Gov. Corbett’s proposed FY 2014-15 budget includes the Enhance Penn’s Woods initiative, a 2-year, more than $200 million effort to repair and upgrade State Parks and State Forests through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

The program includes $45 million in additional monies from interest on the Growing Greener II bond funds and existing funding from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund, Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund and the Dirt and Gravel Road Program.

“There are so many ways to enjoy Pennsylvania’s great outdoors.  With such a variety of unique activities – world class fishing, hunting, hiking and one of my favorites, kayaking – there’s something for everyone in the Keystone State,” Corbett said.  “As a strategic investment in our future, we’ll make the largest, short-term investment in state park and forest history to Enhance Penn’s Woods.”

The initiative was unveiled during a tour of the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, where the Governor also purchased his fishing license.

“The hunters, anglers, campers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all types not only enjoy our natural treasures in Pennsylvania, but they also spend money in our local communities,” Corbett said.  “This short-term investment will make sure we enjoy the long-term benefits of a first class park and forest system such as healthy outdoor recreation, protecting our natural resources and attracting residents, tourists and private investment to communities around the state.”

The Governor was joined for the announcement by DCNR Secretary Ellen Ferretti; Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway; and families with children who participate in hunting and fishing.

“The vision of great conservation leaders in Pennsylvania’s history has resulted in the system of state parks and forests that Pennsylvanians enjoy and love today,” Ferretti said. “Our modern challenge is caring for our public lands, focusing on improvements for aging facilities; well-managed forests; and high management standards for our award-winning state parks.

“DCNR is grateful for Gov. Corbett’s commitment to honor the legacy of our state parks and forests. Our staff works tirelessly each day to protect these resources and ensure our visitors have a meaningful and enjoyable experience. This will allow us to be better stewards of the parks and forested entrusted to us,” Ferretti said.

The department estimates about 200 projects will be covered under the 2-year investment, including:

-- Improvements to some of the most visited and unique parks in the system including a visitor center at Kinzua Bridge State Park, McKean County; new park office at Cook Forest State Park, Clarion County; and completion of the visitor center at Ohiopyle State Park, Fayette County;

Dam repair at Sinnemahoning State Park, Cameron County; Marsh Creek State Park, Chester County; Chapman State Park, Warren County; Pymatuning State Park, Crawford County; and Gouldsboro State Park, Monroe County;

-- New opportunities for interaction with the public at offices in the Buchanan State Forest, Fulton County, and Gallitzin State Forest, Cambria and Indiana counties;

-- Repairs to fire towers in state forests statewide;

-- Adding 20,000 acres to the state forest system;

-- Twelve campground improvement projects including at Gifford Pinchot, Prince Gallitzin, Hickory Run, Bald Eagle, Parker Dam, Laurel Hill, Hills Creek, Black Moshannon and Caledonia state parks;

-- More than 50 public access improvement projects to roads, bridges and trails;

-- Seventeen state park drinking water or wastewater system projects; and

-- Continuing DCNR’s track record of green buildings and sustainable features.

Enhance Penn’s Woods covers the current fiscal year 2013-14, and fiscal year 2014-15.  The additional special allocation of $45 million will be from premiums and interest on Growing Greener II bond funds.

For each fiscal year, the infrastructure design and construction projects are expected to support almost 1,000 jobs in the engineering, architecture, landscape design, construction and other fields.

In addition to announcing Enhance Penn’s Woods, Gov. Corbett also unveiled the Pennsylvania Outdoor Adventure Guide. Structured for outdoor enthusiasts, the 80-page guide highlights an array of recreation opportunities across the Commonwealth, and conveniently categorizes these adventures and activities.

Whether it’s launching a kayak in more than 86,000 miles of the state’s wild rivers and scenic streams or sliding down challenging runs at one of Pennsylvania’s 21 ski resorts, the guide outlines and inspires outdoor recreation of every form.

“Pennsylvania has 17 million acres of forest, attracting hikers, birdwatchers, hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts from far and wide. Our Outdoor Adventure Guide highlights the many unique tourism destinations that beckon visitors to Pennsylvania’s natural year-round playground.”

This first-of-its-kind guide represents the beginning of a unique collaboration among the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Game Commission, and the Fish & Boat Commission.

Pennsylvania has 120 state parks totaling almost 300,000 acres, and 2.2 million acres in 20 state forest districts. Visitors to Pennsylvania state parks generate more than a billion dollars in economic activity in nearby communities annually, supporting almost 13,000 jobs.

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2/10/2014