Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Students, led by Dr. Steve Robar associate professor of political science, will be canvassing the Allegheny National Forest starting in mid-May to conduct a full environmental analysis for the Pennsylvania Kinzua Pathways (PKP) proposed project “The Trails at Jakes Rocks.” Representatives from PKP, Pitt-Bradford and the ANF attended a dynamic presentation by the students, describing exactly how these eight to 10 students will accomplish the analysis for the 47 miles of proposed mountain biking trails. Starting in May, students will break into two teams and will begin the work of studying, documenting, capturing on film and indexing all flora and fauna found within 100 foot corridors of the proposed trail network. “These students will be able to provide more detailed information than would have been provided if we had to use our own ANF resources. We would not have been able to commit this amount of time or this amount of ANF resources to this pro...

By SANDRA RHODES Great Places, Great Design, Inspiring Youth and Government Leadership Awards were presented to McKean County entities Wednesday evening at the Pennsylvania Wilds Annual Update hosted by the PA Wilds Planning Team on Wednesday, April 26. Rick Allan, Secretary of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; and Carolyn Newhouse, Dep. Sec. for Innovation & Investment at the Department of Community & Economic Development, Tourism & Film both presented on current efforts of their agencies in support of the great work being done in our region in developing heritage and nature tourism. Keynote speaker was Ted Eubanks of Fermata Inc. who has assisted Pennsylvania in planning for long term sustainable tourism development, first with the development of the Elk Scenic Drive and then the creation of the Pennsylvania Wilds marketing brand which is based on the footprint of the Lumber Heritage Region’s 12 counties. “I was very pleased to be a part of t...

Sky Walk to Receive 'Great Places Award' Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan today stopped at the Millstone Township Canoe Access Area during a tour of the Clarion River corridor, where he highlighted the partnerships that have improved recreational opportunities on the river in Clarion, Elk, Forest and Jefferson counties. "The Clarion River was once one of the most-polluted waterways in Pennsylvania, but today through hard work, partnerships and investments it offers residents and visitors alike tremendous opportunities for river-based recreation," Allan said. "We are here to celebrate the success that can be achieved when some start-up dollars, local commitment and a wide range of partners work together." In addition to canoeing and kayaking, the corridor offers opportunities for picnicking, sightseeing, camping, watching wildlife, birding, fishing and hiking. The corridor is the southwestern gateway to 12 1/2-county Pe...

Pennsylvania’s widely acclaimed Elk Country Visitor Center has earned independent honors for energy efficiency and environmental design, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan announced today. “We are proud to learn yet another major DCNR Pennsylvania Wilds project has been awarded Gold LEED status by the U.S. Green Building Council,” Allan said. “Similar recognition recently was extended to the new Nature Inn at Bald Eagle in Centre County and the Tiadaghton State Forest Resource Management Center in Lycoming County.” LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized mark of design, construction and maintenance excellence that seeks to ensure buildings reflect the highest environmental and energy efficiency. Offered at four levels for new construction -- Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum -- the ratings gauge water and energy use, materials, and other design criteria. “We recognize the effort that went into the...

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard J. Allan yesterday joined partners and visitors in officially opening the new Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park in Cameron County. The new center is one of DCNR’s key investments in the Pennsylvania Wilds, located only a short jump off the Elk Scenic Drive in the heart of the northcentral region. “It was easy to pick a name for our new facility at Sinnemahoning State Park. With so many opportunities in the park to watch wildlife -- from bear and eagles, to otters and a small elk population -- it couldn’t be anything other than ‘The Wildlife Center,’” Allan said. “Our new center will help educate visitors about regional wildlife watching opportunities and photography, conservation history and stewardship practices, and provide creative ideas for exploration of this unique and rugged section of Pennsylvania.” Depending upon the season, visitors to Sinnemahoning State Park could encounter nesting bald eagles; see...

The Pennsylvania Wilds Outdoor Discovery Map is now available through the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau at no charge. The map is a regional effort of the Pennsylvania Wilds to promote tourism and recreation in the area. The Pennsylvania Wilds is a 12-county tourist organization that consists of McKean, Clinton, Clearfield, Cameron, Clarion, Forest, Elk, Jefferson, Potter, Tioga, Lycoming and Warren counties. The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau is the official destination marketing organization for McKean County. In addition to a sizeable foldout map, there is also information on local attractions, trails, state parks, state forests and the Allegheny National Forest. In addition, the map highlights fishing, scenic overlooks, wildlife watching and canoeing and kayaking areas. General tourism-related and contact information is listed for a variety of agencies, making this a convenient travel resource for the region. The free maps are available by calling 800-473-9370...

