Appreciating Public Lands

From 1923

I grew up in a family that appreciated the outdoors. From my grandfather's beloved 'Golly's Folly' to spur-of-the-moment family picnics at Patterson Park to hiking, fishing and even hunting, we were outdoors often. And because we made do with few resources, the state parks and state forest land - free for all - were a haven.

In Potter County, we are fortunate to have many acres of public land to enjoy. Here are a few old newspaper clippings that detail how some of that happened.

From The Potter Enterprise, 1929
Attributed to State Senator Frank Baldwin*:

"The State should purchase all desirable cutover and waste lands for forestry purposes ... I believe that the waste lands of Pennsylvania will become reforested if fires are kept out, and I am strongly in favor of the department planting forest seedlings where natural reproduction is impossible. The state should lead the way in forest tree planting.

"There is another subject I would like to emphasize, the building of more forest forest roads and trails. While it is possible for the people of Pennsylvania to enjoy the beauties of scenic spots which are visible along the state highways, it is difficult for them to get off the beaten path and see the wonderful views that have not been made available due to lack of access. Foest roads and trails will bring more people into the forest and get them acquainted with the purposes of forestry. They will also be of great value for fire protection."

From The Potter Enterprise, 1930

The people of Pennsylvania now own approximately 1,500,000 acres of State Forest Land administered in their interests by the Commonwealth through the Department of Forests and Waters. In addition to the idea of building up thrifty forests on these once lumbered and burned-over lands, and thereby perpetuating a timber supply and protecting the streams of the Commonwealth, the intention was that they would serve the people as health-promoting environments and centers of outdoor recreation. From the very beginning of the forestry movement in Pennsylvania, wholesome recreation was recognized as a major objective in a well- balanced program of administration. 

The marked trend toward enjoyment of the open spaces has been significant since the development of the automobile, and with cars at the disposal of practically everyone today, the number of forest visitors has increased rapidly. That the State-owned forests alone should be the objects of more than a million and a half visits annually attests to their wide appeal, assert officials of the department.

from Senator Baldwin in 1929 concluding:

"I may say that the state forests of Pennsylvania are one of the best investments the state has ever made, and will be more so as time goes on..."

*Senator Baldwin, who claimed Austin as his home, served in the Pennsylvania Senate for 20 years and was Pennsylvania Auditor General for four years.

From the 1920s photo collection of W.D. "Golly" Fish