Industry News

Muncy Heritage Park/Lumber Heritage Region Mini Grant Interpretive Sign Project Enhances Conservation Education Muncy, PA - March 27, 2024 - There's more to Lycoming County than the renowned Little League World Series. Nestled in the corner of the charming town of Muncy lies the Muncy Heritage Park, a hidden gem showcasing the rich history and natural beauty of the region. Thanks to a generous mini grant of $4074 provided by the Lumber Heritage Region under the maintenance of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Heritage Area Program, the park is expanding its educational offerings through new interpretive signage panels. The latest addition to the park's interpretive signage is dedicated to conservation, highlighting the importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations. This new panel joins 19 others funded over the years by the Lumber Heritage Region, underscoring the organization's commitment to heritage preservation and community engagement.

PA Wilds 2024 Big Idea Contest Information and Q & A Sessions Are you a trailblazing entrepreneur with a game-changing idea in the maker economy, outdoors and recreation, forest products, manufacturing, or technology? Your innovation could be the spark that transforms industries and landscapes. Welcome to the Big Idea Contest: Where WILD Ideas Thrive! As a finalist, you’ll dive into an exciting competition vying for not just a $2500 People’s Choice Award but also the chance to win up to $50,000 in prize money. Picture yourself on the stage, pitching your BIG idea at the finale, surrounded by your cheering supporters—family and friends who can cast their votes to support your vision. It’s an amazing opportunity to showcase your innovation and potentially secure the resources to bring your idea to life. Don’t miss this incredible chance to make your mark and turn your dreams into reality!

Lumber Heritage Region, Pennsylvania - In the months since the initial release of the report on the Lumber Heritage Region’s Diversity Study, there has been a significant amount of feedback regarding the findings. For many years, the contents of this report were seldom found in the dialogue surrounding the lumber industry. So many stories like these have been left out of the standard narrative for so long that some believed that many of the men and women who contributed to the success of the lumber industry never participated at all.

The Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania (LHR) is actively seeking a dynamic and driven individual to join our thriving nonprofit organization and our Education & Outreach Coordinator. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing education and outreach programs that promote the region's rich lumber history and sustainable forestry practices. This person will pay close attention to detail and be organized and attentive. Flexibility in scheduling, including a willingness to travel and work on weekends as necessary, is a requirement for this position.

The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR), one of Pennsylvania’s twelve heritage regions, is excited to announce grant funding of $365,000 for projects across the 15-county region. This funding is from two separate partnership grants provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR ) to heritage area partners.  This is a competitive grant that is applied for annually.

LHR Announces The Driftwood Information Station at Bucktail Square is open for business. Through a series of obstacles including the Covid-19 pandemic, many partners came together to find the time and resources to secure a place where visitors to Driftwood can collect more information about area attractions and events.

Introducing A Free Lumber Paddling Booklet Want to explore the Susquehanna River in a new way this season? The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) and Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) are excited to announce the release of a new booklet that will allow users to explore the logging history of the Susquehanna River Water Trail’s West Branch right from their kayaks.

The Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania Inc. (LHR) is pleased to announce the region’s 2022 Mini-Grant Program. Funding for the Lumber Heritage Region 2022 Mini-Grant Program is provided through the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Recreation and Conservation (BRC) and therefore must adhere to all statewide rules and regulations. Eligible applicants for the program would include non-profit 501(c)3 organizations, municipalities, COG’s, Conservation Districts, Educational Institutions, and Housing and Redevelopment Authorities. The project must be located within the boundaries of the Lumber Heritage Region. The Lumber Heritage Region is one of Pennsylvania’s 12 Heritage Areas covering 15 Counties.

BOOM HERITAGE LUMBER & OIL The Oil Region Alliance and the Lumber Heritage Region have teamed up to bring you a series of presentations about the BOOM years of the Oil and Lumber Industries. These Second Tuesday Presentations will show you the comparisons between the two industries and help you understand the importance Western Pennsylvania played in the building of America.

Two of the state’s twelve heritage regions are joining forces to share information about two prominent industries that built America during their boom days, lumber and oil. These presentations will be virtual and available to everyone.

The Heritage Tourism Award is presented to the organizers of a project or event that furthers economic and tourism development while still respecting the heritage and cultural resources of the corridor. The 2021 Heritage Tourism Award was presented to the Lumber Heritage Trail, represented by Holly Komonczi, Executive Director of the Lumber Heritage Region, which developed the unique wayfinding trail to guide visitors to the top lumber heritage attractions throughout its 15-county Heritage Area, including sites within the counties it shares with the PA Route 6 Heritage Corridor: Warren, McKean, Potter, and Tioga Counties.

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy announced today the transfer of 532 acres of forestland along the Clarion National Wild and Scenic River near Ridgway in Elk County to the U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Forest Service to become a new addition to the Allegheny National Forest.

Paper Excellence, a global diversified manufacturer of pulp and specialty, printing, writing and packaging papers, and Domtar today announced that they have entered into a strategic business combination under which the Paper Excellence group of companies will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Domtar common stock for $55.50 per share, in cash.

The LHR is looking for a qualified Videographer to do a series of documentary videos in the 15-county region. Serious inquiries only.

The Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau is proud to announce their eighth annual Big Fish Contest, which runs March 27 through June 30, 2021. There is no shortage of great places to cast a line in Pennsylvania’s Great Outdoors region. Everyone is invited to enter photos of their catch, from Jefferson, Elk, Clarion, Forest, and Cameron Counties, by using the online submission form at VisitPAGO.com/BigFish.

The PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) and the PA Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) are working together to assess workforce development needs within the agricultural industry. Over the next decade, we expect at least 75,000 job openings within agriculture. With this expected workforce shortage it is now more than ever crucial to take a look at the workforce needs of agricultural employers.

