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Photo by Aidan Bauernschmidt ~ Matt and Jan Weir of Hummelstown were named forest stewards by the state. They own forest land in Derry Twp. that has been in the family for several generations.
Doing their part to preserve Penn’s Woods
Green keepers: couple preserves their forest
by Aidan Bauernschmidt
Press and Journal Staff
: 3/10/2010
Matt and Jan Weir’s home is nestled amid several acres of quiet, and until recently, snowy woods near Hummelstown.
It’s a peaceful setting and the couple plan to keep it that way with the help of a newly granted Forest Stewardship award from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry.
The Forest Stewardship program is voluntary, and is meant to teach forest landowners how to improve and maintain their property, said Andrew Brought of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Program membership is achieved by submitting a long-term plan to DCNR outlining a plan to preserve the property.
“The plan addresses any of the landowner’s objectives: timber, recreation, wildlife conservation; it’s comprehensive,” Brought said.
To be eligible for a forest stewardship, the land must be privately owned and be between 5 and 1,000 acres. The cost of an official stewardship plan is divided equally between the landowner and the Bureau of Forestry.
The Weirs’ request for a stewardship plan was accepted in October, and the plan was completed a month later. It focuses mostly on reintroducing and maintaining native trees — many of the trees on the property are 80 to 130 years old —managing a hefty deer population, and controlling invasive plant species.
The couple plan to plant and maintain holly and blueberry, as well as the mountain laurel, Pennsylvania’s state flower.
One specie of tree is close to the Matt Weir’s heart — the American chestnut. He is a member of the American Chestnut Foundation, a group dedicated to the tree’s restoration and proliferation. Part of Weir’s plan for his property includes planting many chestnut trees, which were once prevalent in the area. There have already been issues, however.
“One problem is that the deer are eating the same plants [we are] trying to preserve,” Jan Weir said with a laugh.
The Weirs also plan to have a professional forester visit the property within the next few months to make additional recommendations for its improvement.
“The idea with keeping a healthy forest is so that it remains for the future,” Matt Weir said. “And to maintain its natural beauty.”
“We’re fortunate to be living in the largest woodland area in Derry Twp.,” Weir said. “And our land has a unique geology. There is so much history in the area.”
Millions or billions of years ago, the brownstone rock formations on the Weir’s property were sand dunes. The property contains evidence of a high-quality brownstone quarry, he said.
Weir has completed 40 hours of voluntary educational programs with the Pennsylvania Forest Stewards. The programs included topics from ecology to forest safety, and from wildlife management to biodiversity.
“The idea is to share the knowledge and experience we gain with other landowners,” Matt Weir said.
He was happy to find himself among kindred spirits during the training. “These people are very proud of their land. It’s refreshing to see so many people interested in preservation.”
The plan to preserve the Weir property arose from some sentimental value as well as practical. Part of the land the family owns belonged to Weir’s father, and he grew up exploring the landscape.
“Ever since I was a child, I loved the forest,” he said. “I would chop firewood and explore, and take samples. The land has always fascinated me.”
The Weirs encourage other woodland owners to apply for the stewardship program or for other grants from the Bureau of Forestry, either to better their land or prevent it from being sold off.
“We admire anyone who preserves their woodland,” Jan Weir said.
Since 1993, between 40 and 50 stewardships have been given to landowners in Dauphin County, Brought said.
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