sign in sign up
<<
Home , Codorus State Park, Joseph Rothrock, Linn Run State Park, Milton State Park, Oil Creek State Park, Presque Isle State Park

PENN’S STEWARDS

News from the Parks and Forests Foundation

Pennsylvania’s Natural Legacy Spring 2006 disagree with baseball legend Satchel Paige who once said It was also at this time that Pennsylvania’s first state park was I “Never look back, you don’t know what might be gaining on purchased—Valley Forge State Park (which then became Valley you.” When looking ahead, it is helpful to know from where Forge National Historical Park in 1976). you came, so let’s take a look back at the complex history of our state park and forest system. Joseph Rothrock, the Father of Pennsylvania Forestry, and the first President of Pennsylvania In 1921, a National recognized the value of the Pennsylvania forests Forestry Association, was appointed and in 1681 issued his Charter of Rights to settlers, ordering the the first Commissioner of Forestry in Conference on State colonists to leave one acre of trees for every five acres of land 1895. Rothrock promoted the ideas Parks lead by cleared. This was disregarded, but the woods remained rela- of conservation, recreation and Stephen Mather, tively intact until about the 1850s. Much of the American econ- health. As commissioner, he began purchasing lands for a forest reserve, of the National Park omy in the nineteenth century was based on a forest products Service, was held to industry—demands for were staggering. Early rail some of which later became state needed 80 million crossties a year for expanding lines. Histori- parks. The lands were used to pre- encourage a state- ans estimate that every iron furnace (there were 145 in 1850) serve, protect and propagate forests wide park system needed between 20,000 and 35,000 acres of forest to sustain it. as well as to protect watersheds. modeled after the Hemlock bark was the primary source of tannin for the leather Rothrock applied his knowledge of health and healing to establish camps NPS. At the time of industry. Pennsylvania, abundant with hemlock forests, attracted the conference, four tanneries, which in turn brought and pulp mills to use in forest reserves for people with lung or bronchial infections. Mont the harvested wood for lumber and paper. parks existed in Alto was the first of these camps. Pennsylvania. Behind the loggers came uncontrolled wild fires, soil erosion, By 1900, 110,000 acres were and flooding, leaving in its wake unbelievable devastation. The acquired for the forest system. It was state’s north central region became known as “Pennsylvania’s also at this time that the status of the Division of Forestry was Desert”. Due to the efforts of visionary leaders and citizens to raised to the State Department of Forestry. protect and restore the land, this area today is known as the “Pennsylvania Wilds.” Pennsylvania lacked fire wardens and lost one acre of land in five to the that plagued the landscape. Rothrock, and Let Protection Begin his successor Conklin, worked to establish a forest academy, which later became part of the Pennsylvania State University. Spurred by the 1889 flood in Johnstown that took the lives of Other steps taken to reduce the devastation of fires were to 2200 people, Governor James Beaver recognized the need for enact campfire laws and to follow restoring our lands. As timber companies abandoned land, they Oregon’s lead in developing public often failed to pay taxes, and formerly forested lands came up camping areas—or campgrounds. for tax sale. The state began to purchase some of these lands for By managing and containing watershed protection. Around this same time period, citizens campfires, forest fires were greatly were organizing to protect, study and care for forests. Out of reduced. this grew the Pennsylvania Forestry Association, a group that pushed for a state agency devoted to forestry. A New Department

A bill signed in 1893 formed the PA Forestry Commission, became the whose role was to extinguish forest fires and to establish a governor of Pennsylvania in 1922. forest reserve system. The system began with the purchase of Pinchot was well known as the 7500 acres in Clinton County to be used to “furnish timber, “Father of Conservation” move- protect the water supply of Young Woman’s Creek, and ment for his work while in the provide recreation for citizens.” Gifford Pinchot with President Roosevelt Photo: DCNR —Continued on Page 6 Page 2 From the President—Marci Mowery

s I read the various forays into the woods in search of deer later A publications regard- became adult forays in search of elk. Views of President ing the history of our bear, rattlesnakes, and other wildlife rewarded the Marci Mowery state park and forest quiet and patient hiker, as did vast patches of

system in preparation for blueberries and raspberries (although no need to Board of Directors writing the opening story be quiet here—noise was more the order so as to for this newsletter, I was discourage any face-to-face bear encounters!) Chair struck with the concept Linda McKenna Boxx of our personal histories This legacy of connection to the lands of Pennsyl- Chairman, Katherine Mabis McKenna with the outdoors. My vania continues as my family still visits the cabin Foundation guess is that if you are reading this newsletter, you annually, taking with us not one but two new understand that concept….Who took you on your Vice Chair generations to float in the creek and run pell-mell first nature hike? Where did you run in the grasses through the fields. The creek now supports life, Hank Barnette or climb trees? History, for me, is made up by the Chairman Emeritus, Bethlehem Steel a testament to nature’s resilience (and perhaps everyday lives of people, yet we often read history a testament to the fact that I have aged, but we Secretary from the perspective of great battles, accomplish- won’t go there!) Five generations have enjoyed Brian Clark ments, or obstacles. the lands and waters surrounding the cabin; a Buchanan Ingersol cabin that was once part of a lumbering camp What is YOUR personal history with nature? that had previously denuded the forests of the

