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