By Carol Hillestad For Pocono Heritage Land Trust

Tourism in Pennsylvania is a big deal. A very big deal. 450,000 jobs. $32.9 billion a year in total economic impact. $3.4 billion in state and local revenues.

Here in the Poconos, that tourism benefits outfitters, guides, hotels, resorts, and restaurants in a big way.

But it’s not just the big guys who win. It’s also gas stations, diners, pizza places, and corner stores — basically anyone who provides a product or service needed by human beings.

Big numbers. Big benefits. But for people who live here, the benefits run a lot deeper than that.

In our backyard, we have riches that other people have to drive hours to enjoy…

Trail running, bouldering, climbing, and hiking. Geocaching, scavenger hunting, foraging, and biking. Birding and wildlifing, mushrooming and botanizing. Photography.

Fishing and hunting, fireflies and night skies. Picnicking, camping, cabins and bonfires. Woodlands and wetlands, creeks, swamps, and bogs.

Sunrise, forest bathing, contemplation and meditation. Waterfalls, canoeing, creek swimming, rapids running. Snowshoeing, downhill, cross-country, sledding. Snow angels!

Yes, jobs and money matter. Still, true prosperity is more than that.

Pocono Heritage Land Trust protects the woods, water, wildlife and natural beauty on which all this depends.

We work with individual landowners to conserve their land in the ways that matter to them.

We are local people, dedicated to safeguarding our children’s heritage — the important lands, natural places, open spaces and agricultural landscapes of this rare, precious place we call home.

So, step outside. Close the door, clear your mind. Take yourself into the woods — there’s treasure yet to find.

Pocono Heritage Land Trust protects thousands of acres of the natural world, protecting quality of life for ourselves and for visitors. Much of the land we conserve is open to the public.

Find your own awesome experience at one of our preserves.

You’re welcome!

Related Articles:

-- DCNR: Shapiro Administration Creates Action Plan To Grow PA’s Outdoor Recreation Sector In New Report

-- DCNR Blog: Heritage Areas Draw Visitors, Boost Economy

-- Nature By The Numbers: The Economic Impact Of Land Preservation - By Carol Hillestad For Pocono Heritage Land Trust  [PaEN]

-- Registration Now Open!  PA Recreation & Park Society Conference & Expo March 12-15 In Seven Springs  [PaEN]

-- Penn State Extension Hosts Feb. 20 Webinar On DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants And Community Forest Projects  [PaEN]

-- Dept. Of Health Now Accepting Applications For WalkWorks Grant Program To Make Communities More Pedestrian-Friendly

-- ​​DCNR Awards $793,800 To Support 3 ATV Projects; New Grant Round Opens Feb. 1  [PaEN]

-- DCNR: 2024 April Total Solar Eclipse In Pennsylvania

-- Save The Dates: Forest Health In-Person Briefing, March 12; Virtual Forest Health Briefing, March 14; Forest Snapshot; More! [PaEN]

-- DCNR: Forest Land Manager Should Begin Treatment Operations Now For Spongy [Gypsy] Moth Caterpillars  [PaEN]

-- Penn State Extension Hosts Feb. 20 Webinar On DCNR Community Conservation Partnership Grants And Community Forest Projects  [PaEN]

-- Friends Of Allegheny Wilderness Urge Public Comments Opposing Permanent, Fixed Anchor Bolts, Pitons On Wilderness Climbing Rock Faces  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- Erie Times - Brian Whipkey: New Office Of Outdoor Recreation Director Wants To Improve Bond of Government And Industry

-- The Center Square - Anthony Hennen: State Wants To Bet Big On Outdoor Recreation Economy

-- Inquirer: DCNR Not Considering Camping At This Time In New Big Elk Creek State Park In Chester County

-- Williamsport Sun: Casey Secures $387,500 Grant For Pennsylvania Wilds Center For Entrepreneurship

-- Williamsport Sun: DCNR Announces ATV Regional Trail Connector In Northcentral PA

-- NextPittsburgh: Brilliant Branch Rail-To-Trail To Connect Pittsburgh Neighborhoods, And Beyond

-- Post-Gazette Editorial: Washington’s Trail 1753 Deserves Official Historial Recognition 

[Posted: January 26, 2024]

1/29/2024