Treasurer “Wilds.” Our personal histories intertwine with Robert Griffith My fascination with Mother Nature began as a this piece of land and the surrounding acreage— Director, PA Recreation and child on our annual family treks to the “cabin” on our lives shaped by the memories. Park Society the Bennett Branch of the Sinnemahoning Creek. It is my hope, that as spring spreads her warm Peter S. Duncan My grandfather would load us into his Jeep Wran- breath across the land, that we will load our cars, Former Secretary, PA DER gler—my parents and my two siblings—and drive mount our bicycles, or put on our walking shoes, north for a week of exploration and play in the William C. Forrey and head out into nature, be it an abandoned field, section of state we now call the “PA Wilds.” RBA Group a greenway or trail, a family or rented cabin, a The creek became our pool, its rocks our skipping city or county park, or one of our many public Bruce Heggenstaller stones, its current supplying endless hours of lands, and create another season of memories in V.P. of Operations, Woolrich, Inc. tubing in mere inches of water. The creek at that our personal histories with nature. Clifford L. Jones time held little life, a victim of the byproducts of

Former Secretary, PA DER mining, but my young mind was too immature to understand the significance of this lifelessness. Yours in the outdoors —Marci Wendy McLean Lentz Law Do to space limitations, we were unable to put in The cabin sits on the edge of the Quehanna Wild Marci’s “President’s Pick” column—please visit our Raphael J. Musto Area, where wildlife abounds. Our youthful website to read about the . State Senator, 14th District

Tom Norris Former CEO of PH Glatfelter Welcome New Board Members Michael Nutter Philadelphia City Councilman Pennsylvania State Senator Rob Wonderling Senator Wonderling received his B.A. from Allegheny College and has a Masters Degree in John C. Oliver, III Senator Wonderling represents Government Administration from the University Former Secretary, PA DCNR the 24th district which includes of Pennsylvania. He resides in Lower Salford Rob Wonderling parts of Northampton, Lehigh, Township with his wife Kristin and their three Bucks and Montgomery coun- State Senator, 24th District sons. ties. He is Chairman of the Ex-Officio Communications and Technol- Michael DiBerardinis ogy Committee and is working Bruce Heggenstaller Secretary, PA DCNR on numerous legislative initia- Bruce Heggenstaller is Vice The newsletter is published by the tives to reduce business and President of Operations for PA Parks & Forests Foundation. property taxes, lower health care Woolrich, Inc., located in Wool- To be added to the mailing list, or to costs, and promote economic development and job rich Pennsylvania. His areas of comment, contact Marci Mowery at growth in the Commonwealth. [email protected]. responsibility include catalog and internet, distribution, MIS, Editing, layout and design: Prior to becoming a Senator, he served in the production control, marketing, Ellen Zeph—[email protected] Ridge Administration as Deputy Secretary of bottled spring water and all cus- Transportation. He also worked in the private tomer services departments. PA Parks and Forests sector for the Allentown-based Air Products and Foundation Chemicals, and headed up a tri-state business An avid outdoorsman, Bruce has a strong appre- 105 N. Front Street, #305 association called the PENJERDEL Council. He ciation of our Commonwealth's natural assets. Harrisburg, PA 17101 presently works for Bentley Systems, an engineer- Bruce also serves on the Board of Directors for (717)236-7644 ing and software company based in Pennsylvania. Jersey Shore Hospital and Larry's Creek Fish and www.PaParksAndForests.org . Collector Pin Program to Raise Money for Page 3 State Parks and Forests

arci Mowery, President of the Pennsyl- Park in Cumberland County. The tags are M vania Parks and Forests Foundation being sold at select state parks and state parks (PPFF) is an out of the box thinker. Always friends groups. Visit our website for loca- looking for new and innovative ways to support tions—PaParksAndForests.org state parks and forests, she came up with the PA State Park Tag Program idea last summer. The 2006 Tag is sponsored by AGRA

Biofuels, Pennsylvania’s first commercial biodiesel producer in Middletown, near Har- Modeled after successful programs underway risburg. AGRA Biofuels offers consumers at the Chesapeake and Canal (between a clean and green alternative fuel for home Washington D.C. and Cumberland, ) heating, off-road and on-road vehicles that is and the Cuyahoga National Recreation Area in This image of Pine Grove State Furnace a renewable “home grown” energy source, Park is what appears on the front of the Ohio, PPFF partnered with the Department of reducing our reliance on foreign oil. park tag. The original watercolor was Conservation and Natural Resources and donated by artist David Lenker launched the program at the Harrisburg Garden Expo in March. Tag owners can register their tag online to

receive email updates about events in state parks and forests, the PPFF newsletter, and to The goal of the program is to generate revenue be eligible to win a limited edition print of the “Our state parks and forests for improvements in, and raise awareness of, Pine Grove Furnace watercolor featured on Pennsylvania’s 117 state parks and more than are jewels that belong to 2 million acres of state forests. “Our state parks the tag. each of us,” says Mowery. and forests are jewels that belong to each of us,” says Mowery. “Through the state parks tag Limited edition prints of the original water- “Through the state parks tag program, we are giving people an opportunity color by David Lenker are available for pur- program, we are giving to show their support for our shared natural chase. Contact PPFF at 236-7644 to order, resources.” or visit our website: PaParksAndForests.org people an opportunity to

show their support for our The first in what will be a series of limited In June we will be releasing a 2nd tag in shared natural resources.” edition collectors tags, this year’s tag features the series to help raise awareness and show the artwork of Harrisburg area artist David support for the Pennsylvania Wilds. The Lenker. Lenker donated an original watercolor tag will feature the image of a bobcat depicting a scene at Pine Grove Furnace State drawn by Nelson Haas. Garden Expo a Success

