MARIENVILLE — The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service announced Tuesday that they are accepting public comments on a proposal to demolish structures and restore the Thomas Life Estate (Tract 992TK) in Warrant 4042, Millstone Township, Elk County, Pa. This proposal will foster a more natural setting that promotes diverse wildlife and vegetation, removes non-native invasive species and enhances fisheries and watershed health.

Purchased in 1990, the Thomas Life Estate encompasses 43 acres. The purchase included a clause that permitted the prior owner to live on the property until they were no longer able to do so, which occurred in 2020. Proposed activities include demolishing and disposing of the former residence, barn, and other structures and debris, installing bat and songbird boxes, establishing pollinator gardens, planting trees, felling trees for large wood introductions into Painter Run and onto its floodplain, designating two dispersed campsites, and installing an interpretive sign along River Road.

District Ranger Rob Fallon stated, “This proposal will restore stream function on Painter Run as well as wildlife habitat and native vegetation on these 43 acres. We are grateful to the Thomas and Thacher families for envisioning this transition from their family homestead to a restored natural setting along the Clarion National Wild and Scenic River and River Road.”

For more information, a scoping document is available for download at https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=63599. Printed copies are available upon request. Comments may be submitted at any time but would be most helpful if received by Monday, April 3. If you would like more information, please contact District Ranger Fallon at (814) 927-5799 or email robert.fallon@usda.gov.