The Pennsylvania Wilds – Strategic Investments Paying Dividends for Rural Communities

Begun more than a decade ago, the Pennsylvania Wilds is the “grand daddy” of the Conservation Landscape Program, spearheaded by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The collaborative efforts in North Central Pennsylvania paved the way for creation of the landscape approach throughout many other regions of the state.

The Pennsylvania Wilds is becoming a regional destination for outdoor recreation that is revitalizing communities, creating lasting economic opportunities, and improving quality of life – all while inspiring a stewardship ethic in visitors and residents. This is about outdoor recreation-based sustainable tourism and an economic opportunity that can’t be outsourced overseas.  It showcases grassroots community engagement, rural entrepreneurship and using strategic state investments as an economic engine in a landscape dominated by state-owned land.

This session will outline the major components of this regional collaboration, identify accomplishments to date and share lessons learned about working with multiple partners to marry conservation and economic development to benefit Pennsylvania’s most rural communities.