The Department of Conservation and Natural The exhibit featured vignettes of five Pennsyl- Resources, along with the Pennsylvania Parks vania State Parks. Native plantings set the and Forests Foundation and other partners, scene around life-size paintings of an area of teamed up to create “The Canvas of the Com- each park, inviting visitors to enjoy the feel of monwealth” exhibit at the Garden Expo held in the actual locations. The gorge at Ricketts Harrisburg in March. Glen, the boulder field at Hickory Run, the wildflower prairie at Jennings, the bog at Black Moshannon and the beach at Presque Isle were the featured places. The exhibit highlighted the diverse in these parks and the native plants found there.

The four day event attracted 20,000 visitors. Many people stopped by to share memories Sam and Judi Fasick with the Friends of about trips they had taken to state parks, to ask Colonel Denning State Park helped to staff questions about parks, and to learn more about PPFF’s exhibit Photo: Ellen Zeph the Foundation and the work of friends groups. The exhibit won the “Best in Educa- tion” category at the Expo.

Jennings Environmental Center wildflower prairie vignette Photo: Marci Mowery Page 4 Friends of he Friends of Laurel Hill State Park agricultural and forest lands using Civilian T are an enterprising group of volun- Conservation Corps (CCC) labor. Called Laurel Hill State Park teers. An impressive list of just some of ‘Recreational Demonstration Areas’,

the activities the group works on each year the goal was to establish recreational facili- Located in Somerset County, Laurel includes: Saturday night movies and con- ties near major cities so that they were Hill State Park encompasses over cessions, firewood and ice sales during accessible to all citizens. After the heavy th 3900 acres of beautiful mountainous camping season, and a gift shop that they logging activity of the late 19 and early th terrain in southwestern Pennsyl- started—not to mention pie sales, bluebird 20 century, the forests around Laurel Hill vania. Visitors to the park can fish box construction, park clean-ups (including were denuded with the exception of a stand or boat in a scrap metal day), and most recently, the of old growth eastern hemlocks that still the 63-acre installation of playground equipment. exist in the park today. In need of refores- Laurel Hill With 60-70 active volunteers, the Friends tation and restoration, and because of its Lake, picnic logged over 5800 volunteer hours last year. proximity to Johnstown, Laurel Hill was in three selected to be- different All this effort come one of five areas with doesn’t run by Recreational over 500 itself, however. Demonstration picnic It takes the talents Areas in Pennsyl- tables, or and time of Sue vania. enjoy swim- Bittner, the Volun- ming from teer Coordinator In an effort to the 1200- for Laurel Hill help lift the coun- foot sandy State Park, to pull try out of the Hemlock Natural Area everyone together. , at Laurel Hill State Park beach on She’s been working the CCC was just Photo: DCNR the lake.

and volunteering in one of several and year-round wildlife view- the park for nearly federal relief pro- ing take place along 12 miles of trails eight years. Bittner The Visitor Center at Laurel Hill State Park grams started by says the Friends are President Franklin within the park. Take a walk back in Photo: Friends of Laurel Hill State Park time on the Hemlock Trail amongst a hard working, Roosevelt soon an old growth stand of eastern hem- dedicated group of after he took lock trees that escaped the logging volunteers who have a great fondness for office in 1933. In 1935, two CCC camps activity of the late 19th century. the park. “They make my job a lot easier were constructed at Laurel Hill. With Hunting is also allowed on approxi- and work hard to maintain and enrich the approximately 200 men in each camp, the mately 2100 acres during the various park in many ways,” she says. young men (ages 17-23) worked through- hunting seasons. out the year to build the park’s infrastruc- There has been an active group of volun- ture including roads, waterlines, picnic If you plan an extended stay, the teers supporting the park’s activities for areas, the beach house and 63-acre Laurel park offers a variety of camping over 15 years. That group formalized as a Hill Lake. After nine years, and employ- facilities, including 264 tent or trailer chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and ing over 3 million men nationwide, the sites and eight cottages. Nestled Forests Foundation in 2003. Like other onset of WW II ended the CCC in 1942. away in a secluded area of the park, PPFF chapters, this allows the group to The park became an official Pennsylvania visitors can also enjoy the Laurel Hill raise funds as a qualified non-profit organi- state park in October, 1945 when the Lodge, a rustic 2-story, 5-bedroom zation. “We would not be where we are Federal Government began transferring the building with all the modern com- today,” said Bob Hufman, Laurel Hill Park Demonstration Areas over to the state to be forts of home. Manager, “without the Friends Group developed as state parks. developing the visitor center and helping While you are there, stop at the to supply funds and volunteer labor for the Today, visitors to Laurel Hill State Park, Visitor Center to view exhibits and playgrounds and for many other park and many other state parks in PA, can still a video on the Civilian Conservation enhancements.” see the CCC constructed buildings. The Corps and overall history of the group of buildings which comprised the park. The gift shop, operated by the Steeped in History camp represent the largest collection of Friends of Laurel Hill, offers books, CCC architecture anywhere in PA state educational toys, clothes and park Laurel Hill State Park holds an interesting parks—some 202 structures on 1352 acres. souvenirs. The proceeds from your place in Pennsylvania’s park history. The area was placed on the National Regis- purchases in the gift shop go to sup- In the mid-1930s, the National Park ter of Historic places in February, 1987. port the park’s educational and rec- Service was charged with establishing reational programs. recreational facilities on sub-marginal —Continued on Page 5 Friends of Laurel Hill State Park—continued Page 5

