Hiking and skiing in Forbes State Forest and on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail will be a lot more comfortable thanks to two generous grants from REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), the PA Parks and Forests Foundation announced Tuesday.

The outfitter is providing funds for renovations to five Adirondack shelters on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, and rehab the Shafer Run Warming Hut in Forbes State Forest.

PPFF President Marci Mowery says, “We are excited to once again work with REI and thank them for their support and stewardship of our public lands. Their commitment to improving public lands—through volunteer time, green practices at their facilities, and financial contributions are to be commended.”

A $6,000 grant from REI will fund work to repoint chimneys and repair fireboxes at five historic Adirondack shelters found along the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT), which goes through Laurel Ridge State Park.

“Staying overnight in an Adirondack shelter is arguably one of the most unique and enjoyable experiences in Pennsylvania state parks,” Laurel Hill State Park Manager Michael Mumau says. “These timely improvements will allow us to continue to offer a high quality visitor experience for our overnight guests.”

Mumau notes that the LHHT, which begins at Ohiopyle State Park and ends at Conemaugh Gorge near Johnstown,  attracts thousands of visitors to the Laurel Highlands region every year, serving as a spine of the Laurel Highlands and linking recreational, scenic, and historical resources found on public lands.

A total of 40 Adirondack shelters are located in eight areas along the trail, and are used by hikers, backpackers, cross country skiers and trail runners.

A $2,500 grant from REI will be used to install new metal roofs on the hut and its latrine, a new stove pipe for the wood stove and replace the huts four windows.

“Located in the heart of the North Woods Trail System, this hut is a popular stopover point for winter and summer recreationists in the Forbes State Forest,” explains District Forester Ed Callahan. “This includes cross-country skiers, snowshoers, equestrian riders, hikers, mountain bikers and users of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, which is adjacent to the warming hut.”

REI is a national outdoor retail co-op committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.

7/28/2014