The 265,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest in north-central Pennsylvania embodies the state’s Big Woods, where vast, undeveloped, mature forest supports myriad wildlife. Yet elk sometimes find it difficult to make a living here, as the dense canopy leaves little growing room for the grasses and forbs wapiti rely on for food.
To provide diversity in the forest, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources annually maintains about 150 acres of wildlife openings located mainly along existing gas pipeline rights-of-way. Since 2018 RMEF has helped fund the effort, which involves mowing and brush-hogging, seeding with herbaceous species and applying fertilizer and herbicide. Work in 2024 and 2025 included liming an additional 32 acres to boost soil pH and thinning 16 acres within an aging aspen stand. A $10,800 RMEF grant helped purchase herbicide, lime, seed and fertilizer.
These efforts benefit more than just elk, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, cottontail rabbits and songbirds. American woodcock and ruffed grouse—both Pennsylvania species of concern—use wildlife openings for foraging as well as for displaying during the breeding season.