Linking the Present With the Past Helping to keep the legacy of the CCC alive, the plan is to place the memorial Here’s How You Can Today, many people probably do not realize the role the CCC played in helping to estab- Help lish our state park system. In PA alone, there were 113 CCC camps—92 of which Support the Friends of Laurel were in state forest and park lands. Some of Hill by making a tax-deductible the ‘CCC boys’ as they are called—men contribution to the CCC who lived at the camp and helped to build memorial project. Laurel Hill State Park in 1938 & 1939—still participate in the park’s activities today. Make checks payable to:

Friends of Laurel Hill Chapter of the On the first Saturday in July, the Friends PA Parks and Forests Foundation of Laurel Hill State Park hold an annual Bluebird Celebration. During the celebra- (FLHC-PPFF) and mail to: tion, several of the CCC boys, along with CCC boys, clockwise from top left: Adolph Semich, Friends of Laurel Hill – CCC volunteers, help families construct bluebird Walt Walat, Ed Semich, John Livengood, Shimer Darr. Memorial boxes which they take home free of charge. Photo: Friends of Laurel Hill c/o Laurel Hill State Park directly across from the Visitor Center for 1454 Laurel Hill Park Road all park visitors to see. Somerset, PA 15501 To date, the group has received a $5000 donation to kick off the campaign to raise For more information on Laurel Hill the $35,000 needed to erect the memorial. State Park or any other PA State But the Friends seem undaunted by the Park, visit: www.visitPAparks.com challenge and feel it is well worth honoring For more information on Friends the park’s special history. The “CCC boys” Groups visit: are a part of this park’s history,” says Bittner. “They are a part of the Friends PaParksAndForests.org group and help us with so many of our pro- jects—we want to recognize the role they John Livengood, one of the CCC volunteers, helps children camping at the park to build a bluebird box played in building this park.” at the annual Bluebird Festival Photo: Friends of Laurel Hill When asked the significance of what this memorial to the CCC will mean to the park, Last year, over 200 people attended the Park Manager Bob Hufman replied that celebration. Prior to the event, the Friends “It will memorialize the significant contri- contact local lumber companies for dona- butions the CCC made to our nation and tions of lumber. The CCC boys then precut the Pennsylvania state park system.” all the wood pieces needed to construct the Sources for this article: Our Priceless Heritage, Pennsyl- boxes. To help raise funds for park projects vania State Parks 1893-1993, Dan Cupper; PA DCNR; like the CCC Memorial, special bluebird Laurel Hill State Park; Friends of Laurel Hill. boxes handcrafted by the CCC boys are sold in the gift shop.

Honoring the Past The Friends of Laurel Hill have already put together a CCC Museum containing uni- forms, tools, pictures, books and other small items. A DVD telling the story of the CCC and first-hand accounts by the CCC men who built the park, now sells in the gift shop. But the Friends want to do more and are in the midst of raising funds to build a memorial at the center of which will be a The Friends of Laurel Hill plan to purchase bronze statue representative of a typical The Friends received a check from WalMart to help a bronze reproduction of a CCC worker CCC worker during the Depression era. pay for playground equipment at the park. during the Great Depression, similar to the Photo: Friends of Laurel Hill one pictured above Page 6 Our Natural History — Continued from Page 1

US Forest Service and had been hailed for his It was thought that an open space program Did You Know? road program of “getting the farmer out of the could help with the economic and social woes mud.” Pinchot worked tirelessly to increase the of the Commonwealth. Industry was declin- forest holdings of the state. ing, and the state saw a potential new source

♦ In response to the Earth of revenue—tourism. Goddard enacted Penn- In 1923, the Department of Forestry was re- sylvania’s open space program and set the Day Movement, the PA named the Department of Forests and Waters. Constitution was The Administrative Code of 1929 formed the amended in 1970 to Bureau of State Parks, which was located in include an environ- this Department. Pennsylvania was a leader in public lands at this time, ranking number two mental Article: behind with its state owned lands. “The people have a right to clean air, pure water, The 1930s saw a growing demand for recrea- tion. The PA Parks Association formed to pro- and to the preservation mote land acquisition and outdoor recreation. of the natural, scenic, The Association developed the first statewide historic, and aesthetic plan for state parks, which recognized a defi- values of the environ- ciency in quantity and distribution of land in relation to its populations, with 1.3 acres of ment. Pennsylvania’s park per 1000 residents. The report recom- Dr. Maurice K. Goddard Photo: DCNR public natural resources mended 10 acres per 1000 residents, an almost are the common prop- 10-fold increase. goal of one park within 25 miles of every Pennsylvanian. With the determination of a erty of all the people, man on a mission, Goddard established 42 including generations Era of the Civilian Conservation parks and 130,000 acres of land during this yet to come. As trustees Corps 15-year period! of these resources, the During the time of the Great Commonwealth shall Depression, Pennsylvania In 1976, because of the vision and hard work of Pennsylvania’s leaders in conservation, conserve and maintain was fortunate to receive assistance in park and forest Pennsylvania won the National Gold Medal them for the people.” restoration and development for excellence in park and recreation admini- from the Civilian Conserva- stration. Pennsylvania was judged the Grand tion Corps (see story on Award Winner among states nationwide. The ♦ A 1970 report stated Laurel Hill State Park.) CCC National Gold Medal Awards program was that it is natural for workers, or “Roosevelt’s Tree Army” as they sponsored by The Sports Foundation, Inc., people to turn to the were called, accomplished much in the Com- , Illinois. The awards program was monwealth. Within one year, PA had 104 CCC designed to focus national attention on com- outdoors to escape from camps, 92 of them in state forests and parks, munities of all sizes for their outstanding the everyday world of many involved in recreation and infrastructure accomplishments in the development of park crowded living condi- projects, as well as reforestation, water quality, tions and the resultant and flood control. By 1935 Pennsylvania had PARKS & FORESTS FACTS 113 active CCC camps, second only to Califor- Pennsylvania State Parks: mental and physical nia. The CCC era lasted for nine years, ending 1955 — 8 million visitors with the onset of WWII. stresses and strains. 1961 — 24 million visitors

