News & Updates
The Appalachian Regional Commission, in collaboration with the Conservation Fund and the National Endowment for the Arts, is excited to announce the 2022 Regional Training Program for Appalachian Gateway Communities. This unique opportunity is designed to empower communities located near publicly owned lands, such as national and state parks and forests, by providing essential training and resources to support community and economic development.
A gateway community is defined as a community that borders or is near publicly owned lands. These communities play a vital role in managing the interface between human activities and natural landscapes, making them key players in regional development and conservation efforts.
Through this program, community-based teams from gateway communities will receive training in various areas including:
Teams will also have the chance to develop a strategic project that addresses a key issue in their community. This hands-on approach ensures that the training is not only theoretical but also practical and immediately applicable.
Participating in the 2022 Regional Training Program offers several benefits:
To take advantage of this great training opportunity, communities within the Appalachian Regional Commission designated region should consider compiling a team to attend the program. For more information and details about registration, please refer to the attached flyer or visit the program’s website.
For additional information, feel free to contact Susan Elks at 610-563-1516 or via email at selks@conservationfund.org.
The 2022 Regional Training Program for Appalachian Gateway Communities is an invaluable opportunity for gateway communities to enhance their skills, develop strategic projects, and foster sustainable economic and community development. Don’t miss this chance to make a lasting impact on your community.
Visit the program’s website for more information and to register your team for the 2022 Regional Training Program for Appalachian Gateway Communities.
Education
Take a virtual journey through the first phase of archaeological exploration at the Bark Shanty CCC Camp in Potter County, Pennsylvania and uncover new opportunities to reconnect with our region’s rich roots in lumber and conservation history.
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Grants & Projects
Grip It & Rip It Disc Golf selected as Course Design Firm for Warren County’s Upcoming Disc Golf Course Warren, PA – June 24, 2025 – The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR), Warren County Visitors Bureau (WCVB), and the Warren County Conservation District (WCCD) are thrilled to announce the selection of Grip It & Rip It Disc Golf as the course designer for Warren County’s first and only 18-hole disc golf course to be set within the scenic Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area. This project was financed, in part, by a grant from the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Heritage Areas Program, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Grip It & Rip It Disc Golf, a nationally recognized course design firm with over 30 years of expertise, and founder J. Gary Dropcho have a proven record of designing sustainable, competition-ready disc golf courses across the Mid-Atlantic region. "It was a difficult decision. Ultimately, we chose the one we felt would best guide us through the complexities of creating a challenging and diverse course from start to finish," said Holly Komonczi, Executive Director of LHR. “This is more than just a disc golf course—it’s a gateway to outdoor recreation, conservation education, and regional history,” said Casey Ferry, WCVB Executive Director. “Partnering with Grip It & Rip It ensures we are delivering a top-tier experience that respects the natural landscape and draws people from near and far.” “I am humbled to be trusted with the design of the first 18-hole disc golf course in Warren County, and I am excited to immerse the disc golfers in the natural beauty of the Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area. I am anxious to feature the verdant hemlock and deciduous forests, grassy meadows, sloping glades, rock outcroppings, and gurgling waters of Simmons and Hatch Runs in the design. The course will be flexible and respectful of other uses of HRCDA, be appropriately challenging for beginning as well as expert players, and be a model of sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said J. Gary Dropcho of Grip It & Rip It Disc Golf. Dropcho continues, “Hatch Run will be my 25th disc golf course design project, and, based on my visits to the site, I will need to use all my previous learning and acquired skills to reveal the disc golf challenges rooted in the landforms and flora of this Allegheny River headwater region. I’m looking forward to the Hatch Run disc golf course grand opening in 2027 but also looking forward to working with staff of the Lumber Heritage Region, Warren County Visitors Bureau, Warren County Conservation District, and PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to make it all happen.” A One-of-a-Kind Outdoor Experience in Hatch Run The Hatch Run Conservation Demonstration Area, a 350-acre property managed by the WCCD, is the perfect backdrop for this nature-integrated course. Known for its commitment to environmental education, wildlife habitat preservation, and sustainable land use, the property offers forested terrain, waterways, walking trails, and diverse ecosystems—elements that will be preserved and highlighted throughout the course design. Grip It & Rip It Disc Golf will integrate interpretive signage, historical touchpoints, and eco-conscious routing to reflect the area's rich lumber heritage and conservation mission. The course will serve as a unique fusion of recreation and learning. In addition to offering an exciting challenge for disc golfers of all skill levels, the design will immerse players in