Friday, April 30, 2010

PKP named "Champion of the Wilds" at PA Wilds Annual Briefing Meeting

Pennsylvania Kinzua Pathways was recognized Thursday at the Pennsylvania Wilds' annual luncheon for "their outstanding efforts to grow outdoor and heritage tourism in the region, and their commitment to conservation and community character stewardship."

To read an impact report on the Pennsylvania Wilds that was released Thursday, go to: www.pawildsresources.org.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Rimrock Trail gets USFS green light

By BRIAN FERRY bferry@timesobserver.com
POSTED: April 21, 2010

The Rimrock Trail Project, a combined brainchild of Pennsylvania Kinzua Pathways (PKP) and students from the Warren County Career Center, will soon become a reality.

The Allegheny National Forest (ANF) announced Tuesday its approval of the project.

The trail is a "low-impact, non-motorized interpretive hiking trail between Kinzua Beach and Rimrock Overlook," according to ANF documents.

"I am pleased to be moving forward with this project, which was presented as a citizens' proposal to the Forest Service through the efforts of the Pennsylvania Kinzua Pathways and designed by students and teachers through the Warren County Career Center," Bradford District Ranger Tony Scardina said. "This project is a great example of community involvement, and its benefit to the area was made apparent by the positive comments received from the public."

"PKP is very excited about the approval of this project," PKP's Joe Colosimo said. "It will be a great addition to the wonderful and numerous improvements that the ANF is making to the beach area. The trail will improve connectivity between the beach and Rimrock areas, allowing visitors to spend time in both locations without having to travel by car."

"Breaking ground on this trail, I believe, is only the beginning of many good things to come," PKP's Ines Nelson said. "We look forward to the community enjoying the combined experience of spending time at Kinzua Beach and being able to hike up to Rimrock and back."

One student in particular earned credit for her efforts on the project.

"I would also like to mention again how proud we are of the work that Nicole Doverspike, a student from Dan Passmore's drafting class at the WCCC, did in putting the proposal together for this trail and presenting to ANF District Ranger Tony Scardina and his team," Nelson said. "Having the trail come to reality is an important achievement that she will take with her for life."

According to ANF Spokesperson Kathy Mohney, the implementation of the project will begin immediately and the trail is expected to be open for Memorial Day weekend.

"We hope many will come out to celebrate when the trail is complete," Nelson said. "Stay tuned, as we will be planning something special!"

Some of the features of the trail, including an information kiosk at Kinzua Beach, a handicap accessible observation deck near the beach, and an interpretive tree house "will be implemented over time as funding and work from partners becomes available," she said.

The tree house, according to Mohney, will be "flush with the earth's surface below the Rimrock Overlook."

"The students in the drafting class of the Warren County Career Center worked closely with the ANF team to design the trail and work through the approval process," Colosimo said. "Once finished, PKP will look to add the kiosk, handicap platform, resting benches and interpretive signs to be located at key positions along the trail."

Information regarding the project and the decision are available at the Forest Service Web site,www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/allegheny/projects/recreation_projects/rimrock_trail.


Sunday, April 18, 2010

pennsylvaniakinzuapathways.com


We are thrilled to bring PKP to the web.

Last October, the Community Foundation of Warren County celebrated its 60th Anniversary by awarding a $10,000 grant to a project selected by the community. The PKP team was humbled and proud to garner over 25% of the total vote. We put that money to work on expanding our marketing and communications efforts through the web.

Some features the web site offers are:
  • Detailed information on all Pathways.
  • Up to date information on progress and accomplishments.
  • Links to follow PKP on facebook, Twitter, and of course, Blogger.
  • Opportunities to shop for PKP merchandise and contribute to the Pathways through donations.
  • Links to the many organizations we have been lucky to connect with.
  • Where to EAT • PLAY • SHOP • STAY information.