Robery Conklin PA conservation figure

Robert S. Conklin

July 24, 1858 -

Conklin was born in Mountville, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He attended public school through his childhood, and after graduation, began an apprenticeship with a printing office. He became a message clerk for the House of Representatives in Harrisburg in 1893, and was later assigned as the clerk to the division of Forestry on 1895. In this position he met Rothrock, and his career in forestry began.

Conklin became the Commissioner of Forestry after Rothrock retired in 1904. During his 16 years as commissioner, he oversaw the expansion of the state forest lands, improved forest fire prevention and protection, and improved information gathering on forest conditions in the state.

He also served as a faculty member of the Mont Alto School of Forestry. While with the school, he introduced competitive exams as a requirement for entrance into the program. He expanded the tree nurseries that were started by Rothrock. On campus, he increased the number of faculty members and instructors, expanded facilities by building new dormitories, and strengthened the course load to improve education quality.

Conklin became the Commissioner of Forestry after Rothrock retired in 1904. During his 16 years as commissioner, he oversaw the expansion of the state forest lands, improved forest fire prevention and protection, and improved information gathering on forest conditions in the state.

He also served as a faculty member of the Mont Alto School of Forestry. While with the school, he introduced competitive exams as a requirement for entrance into the program. He expanded the tree nurseries that were started by Rothrock. On campus, he increased the number of faculty members and instructors, expanded facilities by building new dormitories, and strengthened the course load to improve education quality.