Lumber Heritage Region of Pennsylvania, Inc.

05/13/2026

🌿 Funding opportunities are now available to help protect Pennsylvania’s native wildlife, plants, and ecosystems!

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has opened applications for the 2026 Wild Resource Conservation Program, with more than **$500,000 available** to support research, habitat restoration, and conservation projects across the Commonwealth. Applications are open through June 30, 2026. ([Pennsylvania Government][1])

This program plays an important role in conserving non-game wildlife, native plants, fungi, and pollinators that are essential to healthy ecosystems throughout Pennsylvania. ([Pennsylvania Government][1])

Organizations, researchers, and conservation partners are encouraged to explore this opportunity and help continue the important work of protecting Pennsylvania’s natural heritage for future generations.

Learn more and apply: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/department-of-conservation-and-natural-resources-opens--500-000-

Applications will be accepted now through 4:00 PM on June 30, 2026, through DCNR’s online grant portal.

05/13/2026

🎓 Environmental Education Scholarship Opportunity!

The Keystone Elk Country Alliance, in partnership with Seneca Resources Company, LLC, is proud to offer three $1,000 scholarships for Pennsylvania high school seniors pursuing education or careers in an environmental field.

Eligible students must:
✅ Reside in Pennsylvania
✅ Be in their senior year of high school
✅ Be accepted to a college or secondary vocational/trade school
✅ Be majoring in or pursuing a career in an environmental field

Environmental fields may include Environmental Science, Biology, Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Sustainability, Parks and Recreation, Environmental Engineering, Education, and more.

📌Applications will be due by June 30th and the recipient will be selected by August 1st.

For full details, visit:
https://experienceelkcountry.com/education/educational-gallery/

Questions? Contact Ben Porkolab, Conservation Education Coordinator, at 814-787-5173 or [email protected].

Investing in Pennsylvania’s future. Inspiring tomorrow’s stewards of our environment. 🌲🦌

05/12/2026

ROAD CLOSURE…

Beginning today (5-11-26), a section of Dents Run Road between Porcupine and the east end of Belle Draft Road will be closed for resurfacing.

Due to hauling restrictions and unforeseen weather constraints this project has a tentative completion date of 5-22-26.

05/12/2026

✨ Attention Outdoor Enthusiast ✨

The PA Outdoor Corps is hiring Summer Youth Program Field Leader positions. Applicants need to be 21+.

They are looking for leaders in Ridgway, Harrisburg, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Williamsport. College students, teachers, coaches, and retirees make excellent Youth Crew Leaders. Youth Field Leaders work from June 10 – August 11 and make $19.38/hr; schedule is M-F 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM. There are two leaders for each crew.

Find the application link here: https://thesca.org/program/pennsylvania-outdoor-corps

05/12/2026

Howard PA - no date available - Old Ruins Howard Pa. - Postcard - (information added)...

We recieved a note from Sue Hannegan --

"I remember a partial wall/ foundation in the narrows between Howard and Jacksonville. My mother told me it was the Hoy Grist Mill foundation. The Hoy house that was associated with the mill stood at the intersection between the two roads to Jacksonville. One would be Slaughter House Road and the other would be the "main road" that extends on to Hubler Ridge Road."

05/12/2026

🔍 Lumber Heritage Quest Spotlight: Tionesta Dam & Lake
We will be highlighting each mission in the Lumber Heritage Quests: Celebrating America.

The Tionesta Dam and Lake, built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1940, protects communities along the Allegheny River from flooding and provides outdoor recreation for thousands of visitors each year.
By the Lake is Tionesta Recreation Area which includes the disc golf course, campground, picnic areas, and boat launch.
Nearby you may also see the Lighthouse Island Peace Park (home to one of the few functional inland lighthouses in the U.S.).
https://visitpago.com/tionesta-lake/

📍 Location: Tionesta, Forest County
🪵 Why it matters: This site tells the story of how forests, rivers, and people connect. Uncontrolled flooding sometimes devastated towns. The dam offers both protection and new opportunities for fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Like other flood-control projects of the era, the dam reshaped both the landscape and how people connected to the river.

✅ This site is an official stop on the Explorer Quest
🗺️ Visit it, log your stop, and keep exploring the Lumber Heritage Region!
👉 Learn more and start the Quest: https://lumberheritage.org/celebrating-america/
📣 Already visited? Tell us your favorite part in the comments!

