Gov. Rendell and members of his Task Force on the Pennsylvania Wilds this week outlined a new vision for encouraging growth in tourism and related businesses throughout Northcentral Pennsylvania by spotlighting the unique outdoor experiences available on the 2 million acres of public lands in the region.

The Wilds includes all or portions of Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga and Warren counties. The region contains more than 2 million acres of public lands: 27 state parks; the Allegheny National Forest; the Pine Creek Gorge; the largest elk herd in the Northeast; hundreds of miles of backpacking trails, bike paths and trout-fishing streams; and the darkest skies in the East at Cherry Springs State Park.

Gov. Rendell formed a Cabinet-level task force on the Pennsylvania Wilds in 2003 to examine how the public lands in the Wilds can boost the region's economy. Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis is the lead Cabinet official coordinating the work of the Task Force, which also includes the PA Tourism Office, PennDOT, Department of Environmental Protection, Game Commission, Fish and Boat Commission, area legislators and regional organizations.

The Task Force's goals are to encourage the growth of outdoor and heritage tourism, promote the growth of private accommodations and service providers and accelerate the implementation of the Elk Watching and Nature Tourism Plan. This recently completed plan, which focuses on the five counties that comprise the elk range, is a model for the broader mission of the Task Force.

The Commonwealth already has completed a few projects to facilitate visitor navigation through the region such as signing the Elk Scenic Drive and building viewing areas for people to view elk and other wildlife along the route. Other initiatives under study by the Task Force include a gateway visitor and interpretive center near I-80; a wildlife-viewing center at Sinnemahoning State Park; and an elk-viewing center near Benezette.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Wilds webpage.

10/8/2004