Forests Under Attack

Pennsylvania’s 29 million acres of woodlands supplied pioneers with the necessities of life. There was an abundant supply of timber for building homes, heating and for cooking food.

However, in just a short time, the forests were being cut down faster than they could grow. What took place by the early 1900s was devastating to the state’s landscape.


Besides development and the iron industry, what other industry lead to the clearcutting of PA’s forests in the mid 1800s?

A. Bookbinding

B. Telecommunications

C. Leather tanning