Gov. Tom Corbett Thursday began a two-day kayak tour on the Upper Delaware River through Wayne, Pike and Monroe counties to promote Pennsylvania's natural resources and learn about this critical waterway.

"Pennsylvania is blessed with unmatched natural beauty and resources," Corbett said.  "As Pennsylvanians, we sometimes take our beautiful surroundings for granted, so this summer, I'm taking out the kayak and experiencing them first hand.  I encourage residents across the state to do the same."

Setting off this morning from the southern tip of Wayne County, Corbett will be kayaking down the Upper Delaware River; visiting Wayne, Pike and Monroe counties throughout his two-day trip. The Governor will be spending time on water as well as on land visiting a state park, a national park and tourist destinations.

He will be joined on the water by Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Rick Allan, Department of Environmental Protection  Secretary Michael Krancer and Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway.

"We are thankful and excited to see the Governor's commitment to recreational tourism as he showcases outdoor opportunities across Pennsylvania this summer," said John Arway, executive director of the Fish and Boat Commission. "Fishing and boating are big business in Pennsylvania and these activities generate approximately $3.4 billion in revenue to the state every year."

While on the water, Corbett is learning about the region's landscape and how recent preservation projects and economic development initiatives have conserved the area's natural beauty while enhancing the quality of life for residents.

"An investment in Pennsylvania's natural resources is a proven investment in local economic activity," said Corbett. "Investments that create jobs, help communities prosper and preserve our natural resources are always worthwhile."

When not on the water, Corbett will be visiting local tourist destinations including the Zane Grey Museum, Masker Museum, Promised Land Stake Park and the Shawnee Inn.

This is Corbett's second kayak tour this summer. Corbett kayaked the Allegheny and Conemaugh rivers in July; visiting Forest, Venango and Warren counties, Johnstown and Pittsburgh.

The Governor's kayak trips have become a tradition, beginning last summer when the Governor promoted the importance of preserving and conserving our natural resources while traveling the Susquehanna River.

Promised Land State Park Tour

Gov. Tom Corbett today visited Promised Land State Park in Greentown during his two-day kayak tour on the Upper Delaware River to promote Pennsylvania's vast natural resources.

The governor also toured the Zane Grey Museum in Lackawaxen, the Masker Museum and the Pickerel Point Campground. Joined by state and local officials, Corbett learned how recent improvements and preservation efforts have helped to sustain outdoor recreation as an economic staple in the area.

"Supporting tourism goes hand-in-hand with preserving our natural resources," Corbett said. "Not only is it vital that we take care of these resources for the growth of our commonwealth, but equally as vital is the need to preserve these resources for future generations.  I want my grandchildren to enjoy the same breath-taking Pennsylvania that I had the privilege to kayak today."

Local forest groups joined the governor on his tour of the state park to discuss the importance of the timber industry, which generates $5.5 billion in annual economic activity statewide. The State Forest System helps the industry make possible the livelihoods of approximately 90,000 Pennsylvanians. 

As the nation's largest producer of hardwoods, Pennsylvania's timber industry involves more than 3,000 separate businesses and has a presence in all 67 counties.

Once repeatedly clear-cut forests, Promised Land State Park and its neighboring Delaware State Forest were purchased by the state in the early 1900s in an effort to restore, protect and reclaim the forests for wildlife habitat protection, recreational activity and sustainable tree harvesting.

"The young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps planted, built and improved these forests not just for the days they would spend here, but for the days that those yet to be born would enjoy here," Corbett said. "We must harvest what we need, but we also need to protect our land in the process. That belief has informed my decisions on energy policy, business growth and conservation.  By preserving our resources, we prosper."

NewsClips: Corbett Goes Where He Feels At Home, On The River

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8/27/2012