The medical profession 2004 — 35 million visitors and the government Goddard Era 2005 — 38.8 million visitors

warned that Americans The tenure of Forests and Waters Secretary Forest Reserve: need more exercise, Maurice K. Goddard (1955-1970, and 1970- 1895 — 0 acres more mental relaxation, 1979 as Secretary of the Department of Envi- 1905 — 632,000 acres ronmental Resources), also known as the and more stimulating 1935 — 1,660,200 acres “Goddard Era of State Parks” brought huge 1965 — 1,898,800 acres and inspirational experi- changes to the park system. Post WWII saw 1995 — 2,100,000 acres ences for a happy much land being removed for housing, malls, healthy existence. industrial parks, schools, and roads. At the and recreation programs. In 1976 an addi- same time, decision makers saw an increased tional award was made to a state for out- demand for parks and forests for recreation due standing achievement in park and recreation to shorter work weeks, economic boom, more management. families with cars, improved roads, paid vaca- —Continued on page 7 tions and increasing populations. Our Natural History — Continued from Page 6 Page 7

Today people to the land, through the activities of Outdoor Recreation friends groups, events and opportunities, The concept of outdoor recreation as a legiti- Over a century after the first lands were and through public education. mate use of time is fairly recent. During most purchased for a parks and forest reserve system, Pennsylvania has one of largest of the nation’s history, moralists tended to park systems in the nation, with 117 parks, The next time you stroll along your frown on those who employed their leisure encompassing 290,000 acres of land favorite trail, paddle a stretch of river, time for outdoor (which equals 1% of PA’s total land acre- or simply lay on your back and gaze at the play, often viewing age or 1 out of 100 acres of land in PA is stars, remember that we all have a role in it somewhere on the continuum a state park) and 2.1 million acres of state continuing the legacy of our conservation from sinful to forests. We have one of the most recog- minded forbearers, so that Pennsylvania frivolous. The nized forest systems in the US, with almost can continue to be a great place to live, work and play. notion of leisure 60%—more than 17 million acres of the time for outdoor Commonwealth—consisting of quality recreation was hardwood forests. These lands are home Boating — Pine Grove Sources for this article: Furnace State Park alien—early pio- to numerous rare plants and endangered Photo: DCNR neers were kept species, while also protecting 25,000 miles History of State Parks by William Forrey, alive by an ex- of streams and rivers. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 1984. hausting routine of physical labor from dawn to Outdoor Recreation Horizons. PA Depart- dusk.

It is difficult to sum up the complex history ment of Forests and Waters, 1970. Not that recreation as such was a priority—the of our park and forest system in a few Our Priceless Heritage: Pennsylvania State early settlers had few of the stressors common paragraphs, but it is important to become Parks by Dan Cupper, Pennsylvania Historic to modern life. But early settlers spent the acquainted with a least the essence of this and Museum Commission, 1993. entire day raising their own food, doing chores, history and the role of both visionary lead- “maintaining” their lives which really precluded Powerpoint presentation prepared by Joe ers and Pennsylvania citizens. The current any idle time—unless you were a person of Frasetta Action Agenda of the Department of means. This all changed with the Industrial Conservation and Natural Resources Revolution, which brought with it urbanization (DCNR) provides ample opportunity for The following articles from the DCNR of citizenry and a population explosion. By 1950, citizen involvement in the continued pro- website—www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/: more than half of American people lived in ur- tection of all our natural resources, not just ban areas. Today, 75% of American people live those that are publicly owned. The Penn- —State Forest Management Plan in urban areas. Most work indoors, doing jobs sylvania Parks and Forests Foundation —The Legacy of Penn’s Woods—1895-1995 that require little to no physical labor. Studies strives to create this constituency for natu- have linked this sedentary lifestyle to a decline in health and a variety of maladies—including the ral resource protection by connecting current nationwide obesity epidemic!

Recreation Leader Remembered —Tim Keptner, Vanyla Tierney-DCNR

Family, In 1999, Don came to the Department of Conser- friends and vation and Natural Resources as the Recreation A Living Tribute

colleagues and Parks Advisor for the Bureau of Recreation will all miss and Conservation’s Southeast Regional Office, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Don Gephart headquartered in Philadelphia. In August of 2002, Foundation was designated a recipient who passed Don was promoted to Supervisor of the Southeast of contributions given in memory of away on Regional Office. It was not long after this that Don Gephart Jr. January 9, Don was diagnosed with cancer.