ST. MARYS, Pa. – Ross Porter of Smethport receives one of the Champion of the PA Wilds awards Thursday at the PA Wilds Planning Team’s annual luncheon at the Diamond View Restaurant in Smethport. Ross is flanked by, on the left, Meredith Hill of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and his wife, Jovanna. Porter, mayor of Smethport and owner of the Mansion District Inn, has been instrumental in developing the Smethport Mansion District Walking Tour brochure as well as creating and placing several historical site signs throughout Smethport. Both projects have enhanced heritage tourism in McKean County. Coutese of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau

Jerry Clark of Sign DeSign of Westline puts the finishing touches on a new sign welcoming motorists to McKean County while traveling south on U.S. Route 219 just north of Bradford. The sign, which was installed Wednesday, was funded through a state grant awarded for $3,000 to the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau and funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Department of Community and Economic Development. The grant was administered through the Pennsylvania Wilds Signage Program. The project was a collaborative effort between the ANFVB, Pennsylvania Wilds, McKean County commissioners, Pennsylvania Lumber Heritage Region and the Foster Township supervisors. Clark said he made the sign from hemlock forested locally. Photo by Sandra Rhodes

By Sandra Rhodes Visitor & Member Services Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau Tourism is not only the second largest industry in Pennsylvania, but is also an economic engine helping the region. That is certainly along the Pa. Route 6 corridor. “U.S. Route 6 in Pennsylvania is not only a highly recognized scenic highway, it’s also an economic generator,” said Terri Dennison, executive director of the Pa. Route 6 Heritage Corp. According to a study released by the PA Route 6 Heritage Corp., Route 6 attracts 3.5 million travelers a year. These travelers, in turn, spend about $91.1 million which helps pay for 2,000 jobs. The study also revealed that half of the visitors to Route 6 were first-time visitors. More than 67 percent were staying overnight in hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts or campgrounds. The average stay along Route 6 was 2.9 nights. The typical Route 6 travel party is comprised of one to four adults without children. Travelers along Route 6 in McKean County hav...

More than 100 elected officials and other leaders from across the Pennsylvania Wilds gathered at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford today to explore the economic impact of the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative, and also to honor some of the region’s most dedicated and productive community activists. The primary focus was on Making an Impact, a new report that the Pennsylvania Wilds Planning Team released at the luncheon and made available to the public at www.pawildsresources.org . The Making an Impact report includes findings from two major studies that measure the jobs, tourism dollars and other benefits that the Pennsylvania Wilds has generated to date. It also highlights the major investments that have been made in the area as part of the Pennsylvania Wilds Initiative. “This is a very important document for the Pennsylvania Wilds and this region,” said Pennsylvania Wilds community outreach specialist Sam MacDonald. “It is incredibly difficult to measure something like ‘economic i...

The Ridgway Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous will be honored with a Governor's Award for the Arts. The Rendezvous is the world's largest event of its kind, drawing more than 200 carvers and 25,000 visitors to Elk County. The awards are a 29-year gubernatorial tradition honoring outstanding Pennsylvania artists, arts organizations and patrons who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the arts. The awards ceremony on April 8 in York will be free and open to the public, and followed by a ticketed reception. The Governor’s Awards for the Arts are administered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

The Pennsylvania Wilds is sharing in nearly $3 million dollars worth of Regional Marketing Partnership grants awarded today. $90,000 is going to the 12-county region that includes McKean, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and Warren counties. As for Tourism Promotion Assistance grants, the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau will receive nearly $14,000; the Potter County Visitors Association, nearly $5,000; and the Warren County Visitors Bureau, a little over $7,000. “Even in a challenging economy, Pennsylvania recognizes the need to invest in our tourism industry because it generates more than $28 billion in economic impact – an amount greater than the recently enacted state budget,” Governor Ed Rendell said. Pennsylvania is the fifth-most visited state, attracting more than 140 million visitors a year. More than 600,000 Pennsylvanians work in the tourism industry, drawing paychecks totaling $18 billion. governor's web sit...

Construction has started at the Pennsylvania Wilds Elk Country Visitor Center, a public-private partnership between the state and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. DCNR has a 30-year partnership agreement with the foundation for construction and operation of an 8,400-square-foot green building that will include interpretive exhibits, wildlife trails, viewing blinds and parking for cars and buses. Pennsylvania's wild elk herd, the largest in the Northeast, attracts more than 75,000 visitors to the Pennsylvania Wilds each fall. For more on this story, go HERE .

