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.
Classes & Learning Opportunities
The Lumber Heritage Region is partnering with multiple agencies and partners including Cameron County Outdoor Youth Activities (CCOYA), and Penn State Extension to bring the region a Teen Conservation Camp for ages 15-17...
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Additional Grant Opportunities
U.S. Forest Service announces funding opportunity to strengthen forest products economy, forest sector jobs.. This program supports the advancement of outdoor recreation, conservation, trail projects, and programs within the Susquehanna Greenway’s 22 counties: Bradford, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Indiana, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Luzerne, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, Susquehanna, Union, Wyoming, and York. Projects outside this corridor will not be considered. Eligible applicants include registered non-profit organizations able to apply for DCNR-supported funding and public entities (such as a county, municipality, or municipal agency). Projects must fit within one of these four eligible categories: Outreach & Education Wayfinding & Signage Parks, Land & Water Trails, and Active Transportation Temporary Placemaking Detailed descriptions of these categories are available on the grant landing page at www.susquehannagreenway.org. Funding Details: Up to $10,000 per request 1:1 match required (cash or in-kind) One award per entity (multiple applications may be submitted for consideration) 10-month contract period (January – October 2025) The Susquehanna Greenway Mini-Grant Program is financed by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnership Program, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. As such, mini-grants may not be used as match for other DCNR-funded projects, and DCNR funding may not be used to match this mini-grant. Awardees must follow all DCNR grant guidelines and acknowledge both SGP and DCNR in all marketing and media. An online information session will be held at 12 noon on October 1, 2025. REGISTER HERE. The application window will close at 4:59 PM on October 31, 2025. Eligible applicants can apply online at susquehannagreenway.org/mini-grant-program. Awarded projects can expect to be notified in December 2025. Questions may be directed to info@susquehannagreenway.org or 570-478-0178. The Susquehanna Greenway is a connected corridor of paddling, walking, and biking trails, boat launches, conserved lands, and communities that runs along the Susquehanna River in PA. The Susquehanna Greenway Partnership (SGP) is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to advancing the vision of the Susquehanna Greenway. SGP works with partners to create a vibrant Greenway that weaves together communities, trails, and natural spaces, transforming the Susquehanna River corridor into a place where adventure beckons, connections deepen, and the river’s beauty inspires.
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