Rep. Camille "Bud" George, Democratic chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, this week announced almost 5,000 acres of the Sproul State Forest in northwestern Clinton County will be named the "Russell P. Letterman Wild Area" in honor of the of the late state representative and sportsman.

Gov. Rendell signed into law Senate Bill 406 which included Rep. George's amendment to rename 4,959 acres now known as the Fish Dam Wild Area to the Russell P. Letterman Wild Area.

"Russell Letterman was a friend to all Pennsylvania - especially its outdoor enthusiasts," said Rep. George (D-Clearfield), about his former colleague, who represented portions of Clinton, Centre, Lycoming and Clearfield counties in the 76th Legislative District. "Russ' heart was as big as the outdoors, and I could think of no more fitting tribute than to name a spot that he treasured and nurtured in his honor."

A native of Milesburg, Centre County, Rep. Letterman served 19 years in the General Assembly and served as chairman of the House Fish and Game Commission where he championed air and water conservation. He also served on the Conservation Committee, now the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and worked to create the Wildlife Resources Conservation Fund.

A former professional baseball player with the St. Louis Browns organization, Rep. Letterman was also active with many outdoors organizations, including the Mosquito Creek Sportsmen's Club. He died at age 56 on February 8, 1990.

7/22/2005