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| Elk Country Visitor Center: 2013 Elk Expo |
The Keystone Elk Country Alliance(KECA) and PA
Governor Tom Corbett recently signed a long term agreement that
continues the operation of Elk Country Visitors Center for 35 years.
Some
had speculated that DCNR would assume direct control of the facility at
some point in the future with DCNR employees staffing it under the
supervision of a career DCNR officer equivalent to a State Park
Superintendent, but this action seems to lay this type of speculation to
rest.
Advocates of the Public/Private Partnership
between KECA and The Commonwealth point out that The Center's operation
is not funded by taxpayers dollars, while a operation totally
administered by DCNR or another state agency would be.
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| Operation of Visitor Center is partially funded by proceeds from gift shop and theater ticket sales. |
Those opposed to the arrangement are concerned that
this gives a private group too much control over a public resource and
point to certain policies that they view as unduly restrictive or likely
to cause problems, or at best not alleviate them. A prime example is
the" no stopping on the road or parking along the roadway" signs along
the drive to the Visitor Center from Winslow Hill Road.
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| Would a pull-off area prevent problems in this area? |
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Certainly it does not work for people to stop in the
road, but how many are able to resist doing so when they see elk in the
meadow or standing by the roadside? Should a pull-off area or extra
lane been provided in this area so people could legally stop, or would
this lead to further problems? Would the cost of installing the lane
outweigh any benefit it may have given?
This is only
one example. It is always easier to criticize than to find workable
solutions, but hopefully interest groups can work together to provide a
better experience for all.
Whatever the case the KECA will continue to administer the Visitor Center for many years, barring some unforeseen circumstance.
Published at
Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill.
The following is the news release from The Pennsylvania Office of The Governor in its' entirety.
News for Immediate Release
June 2, 2014
Governor Corbett Signs Long-Term Agreement for Public/Private Partnership at Elk Country Visitor Center in Pennsylvania Wilds.
Harrisburg
– Governor Tom Corbett signed a 35-year agreement with the non-profit
Keystone Elk Country Alliance (KECA) for operation of Elk Country
Visitor Center in Elk County, cementing a public/private partnership
that was begun before the center first opened in 2010.
The
Elk Country Visitor Center is nestled on 245-acres owned by the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in Benezette.
KECA, a Pennsylvania-based wildlife conservation organization, operates
the center without state funding. KECA raises operational revenue
through services such as gift shop sales, theater tickets, wagon and
sleigh rides and other special events.
“This is a great
partnership between government and a non-profit organization to
continue to improve and expand the resources and services that DCNR
provides to our citizens, and ensure a quality visitor experience at the
Elk Country Visitor Center,” Corbett said. “Our relationship with KECA
is a true success story, as together we have been able to improve
wildlife habitat, educate the public about conservation, support tourism
and create local jobs.”
The center is open year round
and includes a 4-D story theater with special effects that explore the
sight, smells and sounds of the area; interactive and interpretive
exhibits; wildlife trails and viewing areas; wagon and sleigh rides;
educational programming; and parking for cars, RVs and buses.
“The
Keystone Elk Country Alliance is pleased and proud to partner with the
Commonwealth to operate this world-class destination,” said Rawley
Cogan, CEO Keystone Elk Country Alliance. “KECA’s educational and
stewardship programs provide a clear and consistent conservation message
and continue to attract more and more guests to Pennsylvania’s Elk
Country. Local businesses continue to expand and create new jobs that
fuel economic development in the region.”
The new
agreement requires a significant capital investment by KECA, which has
begun construction of an outdoor classroom to accommodate more
educational programs and special events at the center.
Governor
Corbett visited the center in the fall, noting…”attendance at the center
has grown to 350,000 tourists annually, each spending money and
supporting local small businesses.”
Twelve jobs were
created by KECA to operate the elk center. Its gift shop provides more
than 60 small local vendors and artisans with a new market opportunity.
The number of lodging establishments near the center has almost doubled;
three wineries have opened – all with an elk theme; and local stores
and restaurants are expanding.
Pennsylvania’s elk herd currently numbers more than 800 animals – the largest elk herd in the northeastern United States.
For
more information about the Elk Country Visitor Center, visit
www.ElkCountryVisitorCenter.com or call 814-787-5167. To learn more
about the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, go to
www.ExperienceElkCountry.com. For more information about DCNR visit the
website at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.
Media contact:
Valerie Caras, Governor’s Office; 717-783-1116
Christina Novak, DCNR; 717-772-9101
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