Gov. Rendell this week said the Commonwealth is honored that the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative is receiving the national Phoenix Award from the Society of American Travel Writers.

The award is one of four being made in recognition of major conservation and preservation efforts throughout the world.

"The Pennsylvania Wilds is truly a unique model of how to blend tourism, economic development and protection of our natural resources to help communities revitalize and, at the same time, offer visitors an authentic outdoor experience," Gov. Rendell said. "Our investments and work with many partners over the last several years are helping the region move toward becoming a top destination for nature tourism, while always remaining sensitive to protecting the region's rich and diverse natural assets."

The Pennsylvania Wilds covers Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Forest, Jefferson, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga and Warren counties. It includes 29 state parks and 1.5 million acres of state forest and game lands, the Allegheny National Forest, Pine Creek Gorge, the largest elk herd in the northeast United States and the darkest nighttime skies at Cherry Springs State Park.

The estimated total number of leisure visitors to the Pennsylvania Wilds increased from 3.5 million to 3.9 million from 2004 to 2006.

"In my seven years as a member of the Phoenix Awards Committee, few nominees have received unanimous approval," said Peggy Bendel, chairwoman of the Phoenix Award Committee while presenting a plaque at a meeting today of the Governor's Task Force on the Pennsylvania Wilds in Harrisburg. "The Pennsylvania Wilds was one of the few to do so, and it is a particular pleasure to present this award today."

"The project involves unprecedented cooperation between several state agencies, as well as a unique partnership between state and local organizations," said Ed Wetschler, a journalist/nominator whose story in the New York Times reflected his impressions of the region. "No other initiative exists in the country on this scale and level of strategic thinking. The little hotels and restaurants, shops and diversions in this vast area are still locally owned, and this remains a rural region free of urban sprawl - a place of forests and friendly, small-town people, giving it a sense of place in the very best sense."

The Society of American Travel Writers is North America's largest association of travel writers, editors and public relations professionals.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Wilds webpage.

2/15/2008