2006 after a All contributions given in memory of valiant battle Don was a friend, mentor, and inspiration to Don will be used to continue our work with cancer. many throughout the state. A colleague in in partnership with state parks and for- DCNR summed it up in the following way: Don was best ests establishing friends groups and en- “He was a true Recreation, Parks and Conserva- Don Gephart, Jr. Photo: DCNR known for gaging people in outdoor recreation, tion Professional of very high character. There leading the education and volunteerism. Gifts to are many of us who lived and breathed the life of recreational movement in his hometown area this memorial fund will help us to build Community Recreation and Parks just as Don did as the Parks and Recreation Director for a culture of stewardship for our public in Loyalsock, but he had a tremendous vision and Loyalsock Township from 1988 to 1999. lands. passion for conservation as well. I believe it was

Don’s intensity and life experiences that made him One of Don’s proudest efforts was his work Pennsylvania Parks and Forests the solid professional he was.” in helping to secure the acquisition of land for Foundation thanks Don’s family for the Loyalsock Township Riverfront Park along continuing his legacy by supporting the the and the development work of the Foundation. of the Riverfront Park Master Plan. Page 8 State Parks News On-line Reservations for State Pets in Parks Parks ets are now allowed in 25 state parks in aking a reservation at a Pennsylvania P designated campgrounds and campsites. M State Park just got easier. Park visi- Pets include any dog or cat commonly kept tors can now use the internet to make a reser- in household captivity, or a caged pet that vation for a state park campsite, cabin, or will not leave it’s cage for the duration of the pavilion at any time of the day or night, and stay at the state park (like birds or hamsters). at their convenience. To Make a Reservation No more than two non-caged pets are allowed to stay on any one campsite and ♦ Visit www.visitPAparks.com and click there is a $2 charge per night for one or two on “Reservations” on the green toolbar. Beach at —Carbon pets. ♦ You can access the reservation system County Photo: DCNR 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Visitors can charge reservation on their To find out more information call any PA credit cards. state park office or 888-PA-PARKS or on the web: ♦ You can still call the toll-free number (888-PA-PARKS) to receive informa- www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/recreation/ tion or make a reservation Monday – pets.aspx Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day). Friends of M.K. Goddard State Park Win Award

ne of the first groups to form as a Friends of Goddard have also been instru- O chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and mental in deepening the parks interaction Forests Foundation, the Friends of M.K. with the community. Through the committed Goddard Sate Park, was awarded “2005 service of FrOG members, the park has been Group Volunteer of the Year Award” from able to host numerous community events and the Department of Conservation and Natural programs, and has been able to expand sup- Resources. port for community groups such as volunteer fire companies and local scout groups. Park cleanups are just one of the many Since it’s formation three years ago, the activities that Friends of Goddard members Friends (commonly known as FrOG) have The groups’ dedication to the park has perform during the year Photo: Becky Piccolin aided the park’s environmental interpretive enhanced the park’s resources and the programs. In 2005, the groups approxi- experience offered to park visitors. mately 30 members devoted several thou- Congratulations Friends of Goddard State sand volunteer hours to many projects in- Park! cluding running the annual Pioneer Frolic (Excerpted from award ceremony speech given by Festival. Monies raised from the festival Roger Fickes, Director of the Bureau of State Parks)

have been a principal source of fundraising for the various other events and projects Other Award Recipients Included: coordinated by FrOG including the purchase of several Purple Martin houses to expand an DCNR Volunteer of the Year 20005 Individual: Karen Lippy, existing program, a Youth Learning Series Friends of Goddard State Park received the picnic and program, $800 electric upgrade to Bureau Volunteer of the Year 2005 2005 Volunteer Group of the Year Award. the Marina pavilion, as well as an Eagle Group: Muddy Creek Oil Field Volunteers Friends members pictured here are Becky Scout project in which a large bulletin board Individual: Ruth Cochios, Jacobsburg Envi- Piccolin (holding award), Dennis & Cheryl Ferguson (left), George Riedmuller (Board with a roof was built for the Marina bicycle ronmental Education Center trailhead. Chair), Gene Brenneman (Vice President), Keith Taylor—Bureau Award Roger Fickes (Director, Bureau of State Ryan Dysinger/Mike Redding– Special Parks), Don Campbell (Park Manager), Ada The group also assisted in Goddard Safety Free (DCNR) and Gene Free Award Photo: Ron Powell Days, a joint program between the park and Chip Harrison—Directors Award the PA Department of Health and spent over William Greene—Special Award 500 hours involved in park cleanups. PA Parks and Forests Foundation

Annual Report 2005

105 N. Front Street Suite 305 Harrisburg, PA 17101 717-236-7644 www.PaParksAndForests.org Why PPFF is a Valued Institution in Pennsylvania

PA Parks and Forests Foundation is the premier PPFF works to establish and assist friends groups foundation supporting Pennsylvania’s parks that support their park or forest by: and forests. Our mission is to “Enhance Pennsyl- ♦ Coordinating special events vania’s parks and forests, protect Pennsylvania’s ♦ Providing ongoing trail maintenance natural resources, and support conservation and ♦ Helping with construction projects environmental programs.” We accomplish this by: ♦ Working on conservation projects

♦ Working in partnership with state parks and forests ♦ Enhancing education and interpretation to establish a network of friends groups who become ♦ Providing outreach to the community the voice and stewards of our public lands ♦ Creating awareness about the value of their ♦ Creating public/private partnerships at the local, state park and forest regional and state levels

♦ Providing a tax-deductible vehicle to allow citizens ♦ Fundraising to support all of the above to donate or bequeath money to Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests By supporting their park or forest, these groups are not only making their park a better place, they are supporting ♦ Engaging people in outdoor recreation, education and the tourism economy in the Commonwealth and connect- volunteerism ing parks and forests to their local communities.

