Long-time trails advocate James Holden, 73, from Franklin, Venango County, passed away on November 9 following a brief illness.

His love of the outdoors and his commitment to the environment was perhaps as strong as his desire to protect it for future generations.

He was president and co-founder of The Allegheny Valley Trails Association and co-founder and vice-president of the Allegheny Valley Conservancy.  He was proud when Franklin was nationally recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Town.

Holden was named Man of the Year by the Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce in 1994 and in 2006 was awarded The Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award for his continued commitment to the French Creek Watershed.

In 2012 he was named to The Izaak Walton League Venango County Conservation Hall of Fame.

Click Here to read his entire obituary.

11/18/2013