WARREN – Twenty years ago the idea for a resort at Kinzua Beach
on the Allegheny Reservoir was put on hold to be re-examined in the
future. That day is apparently here.

Warren County Commissioners have initiated talks with
representatives of Allegheny National Forest and the other counties
it encompasses – including McKean County, to discuss forest plan
revision including a resort on the reservoir.

One commissioner in particular, Warren County chairman John
Bortz, admits to initiating their involvement last spring when he
felt there wasn’t enough of an opportunity for Warren County to be
involved in the forest plan process.

Plans under discussion suggest a resort could become a reality
in as little as two or three years (after construction begins) and
given the correct set of circumstances.

When asked about the already occurring county meetings, and the
possibility of a resort on the reservoir, McKean County
Commissioner John Egbert said he had “no comments.”

Linda Devlin, executive director of the Allegheny National
Forest Vacation Bureau, said she knew the counties and the ANF were
meeting regarding the forest plan revision, but she had not been
involved. She did not comment specifically about the resort.

McKean County Planning Director Debbie Lunden said she had not
been involved in the meetings either and directed a reporter to the
McKean County Commissioners.

One factor apparently sparking the ongoing talks is a new
supervisor at the helm of the Allegheny National Forest. Kathleen
Morse took the reins in August, replacing Kevin Elliott who is now
in Vernal, Utah.

“We are interfacing with the ANF to consider feasibility (of a
resort at Kinzua Beach.) Previously, it was indicated it would take
10 to 15 years in the making,” said Bortz. “The current
administration seems to think that is inaccurate – if things go
correctly – and when they are in process, it could be two to three
years she (Morse) said. Now that’s an entirely different time
frame.”

Bortz said the Warren County Commissioners tabled a resolution
Wednesday that would include language of their intent in working
with ANF officials regarding proposals in the forest plan,
including the possibility of a resort in the Kinzua Beach area.

At this time, said Bortz, Warren County officials want to wait
until after the next meeting of the government-to-government and
ANF officials before they vote on the resolution because they may
need to change the language.

Of the forest plan, Bortz said ANF officials are required to
include the affected governments.

“They are required to engage in government-to-government
sessions so that they can reconcile their plans to the plans of the
local governments,” said Bortz.

He added that their right to be a part of the planning process
falls under the Code of Federal Regulations which states, “local
governments have a unique standing whenever federal agencies make
decisions which could impact the indigenous customs, culture, and
economic stability of a community.”

The other counties that share the forest include Elk and Forest
counties, and at least one “government-to-government” meeting
included information and input from the Army Corps of Engineers,
said Bortz. He said they provided useful information pertaining to
what is appropriate and acceptable use of the reservoir.

He did not elaborate further on the subject as the talks are
just informational and preliminary, but did say they would be
interested in looking at a new concept for a resort rather than
going back to the former proposal from 20 years ago.

“It will be a fresh look. When we look at the critical need for
Warren County, the only way we can capitalize on tourism is to put
forth our best effort,” said Bortz.

Bortz added that the meetings are not in violation of the
Sunshine Law because the groups are not making decisions.

“Our four counties are somewhat unique with respect to
government properties,” added Bortz of their meetings with the
ANF.

He said through the discussions between the counties and the
ANF, a renewed interest was sparked “that has always been in the
minds of Warren County folks – we are trying to bolster our economy
by pursuing related activities.”

Asked about the possibility of a resort, ANF Public Affairs
Officer Stephen Miller said the ANF is “not taking anything and
changing anything in the current plan.” Miller is referring to the
plan that has been in place for 20 years, which is now in process
of revision.

“I think what was meant (in a previous story) is that we are
still receptive to someone private coming to us with proposals,”
said Miller. “It is an awkward time right now in the plan revision.
I think everybody including the Warren County Commissioners are
looking forward to the studies as well.”

Miller is apparently referring to the studies conducted as part
of the idea of a possible resort on the reservoir.

“There is a lot of activity in the state right now,” he added.
“There are large and sophisticated issues with recreation and
toursim going on.”

This is evidenced, in part, by an announcement made in October
by The Pennsylvania Wilds initiative, which was developed in 2003
as a way to promote tourism and to protect and conserve the natural
resources in the area.

That announcement included information about the Pennsylvania
Wilds receiving a $110,000 state grant to use to attract tourists
to the northern tier.

Gov. Ed Rendell announced then that the grant will help four
target areas including the ANF in McKean and Warren counties.

Rendell has been quoted as saying to the Pennsylvania Wilds Task
Force in a previous meeting, “We have seen that there is great
potential for expanding and promoting nature tourism here. At the
same time, we want to protect this valuable natural resource for
generations to come.

“While many people are passionate about outdoor recreation, this
study shows this region is not yet top destination,” he continued,
referring to a Pennsylvania Wilds analysis.

James A. “Mickey” Rowley, deputy secretary for tourism in the
state echoed Rendell and said the grant was developed to entice
“capacity building” in areas where tourism is already a valued
resource.

As for the forest plan, drafts will be made public in January
for a 90-day public comment period, with the final plan expected to
be ready to be followed in September 2006.

Revision of the forest plan began in 2003 when the forest
service started holding public workshops.

The current plan has been in place for about 19 years, and in
1997 a revision plan was in process until the U.S. Congress pulled
funding and it was halted.