On March 16, 2020, Governor Wolf put into effect statewide mitigation efforts to help stop the spread of COVID-19. These necessary steps significantly impacted businesses and the economic development partners that serve client companies. Immediately, Pennsylvania’s PREP and Engage! partners adjusted to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to counsel businesses through means other than traditional on-site technical assistance. See the full report here.

It may be a dangerous job, but one Steve Perrine loves doing. He spends time logging in the north woods of Pennsylvania, even in the winter! His only company is a team of horses. However, logging with horses is still alive and well and provides a unique way of doing the work with its own benefits.

Forest Health, Insect, and Disease Update is a live webinar series provided in partnership with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, Division of Forest Health. This series is being offered as a replacement to the annual face-to-face spring Briefing.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has released a report (PDF) detailing coordinated efforts of state and federal agencies and Pennsylvania research institutions to combat chronic wasting disease (CWD), a contagious, fatal disease that threatens deer.

How to Recycle Halloween Pumpkins for Wildlife

Join LHR in welcoming Jennifer Swatsworth, of Curwensville, Clearfield County as Project Manager.

The Minister Creek wildfire located along the narrow rocky ridge west of the Minister Creek campground near Sheffield was ignited by an abandoned campfire on Thursday October 15. While the fire is contained to one acre, it continues to burn deep in the duff, creating concerns of creeping and smoldering fire beneath the forest floor.

The Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania (LHR) is seeking proposals from qualified professional historians and research organizations to complete a region-wide research study focused on diversity in the historic Pennsylvania lumber industry.

NEWS RELEASE March 11, 2020 Contact: Mary Hosmer, 814-512-2101 RGS, Allegheny Chapter 1016 Long Level Road, Johnsonburg, Pa 15845 LEARN UPLND BIRD HUNTING FROM THE EXPERTS RGS Allegheny Chapter Offering New Hunter Mentor Program Kane Pa.: Upland Bird Hunting is a sport like no other – unexpected flushes, the whirr of wings, the heart-stopping moment when the bird just clears the treetops… no matter your age – an older hunter wanting to learn a new critter to hunt or a first time hunter wanting to learn about upland bird hunting - the Allegheny Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) wants to help you learn the ins and outs of hunting upland birds! This local RGS Chapter is looking for a few hunters (class size is capped at ten) who want to learn about grouse, woodcock, quail, and pheasant hunting. You will be paired with an experienced mentor that has been a successful upland bird hunter for years. Sign up with Rich Elliott at crawld11@gmail.com or with Christine Haibach at christine_haibach@hotmail.com.. “This is the only training offered in NC Pennsylvania where an experienced, successful mentor helps you on a one-on-one basis from starting at the patterning board checking for gun fit, to learning about habitat, to learning about bird dogs, to finally going on a mentored hunt for upland birds,” says Rich Elliott, Co-Leader of the New Hunter Mentor Program for the Allegheny Chapter of the RGS. Rich and Christine are currently taking applications for the 2020 class. “We are interested in old hunters wanting to learn a new trick, young or first time hunters, and female hunters,” says Rich. The training is FREE to all participants. The only requirement is your time to spend with another experienced bird hunter to learn the ropes. You must be able to qualify to purchase a Pennsylvania Hunting License OR be able to participate in a PGC Mentored Hunter category. Bring a bag lunch. The following training will be offered before the mentored hunters go on an upland bird hunt with their mentor on Saturday, October 17: Saturday, 4/25, at 9:00 a.m., Shotgun Safety, Habitat and Navigation will take place at the Rolfe Beagle Club in Johnsonburg, Elk County, at 1016 Long Level Road. Sunday, September 20, at 9:00 a.m., Hunting Dogs and First Aid in the Field will take place at the Rolfe Beagle Club in Johnsonburg, Elk County, at 1016 Long Level Road. Enrollees will learn about bird hunting breeds of dogs, pointers versus flushers, and how to properly administer first aid in the field. Students will then be given the opportunity to shoot over dogs to prepare for the hunt day on October 17. Saturday, October 17, at 8:00 a.m. THE HUNT in nearby grouse woods! Rich comments, “Space is limited; we have only three slots left, so sign up now at crawld11@gmail.com or christine_haibach@hotmail.com.“ The RGS Allegheny Chapter welcomes any donations to support the New Hunter Mentor Program. If you are interested in donating funds, clay pigeons, or shells to support new hunters to the upland bird life, then please contact Christine Haibach at christine_haibach@hotmail.com. The Ruffed Grouse Society was founded in 1961 to promote and increase awareness of young forest management and to maintain suitable habitat that supports healthy populations of ruffed grouse, woodcock, deer and many songbird species that depend on forest diversity to survive and prosper.

Ben Moyer, Outdoor Writer and Naturalist, to Speak at the FREE “Deer Season Kick-Off” Presentations on Sunday, October 27, at University of Pittsburgh-Bradford

Mt. Jewett to the Kinzua Bridge State Park - Friday afternoon officially caps years-long efforts and opens this historic almost four-mile stretch that provides opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding and snowmobile riding, as well as increased tourism and economic development. Credit Bradford Era

A group of 20 people gathered Friday to honor the veterans of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Family members of four CCC Boys attended the 11th annual CCC Statue Dedication Ceremony at the Warren County Visitors Center.

Along Route 6 Scenic Byway in the heart of the Lumber Heritage Region you will find a one of a kind privately funded marvel that is worth a trip to Port Allegany, PA.

The Pennsylvania WoodMobile is a traveling exhibit that provides information on the state’s forest resource and the state’s forest products industry.