America250PA Tionesta Disc Golf PA Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau

05/12/2026

Are you ready for something magical?
International artist Thomas Dambo is coming to the Allegheny National Forest Region and he is bringing his trolls to September 2027.
These larger-than-life trolls, created from recycled materials, will be hidden throughout McKean County making it the perfect adventure for a good outdoor treasure hunt! 🗺️👀
Bradford, Kane and somewhere in the Allegheny National Forest.
Now there's a trip you need to plan.
Learn more...become part of the magic www.VisitANF.com/Trolls

05/08/2026

On May 6th, 2026, The Lumber Heritage Region (LHR) celebrated 25 years of impact, partnership, and community development at its annual dinner, drawing 71 attendees from across Pennsylvania and as far as New York.

The event brought together board members, partners, and a selective group of local, regional, and state leaders. Ten guests also participated in a forest bathing experience at The View in Osceola Mills prior to the evening program, reflecting LHR’s growing focus on outdoor recreation and wellness.

Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, served as the guest speaker. Presentations were given by Bob Imhoff, Steve Manginell, and Holly Komonczi.

“The Lumber Heritage Region has always been about people,” said Komonczi, Executive Director. “There were people representing all 25 years and 13 of the 15 counties in attendance. This celebration brought everyone together to share experiences and plan for the future of the region.”

One of Pennsylvania’s 12 designated heritage areas—and the 11th established—LHR serves a 15-county region and has grown to include 281 partners. Its impact includes reaching more than 5,000 students annually, leveraging over $1 million in community mini-grants, and benefiting from more than $4 million in DCNR investment .

The organization continues to support heritage tourism, education, and outdoor recreation through initiatives such as the Lumber Heritage Trail and regional storytelling projects.

Awards presented during the evening included:
Founder’s Award: Bob Imhoff (Elk County)
Legacy Award: Linda Devlin (McKean County)
Community Champion Award: Rich Wycoff (Clinton County)
Budding Partnership Award: Jennifer and Chris McCracken, Pine Creek Seed Company (Lycoming County)

The Lumber Heritage Region also received a citation from Senators Dush, Hutchinson, Langerholc, Pittman, and Yaw, recognizing the organization as “a leader in the community and a model worthy of emulation.”

05/07/2026

🔍 Lumber Heritage Quest Spotlight: Bucktail Path
We will be highlighting each mission in the Lumber Heritage Quests: Celebrating America.

The Bucktail Path is one of PA’s most remote long-distance trails, stretching more than 30 miles through steep valleys and forests.
Known for its solitude and challenge, the path follows terrain once traveled by Native Americans, early settlers, and lumbermen.
Its name honors the “Bucktail Regiment” of the Civil War.
Weaving back and forth on the fringes of Cameron and Potter counties, hike a section or the whole thing and be sure to snap a pic to log your adventure in the Goosechase app!🤳📸
https://visitpago.com/listings/bucktail-path/

📍 Location: Sizerville/Sinnemahoning, Cameron County
🪵 Why it matters: This trail offers a glimpse into the untamed forest landscape that defined the region’s past and continues to shape its identity today. Kiosk panels at the trailhead offer information about the history of the area. With limited road crossings and rugged conditions, it remains a true backcountry experience.

✅ This site is an official stop on the Adventurer Quest
🗺️ Visit it, log your stop, and keep exploring the Lumber Heritage Region!
👉 Learn more and start the Quest: https://lumberheritage.org/celebrating-america/
📣 Already visited? Tell us your favorite part in the comments!

America250PA PA Great Outdoors Cameron County Chamber of Commerce

05/06/2026

🌲✨ Thank You to Our Sponsor! ✨🌲

We’re proud to recognize The Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania as a valued sponsor of the Lumber Heritage Region Celebration Dinner.

Your support helps us honor the legacy of Pennsylvania’s lumber industry while continuing to grow its impact for future generations. 🌳

Without your generous and ongoing support, tonight's celebration dinner wouldn't be as amazing as it will be. Looking forward to seeing you all this evening for an evening of celebration, connection, and heritage.

05/06/2026

🌲✨ Thank You to Our Sponsor! ✨🌲
We’re proud to recognize Bull Moose Marketing as a valued sponsor of the Lumber Heritage Region Celebration Dinner.

Your support helps us honor the legacy of Pennsylvania’s lumber industry while continuing to grow its impact for future generations. 🌳

Looking forward to seeing you all on May 6, 2026, for an evening of celebration, connection, and heritage.