Allegheny National Forest

The Allegheny National Forest (ANF), Pennsylvania’s only National Forest, is approximately 517,000 acres and includes land in Elk, Forest, McKean and Warren counties in the northwestern corner of the State. About 463,000 acres are forested, 42,000 acres are non-forest, and 11,000 acres are covered by water (primarily the Allegheny Reservoir). The ANF is administratively divided into two Ranger Districts:  Bradford and Marienville. The Forest Service brought new concepts in forest management to the Allegheny Plateau -- multiple benefits and sustainability. The Organic Act of 1897 introduced the National Forest mission: to improve the forest, provide favorable conditions for water flows, and furnish a continuous supply of wood to meet people's needs. On these lands, seedlings for tomorrow's forest are the focus of forest management activities. Watersheds are managed to ensure clear water for fisheries like trout and clean drinking water for all.