FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 30, 2017
PENNSYLVANIA PARKS AND FORESTS FOUNDATION OUTLINES ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF THE OUTDOORS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Camp Hill, PA –The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF), through the Gateway Community Initiative, created an infographic outlining the economic benefits of connecting people and businesses to the outdoors in Pennsylvania. The card provides information about the miles of trails, natural benefits of open space, personal health, and the number of jobs supported by people visiting the outdoors of Pennsylvania.
Creation of the infographic/rack card is a part of The Gateway Community Initiative. This initiative is working to introduce visitors of state parks and forests to the region’s heritage, history, and businesses while connecting businesses to the state parks and forests in the region. Beginning with the Ligonier Valley, an Action Team, including civic and municipal leaders and park and forest directors, assessed the community through the eyes of a new visitor. Many helpful tools were created including installation of new signage and an informational kiosk, development of a “rain and shine” walking tour, and an area reference map.
“Investing in open space and outdoor recreation makes good economic sense for Pennsylvania,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “Not only is tourism the second leading industry in the Commonwealth, but clean water, clean air, health care savings, and stress reduction benefit all Pennsylvanians.”
The project, funded through a grant from Richard King Mellon Foundation, is currently working to identify other gateway communities across the state.
About the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Founded in 1999, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation supports 121 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest by coordinating volunteers, activities and donations through its 40 chapters. The mission of the foundation is to inspire stewardship of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests through public engagement in volunteerism, recreation and conservation. paparksandforests.org @PaPFF