The people of the state were so fearful that through political manipulation this vast forest resource might fall into the hands of the timber exploiters, that a constitutional amendment was proposed and adopted, absolutely prohibiting the cutting of green timber from the state lands.

Thus, while New York owns large areas of state forest land, it is unproductive so far as furnishing timber supplies to the state is concerned.

It is held distinctly for the recreation it affords to campers and hunters, and contains many famous summer resorts.
State forestry in Pennsylvania began in 1887, when a commission was appointed to study conditions, resulting in the establishment of a Commission of Forestry in 1895.

Two years later, an act was passed providing for the purchase of state forests.

At the present time, Pennsylvania has 1,250,000 acres of state forest land.