HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation presented nine awards for the protection and enhancement of the state park and forest system at its sixth annual awards banquet on May 1 at the Harrisburg Country Club.
The Forest of the Year Award, was presented to Elk State Forest. This award is given to a forest district that has demonstrated innovative and exemplary work in both forest management and recreation.
“Elk State Forest received this award because of its outstanding commitment to making the forest a recreational hub”, said Pennsylvania Park and Forest Foundation President Marci Mowery.
The 200 plus miles of hiking, biking, equestrian and skiing trails in Elk State Forest have been renovated by staff. Forest staff updated trail brochures, installed education panels at trailheads and rerouted the Quehanna non-motorized multi-use trail system to protect the fragile environment. A bridge, boardwalk and limestone surface material were installed to enhance the trail.
Elk State Forest staff added several viewing areas with educational panels. A recreational driving program has also been developed to highlight various timber activities. The new road signs within the forest make it easier to locate lost hunters.
The new Elk Country Visitor Center is a special feature of the Elk State Forest. Staff works with the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, the Bureau of State Parks and volunteers to manage the center. The building has been certified in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
“The Elk State Forest is to be commended for its dedication to enhancing visitor experience while protecting its natural assets,” said Mowery.
Other award recipients included:
- Cliff Jones Keystone Legacy Award (sponsored by Woolrich, Inc.)- The Honorable Franklin L. Kury
- Joseph Ibberson Government Award (sponsored by Chesapeake Energy)- Dr. James Grace
- Volunteerism Award (sponsored by Recreation Equipment Incorporated (REI))- Mid-Atlantic Karst Conservancy
- Education Award- Gwen and Bud Wills
- Park of the Year (sponsored by Talisman Energy)- Kinzua Bridge State Park
- Young Volunteer (sponsored by PPL)- Paul Mickle
- President’s Award (Sponsored by Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce)- Yellow Creek State Park
- Friends Improvement Award- The Friends of the State Line Serpentine Barrens
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation is a statewide nonprofit that supports the 120 state parks and conservation areas and 2.2 million acres of forest land. PPFF helps maximize the economic and environmental benefits from our parks and forests. Founded in 1999, PPFF has 34 chapters.
For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation Web site or call 717-236-7644.
(Pictured above: John Frith, Dominion; Jeanne Wambaugh, District Forester, Elk State Forest; Marci Mowery, President, PPFF)
