The Pennsylvania Game Commission is publicizing a revised plan for the return of a native furbearer once common to certain areas in Pennsylvania.
Last week the Game Commission’s Board of Commissioners approved the release of a draft for reintroduction and management of the American marten to the public.
These creatures are about the same size as a mink and disappeared from the state around 100 years ago as a result of deforestation and unregulated harvest. The Game Commission’s plan includes a 10-year strategy to obtain martens and release them in certain locations with partner organizations, as well as the timeline and cost of the project.
After completing a feasibility assessment for reintroduction last year, the Bureau determined that there is sufficient habitat for the marten without negatively impacting other species. The complete plan is available for public viewing on the Game Commission’s website.