Creating Partnerships Raising Funds

Establishing friends groups for parks and forests is Like a community foundation, PPFF establishes one of the primary goals of PPFF. and holds accounts for different friends groups as well as individual state parks and forests. Since its inception in 1999, PPFF has formed 15 chapters with seven of these being established in 2005. There are Funds raised by PPFF chapters go directly into an additional 14 groups that operate independently, as these accounts and are used exclusively to support projects within the state park or forest. well as several informal groups that support state parks.

These groups collectively support 27 state parks and one Monies raised come from private contributions, forest district. Our goal is to grow the number of groups member dues, sales, special events and foundation working with our state parks and forests. grants. In 2005:

elieving that each generation is responsible for ♦ PPFF secured a grant from the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation, as well as a grant from the B leaving a legacy of good stewardship, the Pennsyl- Department of Conservation & Natural Resources vania Parks and Forests Foundation was established in ♦ $157,697 was raised for state park and forest accounts 1999 to give users and supporters of Pennsylvania’s and $105,052 was spent in project funds parks and forests a positive way to contribute to the conservation of our publicly owned lands. Annual Report 2005 Engaging People Building Capacity By creating friends groups, PPFF helps to engage In 2005, PPFF worked to build the capacity of volunteers of all ages by connecting them to their friends groups: state park or forest. ♦ Launched 7 new friends groups and met with many In 2005, friends groups have each engaged any- additional people interested in forming chapters where from 10 to 200 volunteers who worked on ♦ Provided consulting sessions for friends groups on a variety of projects: a variety of topics including: fundraising, volunteer ♦ Built a handicapped accessible pier at Colonel recruitment, and board management Denning State Park ♦ Conducted workshops at conferences on how to form ♦ Cleaned up a large area of discarded junk at Laurel a friends group as well as presentations at professional Hill State Park and sold the scrap metal to raise over meetings on the work of the Foundation and nature $11,000 for park projects tourism ♦ Held numerous park clean ups and provided monthly ♦ Developed the first PA State Parks Tag Program trail maintenance to raise funds for state parks through the sale of a collector’s pin ♦ Coordinated numerous annual events such as the Holiday House Tour and 3rd Annual photo contest In 2005 we also worked hard to build organizational at , the first annual Outdoor capacity: Craft Show at Colonel Denning State Park or the Old ♦ Developed regular communications including a Home Days at Greenwood Furnace State Park newsletter, annual report and an updated website In 2005, the then nine chapters of PPFF logged over ♦ Conducted a strategic planning session that resulted 30,000 volunteer hours supporting state parks and in a plan that will guide our work over the next three forests and attracted over 80,000 visitors to events that years they held. ♦ Raised funds through the organizations first ever mail appeal—reaching out to citizens across the Commonwealth to help create a culture of stewardship for our public lands ♦ Recruited two new board members, Senator Rob Wonderling and Bruce Heggenstaller who bring additional business and organizational skills, as well as a commitment to making Pennsylvania a great place to live, work and visit ♦ Established an internship program

PPFF, in working toward our goal of stewardship of Charcoal Demonstration at Greenwood Pennsylvania’s public lands, now sits on the following Furnace State Park’s Old Home Days committees or organizations: Photo: Friends of Greenwood State Park Pennsylvania Council DCNR Recreation Advisory Committee Acquiring New Lands DCNR Recreation Advisory Committee—Invasive Species Sub-committee Working in partnership with land conservancies Creative Fundraising: Proceeds from the sale of and private land owners, PPFF helps to facilitate scrap metal from a park land acquisitions that are eventually added to our cleanup held at Laurel Hill public lands. State park netted over $11,000 which enabled the group to buy new play- In 2005, PPFF consulted on a number of land acquisitions ground equipment for the park and potential easements with various partners including the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy and the Conserva- Photo: Friends of Laurel tion Foundation. Hill

PPFF MISSION To enhance Pennsylvania's Parks and Forests, protect Pennsylvania's natural resources, and support conservation and environmental programs. State Park and Forests Friends Page 11

PPFF CHAPTERS Delaware Canal State Park Center Linn Run and Forbes State Friends of the Delaware Canal Regional Science Consortium Forest Outdoor Commission Black Moshannon State Park Susan Taylor, Executive Director Jerry Covert, Executive Director Butch Bellas, President Friends of Black Moshannon (215) 862-2021 (814) 835-6975

