As mayor of Smethport, I’m proud of our town’s past and the heritage of our region. I can tell you that the strong, persistent, hard-working character of the people who helped shape this region many years ago is still alive and well today. That spirit, integral to the people of Smethport, and consistently evident in other communities in surrounding counties, is demonstrated by the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative, a bold and exciting undertaking.
You’ve probably been reading about the initiative in your local paper, or heard your neighbors talk about it. Our local planners, economic development officials and tourism partners are all involved, and in the spirit of our region, working together to develop strategic plans for smart growth and a better, more viable nature tourism destination in the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Understanding our past heritage and present strengths helps put into perspective how the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative will impact a town like Smethport. Smethport is at the center of the East Coast hardwood industry and home to some of the forest industry’s leaders. We have one of the best-maintained Victorian residential architectural areas in the region. Our Mansion District includes a variety of Victorian architectural styles homes built by our turn of the century captains of the lumber and financial industries. A few steps from our quaint town center, the Mansion District walking tour turns back time to a charming elegant chapter of American history. And we have direct access to amazing outdoor activities like mountain biking, snowmobile and ATV trails, and more.
Like many communities in the region, we’ve been focused on growing tourism as a way to enhance our local economy. In 2004, Smethport was selected as the very first Route 6 Heritage Community, which means we’re working on a community-wide project to develop a heritage tourism work plan. What does that mean? With a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), we are identifying heritage tourist sites, resources and themes, all to further develop our visitor experience, sustain our local heritage and enhance the local economy.
Our heritage grant is just one of many funds coming to the region, which in many ways has contributed to the excitement and momentum around the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative. An additional $14.6 million in grants and $13.8 million in loans have been awarded to businesses since the fall of 2004 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and DCNR has invested more than $10.6 million in the region’s community recreation, conservation projects, parks and other public facilities. This summer another $1.78 million was dedicated from a fund called Growing Greener II to support 33 community planning and infrastructure improvement projects. All told, tens of millions of dollars have been invested in our region, with more on the way. There’s something big going on here and that’s why I have high hopes about the future, both here in Smethport and throughout the region.
The state’s investment is providing the foundation for additional public and private investment. In Smethport we’re looking at an extensive community reforestation program, opportunities for business development including lodging, specialty stores, extending hours for visitors, cultural venues, hospitality training, year-round event planning, streetscape enhancements, park improvements, signage and parking. As with any vision, it will take time—we think close to 10 years— to realize many of the changes we’re proposing. But, we are committed.
And it’s not just happening here in Smethport. I know the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative is creating momentum in other towns, like Ridgway. Strategic planning and vision have been there for some time, but the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative has injected even more excitement and investment into efforts to revitalize the community. In fact, the Ridgway Heritage Council reports that 37 new businesses have opened since 1997, with an impressive 73 percent retention rate. The council has supported 95 projects with $245,000 and brought in close to $3 million in private investments.
All across the region communities have an opportunity to build on our collective heritage, work together and take advantage of the momentum generated by the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative. I encourage you to get involved. Contact your local officials, tourism office, county planner or legislator and see what you can do – start a business, volunteer, whatever interests you. The resources are available to help us invest in our region, but we will all benefit if we contribute in some way to the future of our own communities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ross Porter is in his second year as mayor of the Victorian mountain town of Smethport, McKean County, located deep in the Pennsylvania Wilds. Porter and his wife, Jovanna, have been residents and active members in the Smethport community since 1981.
In addition to his mayor duties, Porter teaches history and directs the Planet Smethport History Project at Smethport Area High School, serves as adjunct faculty for California University of Pennsylvania, illustrates a column for Geography Teacher Magazine and is a Bucktail Regiment Civil War Reenactor.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
For more information about the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative, visit DCNR’s Web site and click on “PA Wilds.”
To learn more about or visit the parks and attractions in the Pennsylvania Wilds, go to VisitPA online or call your local visitors bureau.
GantDaily Editor’s Note: This is the third in a series of columns, “Voices from the Pennsylvania Wilds.”