HARRISBURG – Gov. Ed Rendell’s plans to reinvigorate
Pennsylvania’s outdoors life has had a local impact.

The Pennsylvania Wilds initiative, which promotes nature-based
tourism in the north-central region, has become a national model
for mobilizing and coordinating a wide array of conservation,
tourism promotion, economic development and community
revitalization interests, according to the governor.

After only two years of the program, hotel occupancy rates in
the region increased above the state and national averages. In the
Elk County community of Ridgway, 30 historic homes have been
improved, 20 new businesses have been started and retained and
county hotel tax receipts are up 20 percent since 2002, according
to Rendell.

Similar to national trends, Pennsylvania’s aging population,
declining numbers of hunters and anglers, loss of open space,
increased competition for leisure time and a drop in environmental
literacy have combined to cause concern, Rendell says. If not
addressed, these trends could suppress tourism revenues and thwart
economic development in rural areas.