WYOMING – Gov. Tom Corbett recently visited Frances Slocum State Park as part of his three-day tour through Northeastern Pennsylvania to promote the state’s tourism and environment.
Accompanied by Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Richard Allan, the governor visited key points in the park, beginning with the Frances Slocum State Nature Center.
“I am astounded by the natural beauty that Pennsylvania has to offer each time I visit one of our state parks,” Corbett said.
“It’s my hope that all of our residents can take advantage of our park system and spend some time outdoors, whether it be hiking, camping, kayaking or just simply relaxing and enjoying nature.”
Frances Slocum State Park consists of 1,035 acres in Luzerne County and provides recreational opportunities for local residents and travelers, including camping, mountain-biking and hiking trails, plus 700 acres of designated hunting land.
The park’s focal point is a 165-acre lake, which offers fishing and boating, including rowboats, paddleboats, kayaks and canoes. Youth groups are also active at the park and have recently completed aquatic habitat improvement projects to benefit the fish and turtles that live in and around the water.
Beyond environmental and recreational benefits, state parks across Pennsylvania generate more than $13 million in annual economic activity in public-private partnerships, mostly through concessions. At Frances Slocum, area residents operate a camp store, watercraft rentals, plus food and refreshment stands.
“A recent study showed that state parks have enormous impacts on local economies; each dollar we invest into the parks brings $9 in return,” Corbett said. “These parks generate more than $928 million in local spending and support more than 12,000 local jobs.”
Pennsylvania’s 117 state parks are more popular than ever as an affordable tourism destination and recreation option to enjoy the outdoors and the environment. Learn more online at www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks.