Gov. Rendell this week announced a partnership with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation that will create the largest elk watching and conservation education center in the eastern United States in Benezette Township, Elk County.

"Pennsylvania's wild elk herd, the largest in the Northeast, brings more than 75,000 visitors to the Pennsylvania Wilds each fall," Gov. Rendell said. "This new center will give us additional opportunities to reach out to new visitors, give them a wonderful outdoor experience and share the story of the conservation efforts that have restored the elk herd, and many other natural and wild areas in Pennsylvania."

A 30-year partnership agreement with the foundation, one of the country's premier conservation organizations, will result in the construction of the 7,000-square foot facility that will include interpretive exhibits, wildlife trails and viewing blinds, year-round restrooms and parking for cars and buses.

Under the partnership agreement with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the commonwealth will provide $5 million in Public Improvement Project funds for construction of the center. The foundation will initially invest $2 million for the land purchase and the center's exhibits in addition to committing an estimated $5.6 million over 30 years for the operation of the facility.

"The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation recognizes the need for individuals to experience wildlife and wild places," said Peter J. Dart, president and CEO of the Montana-based Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. "The new visitor center will provide the opportunity to educate a broader audience about habitat conservation and Pennsylvania's wild elk. All of us at the Elk Foundation value our partnership with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and look forward to continuing our work in Pennsylvania's elk country."

During the past year, site planning and market feasibility studies for the center were completed. Completion of the center's design is expected by the end of this year. Construction completion is projected for spring 2009.

The Pennsylvania Wilds covers Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga and Warren counties.

For more information on the Pennsylvania Wilds and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

3/23/2007