[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 150 (Monday, September 18, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          CELEBRATING THE ALLEGHENY NATIONAL FOREST CENTENNIAL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
the Allegheny National Forest centennial. For the last 100 years, the 
only national forest in Pennsylvania has been a shining example of what 
a multiple-use forest can do and be for a region.
  This great forest wasn't always this vibrant. Prior to President 
Calvin Coolidge signing a proclamation establishing the Allegheny 
National Forest, or what we refer to as ANF, in 1923, there was 
considerable deforestation throughout Pennsylvania's northern tier.
  This was a result of unsustainable and poor forestry practices during 
the 19th century and early 20th century. A century later, forests 
throughout the region have largely been restored and forest health has 
returned across the landscape by applying science and active forest 
management.
  Located in the northern portion of my district, this incredible 
forest spans more than half a million acres across Forest, Elk, McKean, 
and Warren Counties.
  Whether it is timber harvesting, energy production, wildlife habitat, 
or an abundance of outdoor activities, the Allegheny National Forest 
has it all.
  The ANF is the economic engine of the region, supporting local jobs 
and industries, as well as recreational opportunities for residents and 
visitors alike.
  The ANF is an important partner to the forest products industry, 
which is incredibly important for this region for both economic needs 
and encouraging forest health. The local logging and forest products 
industry play important roles in supporting the Forest Service's 
mandate to actively manage national forests and ensure a reliable 
source of domestic timber.
  The Allegheny National Forest is also located in the same area as 
Pennsylvania's historic oil region, which began in 1859 when Colonel 
Edwin Drake drilled the world's first commercially successful well in 
Titusville, Pennsylvania.
  The oil and gas industry has been a staple industry in northwestern 
Pennsylvania, established long before the ANF was even created. Today, 
energy production in the ANF continues to be a critical, economic 
driver in the region while the Forest Service remains an important 
partner with local producers and mineral rights owners.
  Mr. Speaker, this centennial is a grand celebration as it highlights 
the importance of maintaining our multiple-use forest. To celebrate, 
the community is hosting a variety of activities leading up to the 
celebration on Sunday, September 24. Events include a Jakes Rocks 
Mountain Bike Trail Fest, a forest-themed art show, a forest-themed 
film festival, and ending with a birthday party on Sunday, the 24th, 
taking place at the Twin Lakes Recreation Area.
  The ANF is a nature lover's dream and continues to be a prime 
vacation destination for Pennsylvania, as well as Americans and even 
international travelers.
  While there are numerous hiking, biking, and even snowmobile trails, 
the ANF also provides key resources to sustain our country. From world-
renowned hardwoods to biomass fuels for energy production, the ANF 
truly provides something for everyone. For generations, the forest has 
brought economic prosperity to our region, and it is essential that we 
are able to contribute to the longevity and sustainability of the 
Allegheny National Forest.
  I am dedicated to putting forth policies that promote natural 
solutions to keep our forests healthy and resilient for generations to 
come. These policies include working closely with the Forest Service, a 
division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to manage our forests, 
foster healthy lands, and allow this economic engine to thrive.

  By supporting the Forest Service and encouraging active management, 
we can support healthy forests and rural communities for generations to 
come.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent the only national forest in 
Pennsylvania. I will continue to support policies here in Washington 
that allow for the ANF to flourish for the next 100 years and beyond.

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