State Park [email protected] [email protected] Chris Reese, Park Manager www.fodc.org www.RegSciConsort.com Friends of Milton State Park (814) 342-5960 Tom Deans, President Fort Washington State Park (570) 742-9684 Codorus State Park Friends of Fort Washington State Friends of Prompton State Park [email protected] Park Friends of Codorus State Park Sue Gregory, Secretary Marylea Klauder Warren Werntz, Park Mgr. (570) 937-4822 M.K. Goddard State Park (215) 884-2555 (717) 637-2816 [email protected] Friends of Goddard State Park www.friendsofcodorus.org Becky Piccolin, President Jennings Environmental Education Pymatuning State Park Center (724) 253-4833 Colonel Denning State Park Pymatuning Lake Association 3MJ Comission Friends of Colonel Denning State [email protected] Dewey Forsythe, President Park Noel Plummer, President (724) 927-2276 Judi Fasick, Treasurer (724) 368-8084 [email protected] (717) 567-2013 Friends of Ohiopyle State Park [email protected] www.pymatuninglake.com [email protected] Stacie Faust, Asst. Park Mgr. McConnell’s Mill State Park (724) 329-8591 Friends of McConnell’s Mill Denton Hill State Park www.friendsofohiopyle.org Friends of Raccoon State Park Friends of Denton Hill State Park Doniele Andrus, President Mark Christy, President Molly Bovard, President (724) 284-5138 (724) 899-2200 (215) 453-3171 Friends of Oil Creek State Park [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Holly Best, Park Manager www.fmmsp.org www.friendsofraccoon.com (814) 676-5915

Greenwood Furnace Sate Park Friends of Greenwood Furnace Ridley Creek State Park Moraine Preservation Fund Friends of Salt Springs State Park Denson Groenendaal Friends of Ridley Creek State Park Heather Jerry Bob Coy, President (814) 667-2082 Tim Higgins, President [email protected] (570) 967-7275 (610) 355-9208 [email protected] [email protected] Friends of the Nescopeck Friends of Hickory Run www.friendsofrcsp.org

Alan Gregory Rob and Sally Sayre (610) 298-2439 Ryerson Station State Park (570) 788-1425 [email protected] Friends of Ryerson Station State [email protected] To learn more about Park www.friendsofhickoryrun.org www.friendsofthenescopeck.org forming a Friends group, Lisa Bennett, Treasurer contact Marci Mowery: (724) 852-5278 – 3 groups: Keystone State Park Friends of Keystone State Park [email protected] Friends of Tom Ridge Center

Pam McQuistian, Env. Ed Specialist Ann DiTullio, Executive Director (717) 236-7644 OTHER FRIENDS GROUPS (724) 668-2566 (814) 833-5049 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.friendsofthetomridgecenter.org or Friends of Caledonia Laurel Hill State Park visit our website: Edwin Bolt, President Friends of Laurel Hill State Park Presque Isle Partnership PaParksAndForests.org (717) 352-2161 Sue Bittner, Volunteer Coordinator Steve McDermott, Director [email protected] (814) 445-6085 (814) 838-5138

[email protected] [email protected]

www.presqueisle.org PENN’S STEWARDS Newsletter of the Pennsylvania NON PROFIT ORG Parks and Forests Foundation U.S. POSTAGE PAID 105 N. Front Street, Suite 305 Harrisburg, PA 17101 HARRISBURG, PA (717) 236-7644 www.PaParksAndForests.org PERMIT #560

2005 Annual Report Inside

Support your PA State Parks—purchase a state park tag!

Mark Your Calendars

Forever Wild-2006—Concert with Walkin’ Jim Stoltz Third Annual Prowl the Sproul Hiking Weekend

The 20th anniversary multi-media concert to be presented by Bureau of Forestry’s in partnership with Keystone long-distance, solo wilderness hiker Walkin’ Jim Stoltz continues Trails Association, Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, West- to gain support and momentum in our area. Walkin’ Jim is a folk ern Clinton Sportsmen’s Association, and The Greater Renovo Area singer who plays guitar and harmonica and sings deep from his Heritage Park Vision Project present a weekend of hiking in the Sproul heart about the wild places and wild creatures he has seen on his State Forest. There will be over 20 hikes to choose from as well as long journeys in the backcountry. His concerts transport you to the evening presentations on the Civilian Conservation Corps and outdoor wild places yourself, while you watch his outstanding nature im- equipment. Everyone is welcome. There is a registration and lodging ages appear and disappear on the big screen. He is truly an inspira- fee. tion and touches a place in our souls that allows us to feel that we, Date: July 21-23, 2006 too, can make a difference in protecting our miraculous, natural To Register: www.kta-hike.org or contact Marci Mowery: world. For regularly updated information about Walkin’ Jim and [email protected], (717) 236-7644 his 2006 tour, visit www.foreverwild.info Absorb the Forbes Date: September 23, 2006 A second hiking weekend is being organized in the . Time: 7:30 p.m. This is in partnership with , Keystone Trails Location: Mechanicsburg Middle School Association and Linn Runn State Park.

For more information call (717) 732-5615 or Date: August 18-20, 2006 email: [email protected] For more information: PaParksAndForests.org

The event is being organized by the Appalachian Society and is co- For a listing of special events in state parks, see our website: PaParksAndForests.org sponsored by the Conservancy, The Bluebird Society of PA, Sierra Club-Governor Pinchot chapter, the Manada Conservancy, The Nature For a calendar of all events being held in state parks: Conservancy-PA, Physicians for Social Responsibility and the Pennsylvania www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/calendar/ Parks and Forests Foundation.