Lumber Heritage Region Awarded $300,000 in Grants Through DCNR

We are thrilled to announce that the Lumber Heritage Region has been awarded $300,000 through the Community Conservation and Partnerships Program (C2P2) grant by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)! This generous grant, announced by the governor’s office, will significantly enhance our ability to support and develop our communities.

Exciting Plans for the Grant

This funding will enable us to:

• Offer a Mini-Grant Program: Providing crucial financial support for local projects.
• Restore a Forest Fire Tower: Preserving an important piece of our heritage and enhancing tourism.
• Support Tourism Promotion and Marketing Campaigns: Attracting more visitors to experience the rich history and natural beauty of our region.
• Develop Interactive Display Cases: Creating engaging educational tools to share the story of our lumber heritage.
• Conduct Education and Outreach Programs: Expanding our efforts to inform and inspire both residents and visitors about the importance of the lumber industry.

A Message from Our Executive Director

“We are extremely happy to be able to support the communities in the 15-county region. Since I started writing the grants in 2018, we have tripled our financial support from DCNR, and our communities are seeing the benefits,” said Holly Komonczi, Executive Director. This growth in funding reflects our commitment to enhancing the Lumber Heritage Region and ensuring that our communities thrive.

About the Lumber Heritage Region

The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) spans 15 counties in North West and North Central Pennsylvania, highlighting the past, present, and future significance of the lumber industry. Our goal is to market the region’s assets to potential visitors, serve as a vital resource to the PA hardwood industry, and keep the economic impact of the region at the forefront of our efforts.

Our Mission

As a 501(c)(3) organization, we are dedicated to helping the region make an international impact. Our mission is to serve the region with technical, educational, and financial assistance through the coordination of networking and communication initiatives. By fostering these connections, we aim to bolster the local economy, preserve our heritage, and promote sustainable practices within the lumber industry.

Looking Ahead

This grant marks a significant milestone for the Lumber Heritage Region, and we are eager to see the positive changes it will bring. We are committed to continuing our work in supporting and promoting the rich heritage and vibrant communities within our region.

For more information about our programs and initiatives, please visit our website at www.lumberheritage.org. Join us in celebrating this exciting achievement and stay tuned for updates on our progress!