections related to permit issuance, violation notices, suspensions, and penalties.

Timber Harvesting Information
Provides information for individuals or companies that are looking to conduct a timber harvest in West Bradford Township. It explains the processes that must take place prior to the issuance of a permit and, more importantly, includes a sample permit document.

Timber Harvesting Ordinance, Montgomery County
Detailed example of a timber harvest ordinance. Also includes a detailed glossary of terms.

Timber Harvesting in Pennylvania - Information for Citizens and Local Government Officials
Complete primer for individuals and local government officials who have no knowledge of timber practices. Includes informative sections on forestry economics, products, management principles, an overview of state regulation, and how to deal with potential road damage. Of note in the Appendix ar...

Timber Harvesting Ordinance, Williams Township, Northumberland County
The timber harvesting ordinance that was upheld by the Commonwealth Court of PA in Chrin Bros., Inc. v. Williams Township Zoning Hearing Board. In part, the court found that the township was within its right to impose reasonable regulations on forestry practices within its boundaries.