Forbes State Forest tour will focus on management of Fayette division

Tuesday is the deadline to register for a free tour Saturday in the Braddock Division of Forbes State Forest.

Organized by the Westmoreland Woodlands Improvement Association, the ninth annual field trip to the state forest is set for 9 a.m. to about 3 p.m. and is open to the public.

The tour will begin and end at the Braddock Division maintenance headquarters at 1200 Skyline Drive, Farmington. It will showcase conservation and management methods in the forest division, which consists of 20,000 acres on Chestnut Ridge in Fayette County — including a mix of oak, yellow poplar and red maple trees.

The forest also includes the 7,441-acre Quebec Run Wild Area, Lick Hollow Picnic Area, Pine Knob Overlook and the historic Wharton Iron Furnace.

The tour will be led by foresters Dave Planinsek and Ralph Campbell. Planinsek said the trip will focus on practices such as “low shade removals, mowing treatments and herbicide applications” that can be used in forests across the state “to establish and enhance diverse regeneration of desirable tree seedlings.” There will be opportunities to ask questions.

The tour will include walking over rough terrain. Those who plan to attend should be prepared to spend the day in the forest, should bring insect repellent and sunscreen and should dress for the weather, wearing long pants and sturdy footwear.

They may want to bring binoculars or field guides for viewing wildlife.

Attendees should bring a lunch. Bottled water will be provided.

Call Sandy at the Westmoreland Conservation District Office (724-837-5271) to register and to sign up for a carpool that will depart at 7:45 a.m. from the front lot of the Donohoe Center at 214 Donohoe Road, Hempfield.

Visit westmorelandwoodlands.org for more information about upcoming association programs.