Advisories for Gallitzin State Forest

Buffalo Road Parking Area Closure

Starting April 18, 2022, the western half of the Buffalo Road Parking Area in Ogle Twp., Somerset County will be closed due to a PennDOT road project on Route 56.

The contractor will use the parking area for material and equipment storage.  

The length of the closure is not known at this time.  All efforts will be made to open the entire parking area when the project is complete and the contractor performs the required cleanup. 

Chronic Wasting Disease

Chronic Wasting Disease, which is an always fatal disease to deer and elk, has been detected in all, or portions, of the Gallitzin State Forest.

Hunters should be aware of special rules and regulations that apply to deer harvested within the Disease Management Area. It is recommended that those deer be tested for the disease.

More information about chronic wasting disease can be found on the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture websites. In addition, the Pennsylvania Game Commission provides information about deer processors in the Disease Management Area.

Don’t Move Firewood

To help protect the forest from invasive insects that can kill trees and devastate the ecosystem, please do not transport firewood over long distances. Firewood can harbor insects such as emerald ash borer. Cut or purchase your firewood where you intend to burn it.