The Role of Heritage in
Revitalizing Rural
Landscapes
Brenda Barrett
Legacy Building
Early School House
Local Historical Museum
Main Street
State Park and Marina
Farm Markets
Historic Tavern
National Heritage Areas
England and Wales : Areas of
Outstanding Natural Beauty
France: Les Parc
Reginaux
•12 Counties
• Public Lands
• Rural Aspect
• 23% of the Land Mass
• 4.1% of Population of the State
Pennsylvania Wilds
A History of Devastation and
Recovery
PA Wilds Demographic and Economic
Indicators
Decades of Decline
Geographic Isolation and Economic Transition
High Unemployment
Stagnant Population 0.03% Growth
Slow Economic Growth .2% Gross State
Product
New Image for the Region
Rebranding the PA Wilds
Goals of the PA Wilds
Increase Tourism
Provide for Economic Opportunities
Increase the Sense of Stewardship
PA Wilds Public Infrastructure
Investments
$129 million in new and upgraded facilities in state parks & forests
Visitor centers
Restrooms
Trails
Signage
Interpretive Displays
Community Concerns with PA Wilds
PA Wilds Planning Team
PA Wilds Small Business
Ombudsman
PA Wilds Artisan Trail
PA Wilds Design Guide
Evaluating Impact
Compelling Stories
Community Involvement
Convening Partners
Management Planning
Gullah Geechee Corridor
Plan
Early Implementation
What about the Pennsylvania
Wilds?
New Agenda for the PA Wilds
Planning Team
•Regional Transportation, Emergency
•Response and Social Services
•Model Ordinances for Extractive Industry
New Design Guide for Oil and Gas
Best Practices
New PA Wilds Center for
Entrepreneurship
Main Street Kane Pennsylvania