Salisbury Township officials are considering a forest management program that could generate significant revenue while promoting sustainable practices on township-owned land. At the May 28 board of commissioners meeting, members heard a presentation from Jon Regan, owner of Future Forest Timber Management, LLC, outlining modern forestry methods and their potential application in Salisbury. Commissioner Heather Lipkin, who serves as liaison to the township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), introduced Regan and said he had previously presented to the EAC in February. “Sustainable forestry practices have come a long way in the past 150 years,” Regan told commissioners, emphasizing that timber harvesting today involves long-term stewardship rather than onetime tree cutting. “A timber harvest isn’t just cutting the trees. There’s follow-up.” Regan noted Pennsylvania is the nation’s leading producer of hardwoods, citing the diversity of species found across the state. In Salisbury, dominant trees include poplar, mixed oak, hickory, birch, maple and walnut. Township Director of Public Works Jim Levernier identified several areas that could be evaluated for forest management, including lands near the Lehigh River in Walking Purchase Park, the former McAuliffe property across South Pike Avenue and Franko Park. Preliminary estimates suggest the township could realize between $1.3 million and $1.8 million in logging revenue if a program is pursued. “I would like to see a proposal,” Commissioner Alok Patnaik told Regan, signaling interest in exploring the concept further. Regan’s earlier presentation to the EAC was also covered in a The Salisbury Press article published March 28.

In other action, commissioners unanimously approved several resolutions and motions: Police retirement: A resolution was adopted for the medical retirement of Officer Brian Zulic, who can no longer perform his duties due to an on-the-job injury, according to Police Chief Donald Sabo. K-9 disposition: Commissioners approved the disposition of K-9 Ryker, who had been partnered with Zulic. Sabo said the dog has been out of service for approximately two-and-a-half years and will be fostered through August. Sewer rehabilitation contract: A $99,995 bid from Mobile Dredging and Video Pipe, Inc. was accepted for the 2026 sanitary sewer system rehabilitation project. Township engineer Alan R. Fornwalt said the bid was higher than expected but recommended proceeding with a change order. The project includes a $59,000 grant, with a township match of $21,833.66. Right-of-way easement: Approval was granted for a PPL easement to install a utility pole at 2937 S. Pike Ave., near the former McAuliffe property. Policy updates: Commissioners approved revisions to the paycheck distribution policy, expanding eligibility to township commissioners and clarifying payment procedures for zoning hearing board and planning commission members. They also approved an increase in the township life insurance benefit from $50,000 to $75,000 and adopted a revision to Administrative Policy 2022.

In his report, Sabo announced the township received an $83,086 grant for pedestrian crossing improvements at East Emmaus Avenue and South Dauphin Street, as well as a $31,000 grant for policing school events.