News & Updates
The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR), one of Pennsylvania’s twelve heritage regions, is thrilled to announce that we have secured $365,000 in grant funding for projects across our 15-county region. This substantial funding comes from two separate partnership grants provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). These competitive grants are applied for annually, and we are proud of the hard work and dedication of our team in securing this vital support.
“I am pleased that through the hard work of our staff, the LHR has been able to secure this grant funding. With it, we will be able to continue the work of promoting the heritage, the present, and the future of the 15 counties that make up the LHR.” – Josh Fox, Chairman, Board of Directors
All fifteen counties within the Lumber Heritage Region will benefit from this funding. Our ongoing projects in education, outreach, tourism promotion, and marketing will receive a significant boost, impacting each community in meaningful ways. Last year, we taught over 1,500 school-aged children about the importance of lumbering to our region and created two virtual educational tools, “Boom Heritage” and “Legends of Lumbering,” which are available on our YouTube Channel.
In July 2022, we awarded seven mini grants as part of this funding. These projects, which will be completed by May 2024, include:
One of the key projects funded by these grants is the restoration of a fire tower, which will become part of the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum Campus in Potter County. This tower will enhance the tourism offerings in Potter County, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the vital heritage of the forest products industry.
Another exciting project is the installation of a new interactive promotional display case at the Tioga County Visitor Center. This display will help visitors learn more about the LHR, view historic lumbering items, and find merchandise sold by the LHR. We are seeking additional sites for similar display cases. If you are interested in hosting one, please email hkomonczi@lumberheritage.org.
Additionally, we are conducting a planning study to develop a Dark Sky Park in Cameron County as part of the county’s revitalization efforts. This park will invite more visitors to enjoy nature both day and night, promoting environmental awareness and appreciation.
“It is such a pleasure working with an organization that can offer so many economic drivers to so many communities. In the six years I have been with the LHR, I have been able to secure over $1.4 million in grants and other funds for our 15-county region,” exclaimed Holly Komonczi, Executive Director. The Lumber Heritage Region operates with two full-time staff members and a host of dedicated volunteers.
We are always looking for great project ideas and community involvement. This year, we will be updating our Management Action Plan, and we invite you to be part of this process. If you have ideas or want to ensure your community is part of future projects and plans, please email hkomonczi@lumberheritage.org.
For more information about our programs and initiatives, visit our website at www.lumberheritage.org. Join us in celebrating and supporting the rich heritage and vibrant future of the Lumber Heritage Region.
News & Updates
The Lock Haven Levee Trail, also known as the William Clinger Riverwalk, is a 2.25-mile paved trail along the Susquehanna River in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. It's part of the West Branch Susquehanna Greenway.
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News & Updates
The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership is dedicated to helping our communities create, remember, and share stories and experiences of the river. To celebrate their upcoming 25th anniversary in service of this goal, they announced the beginning of their latest project: a coffee table book all about the Susquehanna River and the towns, trails, and humans who make it special! If you or someone you know has a story they would like to share, they are accepting submissions on a continual basis for review. They are collecting stories in all mediums. In addition to the coffee table book, selected stories may be shared across social media platforms and newsletters, giving your work a wider audience and adding to the shared narrative of the river’s importance in our community.
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Additional Grant Opportunities
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Recreation and Conservation assists local governments and recreation and conservation organizations with funding for projects related to: Parks Recreation Conservation Applications for the department’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program grants are accepted once a year. The application period for the recreation and conservation grants opens in January and closes in April each year: Opens: (Third Tuesday of January) Closes: (First Wednesday of April) There are exceptions for ATV and Snowmobile Trails Management Restricted Account Grants, which are conducted during the spring and fall: Spring: Always opens first business day in February and closes the last business day in March. Fall: Always opens first business day in August and closes the last business day in September. Peer and Circuit Rider Grants are open year-round
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