07/26/2024

​Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced that Benn Carlson has been appointed to serve as the district forester for Tioga State Forest, which covers 161,890 acres in Bradford and Tioga counties.

“We are excited Benn’s knowledge of the area and commitment to sustainable forestry leading Tioga State Forest,” Dunn said. “He is a proven leader and someone who is dedicated to managing forests to protect valuable habitat and to provide opportunities to educate the public on the incredible work of district staff.”

Carlson manages the forest, which includes the majestic Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, and the popular Pine Creek Rail Trail.

Tioga State Forest features awe-inspiring views and miles of clean, cool streams, like Cedar Run and Babbs Creek, and is one of eight state forests located in the Pennsylvania Wilds​Opens In A New Window.

Part of the forest sits in the Route 6 Heritage CorridorOpens In A New Window.

“I’ve lived here and recreated in this forest my entire life, so this is a great feeling to lead the Tioga as the district manager,” Carlson said. “We have an amazing team and are doing a lot of great work. I’m very thankful for what we have in this district.”

Carlson is a Galeton native and lives in the borough with his wife, Kristy, daughter, Zoey, and son, Daxon.

As an outdoor enthusiast, Carlson enjoys hunting, hiking, camping, skiing, and is getting into making maple syrup in his spare time.

He replaces longtime district forester Jim Hyland, who retired in 2023.

A graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology Carlson said he has always had a desire to work in the outdoors and decided to enter the workforce after earning his associate degree to get hands-on experience and implement lessons learned in the school.

Carlson began his career with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as a forest patrolman in Elk State Forest in 2002, prior to joining Tioga State Forest staff in 2003 as a forest technician.

He held roles as forester and assistant district forester before taking over as district forester in January.

Among his priorities are continuing to manage the forest’s timber resources and recreational forestlands, as well developing community events and connecting with school-age children to raise awareness about careers in conservation.

Visit the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ website for more information about state forests, and check out the Department’s Calendar of Events​ for events on public lands.