Leadership McKean participants became tourists at several of McKean County’s prominent attractions during a private bus tour. This session included presentations by Linda Meabon, Zippo Manufacturing Company museum curator and historian, Linda Devlin, Executive Director Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau, Steve Appleby, Eldred World War II Museum and Learning Center, Lu Vandermark, McKean County Historical Society Old Jail Museum, Terri Dennison, Route 6 Heritage Corporation and Route 6 Tourist Association, Ta Brant, Small Business Ombudsman, Pennsylvania Wilds, Holly Dzemyan, Environmental Education Specialist and Jason Zimmerman, Park Ranger for Kinzua Bridge State Park, and Ron and Sue Zampogna, Flickerwood Wine Cellars. The theme of McKean County’s rich history and heritage was expressed at each stop on the tour. Visitors are attracted by the beauty and versatility of our natural resources and the authentic experience of rural America. Small businesses to serve the tourist...

BRADFORD, Pa. – Allegheny National Forest Bradford District Ranger Anthony Scardina will be the featured speaker at the buffet breakfast hosted by the Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau to commemorate National Tourism Week. The event will start at 8 a.m. May 14 at the Barrel House Restaurant & Tavern in Lantz Corners at the intersection of U.S. Route 219 and U.S. Route 6. Scardina will talk about recreation and tourism possibilities on the Allegheny National Forest. “This is a chance for all of us to celebrate what we have here and what we can offer people who travel from outside McKean County,” Executive Director Linda Devlin said. Tourism is the second largest industry in Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania is the fourth most visited state in the country. The Allegheny National Forest Vacation Bureau promotes tourism within McKean County and the Pennsylvania Wilds. In addition to the breakfast, there will be a “brochure swap” where current members, and potential members of the V...

Fuel is cheaper than it was last year, so maybe it's time to think about the ultimate all-American vacation , the road trip. You could drag out an atlas or a stack of maps, or you could just browse the Web for information on routes such as U.S. 6, meandering through the hills and forests across Pennsylvania's "road less traveled." For the full story, go to philly.com .

Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, R-Howard, today, praised Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources Mike DiBerardinis, on the House Floor for his six years of service to the Commonwealth, and his dedication to Rural Pennsylvania. Tomorrow is the Secretary’s last day at DNCR. Transcript Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to honor a man that exemplifies public service. A man that hails from the big city of Philadelphia, but who has had a profound impact on my rural district. Secretary Mike DiBerardinis, has served the Rendell Administration and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with distinction for the past six years as the head of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, or DCNR. And while I have only had limited interaction with the Secretary personally, his work on the Pennsylvania Wilds Initiative – a nature tourism program that encompasses my district – speaks volumes of his character and his dedication to rural Pennsylvania. Under th...

He defended Surra as qualified and told reporters peppering him with questions to "get off your butts and go up to the Pennsylvania Wilds and ask the people up there" about Surra. For the full story, go to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review . OK "people up there (here)" ... What do we think about this? Please comment! To read a couple of letters to the editor of the DuBois Courier-Express, go HERE

Former state representative Dan Surra didn't go very long without a job. Governor Ed Rendell has made an exception to the hiring freeze he imposed to create a new job for Surra , who started work Monday as a senior adviser for the "Pennsylvania Wilds." Surra will be paid $95,000 a year — a bump up from the approximately $89,000 Surra would have made had he won a 10th term in the House and kept his leadership position. Rendell's press secretary says the new position is a wise investment, and Surra's primary responsibility will be to balance the region's tourism with the surging interest in drilling for natural gas.

Cherry Springs State Park has been designated as the second International Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association. This certification recognizes Cherry Springs State Park's exceptional commitment to dark sky protection and restoration on public lands. "The leadership demonstrated by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Cherry Springs shows that protecting the view of the cosmos also makes economic sense, preserves ecosystems, and maintains quality of life," says Elizabeth Hospodarsky, executive director of the Tucson-based, non-profit International Dark-Sky Association, or IDA. Cherry Springs has retrofitted all of their outdoor lights to be night sky friendly. Some areas of the park are even designated as no-light zones to protect owls, bats, and a host of indigenous mammals. "This designation is continued validation that this region has something special to offer to our visitors," said DCNR Secretary Michael DiB...