Climbing for Conservation: Van Wagner’s 53rd Climb Elevates Forest Awareness

Climbing for Conservation: Van Wagner’s 53rd Climb Elevates Forest Awareness

Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) – Jefferson County – 8.12.2024

Van Wagner taking a photo of himself in the canopy with his audience on the ground below.

As the morning air carried the first hints of the shifting of seasons, our group gathered in State Game Lands 54 in Jefferson County, a place rich with conservation history. Just off the road leading to the site of the nation’s first school dedicated to training game wardens—the Ross Leffler School of Conservation—we prepared to witness Van Wagner’s 53rd climb in his quest to ascend the tallest tree at the highest elevation in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

Originally a hunting camp built in the early 1900s, the Ross Leffler School of Conservation operated from 1938 until 1986 before relocating to Harrisburg. A nearby historic marker honors its namesake, Ross L. Leffler, a 30-year member of the Game Commission and Assistant Secretary of the Interior under President Eisenhower. Today, the Game Commission continues its stewardship of these lands, balancing habitat management with sustainable forestry. Evidence of controlled burns—an ancient but effective forest management practice—was visible along our hike to the highest elevation in the area.

Van Wagner, a man of many talents—educator, historian, musician, and forester—arrived ready for his climb, another step in his mission to raise awareness about Pennsylvania’s forests, their deep-rooted connection to our heritage, and the benefits of sustainable management. It is his goal to climb the tallest tree at the highest elevation in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. “Our forests are a wonderful resource, but they do require management,” Wagner reflected after reaching the canopy of Jefferson County’s high point.

A small but engaged group joined the climb, including Lumber Heritage Region Executive Director Holly Komonczi and Education & Outreach Administrator Rowan Crisp, Game Commission Regional Director Jesse Bish and Wildlife Habitat Group Supervisor Miles Laubacher, State Senator Cris Dush’s Field Representative Penny Pifer, along with Mark Temple and Mark Lewis—accompanied by Lewis’ enthusiastic dog, Silva.

Upon reaching the highest point in the area, Wagner selected a towering oak. With Temple’s assistance, he secured his equipment and set his throw line before beginning the ascent. Moving with practiced precision, Wagner climbed swiftly, pausing to take in the breathtaking view and capture a few photos from the canopy high above us.

The Lumber Heritage Region was honored to witness and support Wagner’s mission, which highlights not only the beauty of Pennsylvania’s forests but also the importance of responsible stewardship. His journey continued later that day with a 54th climb in Clarion County, checking off another LHR county from his growing list. To date, Wagner has climbed in at least 12 of the Lumber Heritage Region’s 15 counties.

To follow Van Wagner’s climbs, visit his website or check out his YouTube channel, @vanwags.

A heartfelt thank you to the Pennsylvania Game Commission for their support, to those who attended, and most of all to Van Wagner—for his efforts to highlight the importance of sustainable forestry and the legacy of Pennsylvania’s woodland, one climb at a time!

Front Row (left to right): Silva (dog), Mark Lewis, Holly Komonczi, Rowan Crisp Back Row (left to right): Can Wagner, Jesse Bish, Miles Laubacher, Penny Pifer, Mark Temple