Elk and Nature Tourism Plan

Project Details

The Elk and Nature Tourism Plan was a comprehensive planning study aimed at developing a sustainable tourism strategy focused on elk viewing and nature tourism within the elk range in Elk County. This project was a collaborative effort involving the Lumber Heritage Region (LHR), the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission (NCPRPDC), the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and other key stakeholders.

In 2001, LHR and its partners contracted with FERMATA Inc. to develop this plan, which predates the Pennsylvania WILDS initiative and served as a catalyst for its formation. The plan’s primary objective was to create a five-year strategy for managing visitor activities related to elk viewing and nature tourism. The focus was on visitor management rather than elk management, which remains the responsibility of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

The plan aimed to achieve the following goals:

1. Visitor Services and Infrastructure: Provide recommendations for improving visitor services and developing appropriate infrastructure to support tourism activities. This includes the construction of viewing areas, trails, and facilities to enhance the visitor experience while minimizing environmental impact.
2. Ecological Needs: Support the long-term ecological needs of an expanded wild elk herd. The plan emphasized the importance of balancing tourism development with the conservation of natural habitats and the well-being of the elk population.
3. Economic Benefits: Stimulate economic benefits for local communities by promoting sustainable tourism practices. The plan sought to create opportunities for local businesses and encourage economic growth through increased tourism while minimizing conflicts with private landowners and other forest users.
4. Educational Outreach: Educate tourists and residents about responsible stewardship of the elk herd and the region’s other natural resources. The plan included strategies for public education and outreach to foster a culture of conservation and appreciation for the natural environment.

The study was funded with support from DCNR, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the U.S. Forest Service, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The implementation of this plan has led to significant advancements in elk and nature tourism in the region, contributing to the development of the Pennsylvania WILDS initiative and enhancing the visitor experience in Elk County.