the story of Hatch Run—highlighting the property’s role during Pennsylvania’s lumber boom and showcasing ongoing conservation efforts. Through well-placed interpretive features, players will discover how sustainable forestry practices are shaping the land today while gaining a deeper appreciation for the region’s environmental and industrial past. A Boost for Local Recreation and Tourism Disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and this project marks a major milestone for Warren County’s outdoor recreation scene. The course will be free and open to the public, catering to both seasoned players and curious beginners. “As Warren County’s destination marketing organization, our job is to bring people here, and this is the kind of project that does just that,” said Casey Ferry, WCVB Executive Director. “Hatch Run’s location offers that rare mix of forest seclusion and convenience to amenities like restaurants and lodging.” “The WCCD is excited to incorporate a new outdoor recreation opportunity on the HRCDA Property, while continuing to follow our mission of conservation and education. We can’t wait to see how Gary from Grip It & Rip It will design a disc golf course to flow with the property and its current uses,” said Katie Stover, District Manager WCCD. The course is expected to enhance the area’s outdoor offerings, strengthen environmental education efforts, and serve as a draw for tourists—creating a positive ripple effect for local businesses and community well-being. For more information or ways to get involved, please contact: Holly Komonczi: Executive Director, Lumber Heritage Region hkomonczi@lumberheritage.org Casey Ferry: Executive Director, Warren County Visitors Bureau director@wcvb.net Katie Stover: District Manager, Warren County Conservation District kstover@wcconservation.net About the Lumber Heritage Region The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) is dedicated to preserving and promoting Pennsylvania’s lumber industry legacy through education, community partnerships, and sustainable recreation. About the Warren County Visitors Bureau The Warren County Visitors Bureau promotes tourism and outdoor recreation, showcasing the natural beauty, history, and local charm of Warren County. About the Warren County Conservation District The Warren County Conservation District focuses on environmental stewardship and conservation education through responsible land management practices. About Grip It & Rip It Disc Golf Founded by J. Gary Dropcho, Grip It & Rip It Disc Golf designs world-class disc golf courses that emphasize sustainability, playability, and environmental integration. With projects ranging from Moraine State Park to Slippery Rock University, the company blends expertise in course architecture with deep community engagement.
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Grants & Projects
Lumber Heritage Region Awarded $10,000 America250PA Semiquincentennial Grant for Regional “Lumber Heritage Quests” Initiative Lumber Heritage Region, PA - The Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania, Inc. (LHR) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $10,000 Spring Semiquincentennial Grant from America250PA in support of its upcoming project, Pennsylvania’s Lumber Heritage Quests: Celebrating America! This highly competitive grant process received over 440 applications requesting more than $6 million in funding. LHR’s project seeks to interactively engage Pennsylvanians in honoring the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The 15-county region has played an important role throughout American history and continues to have a significant impact today. “We are honored to receive this grant from America250PA as we prepare to commemorate our region’s vital role in our nation’s history,” said Holly Komonczi, Executive Director of the Lumber Heritage Region. “This support allows us to engage communities across 15 counties in meaningful, place-based experiences that celebrate our past and inspire future generations. I especially want to recognize the dedication of our Education & Outreach Administrator, Rowan Crisp, whose creativity and leadership were instrumental in bringing this project to life”. The grant will support the creation and promotion of regional “quest” activities—self-guided experiences that blend outdoor exploration with historical storytelling. Designed to engage both residents and visitors, the initiative aims to encourage deeper connections with the landscape, opportunities, and complex history of this significant region within Pennsylvania. “America250PA is proud to support creative, place-based initiatives that bring Pennsylvanians into conversation with their history and landscape,” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. “The Lumber Heritage Quests offer a unique and meaningful way to experience the stories of the Commonwealth’s forest communities—through exploration, reflection, and discovery. By inviting residents and visitors to walk, paddle, and connect with the land, this project honors our EPIC principles of Educate, Preserve, Innovate, and Celebrate, while reinforcing the shared pride and forward-looking spirit at the heart of the Semiquincentennial.” Details about quest sites and launch events will be released in the coming months. LHR will be coordinating with local partners and America250PA staff to ensure the project aligns with broader statewide celebrations and commemorative efforts. The Lumber Heritage Region thanks America250PA for its support and is proud to be part of a statewide movement to ensure every Pennsylvanian has a meaningful opportunity to participate in the Semiquincentennial. For more information about LHR and updates on Pennsylvania’s Lumber Heritage Quests: Celebrating America, please visit www.lumberheritage.org or follow us on social media.________________________________________
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