Harrisburg, PA – Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the appointment of Mathias Weinzen to serve as the manager for Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County.
“Mathias has demonstrated strong leadership skills and commitment to supporting positive experiences while at state parks,” Dunn said. “We look forward to seeing his stewardship at Black Moshannon and are excited to have his passion at the park.”
Weinzen officially began overseeing operations of the park in March. He said that Black Moshannon is an “absolutely gorgeous” state park and that he aims to build on what previous managers have done to protect the area’s natural and wild resources.
“I am excited for this opportunity and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a steward of this amazing park,” Weinzen said. “I could not ask for a better staff and community around the park for a first assignment as a standalone manager.”
After spending time in the U.S. Navy and college, Weinzen joined DCNR as a park manager trainee, before spending two years in DCNR’s Harrisburg headquarters as a program specialist and two years as the assistant manager at Codorus State Park.
Weinzen holds a degree in recreation, park, and tourism management from Penn State and a graduate degree in recreation, sport and tourism from the University of Illinois. Having discovered Black Moshannon while studying at Penn State, Weinzen noted that the park is only about 25 minutes from State College and encouraged people in the region to explore the park.
Weinzen is a Coal Center, Washington County native who credits his upbringing on his family farm, time spent hunting and fishing, and visits to Ohiopyle State Park for his immersion in the outdoors. When he isn’t working, Weinzen enjoys hiking and spending time with his dogs Meeko and Xara.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about state parks, and check out DCNR’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.