Production Company Films In Elk Country

Photo by Paul Staniszewski-Used by Permission All Rights Reserved

 On January 7th I was contacted by an Associate Producer of Steve Rotfeld Productions who produces the long running animal television series "Wild About Animals" hosted by Mariette Hartley, which is an Emmy award winning, nationally syndicated program that focuses on the well being of animals. I had captured their attention with my blogging about wildlife and they wished to have a crew accompany me for a day as I photographed and documented Pennsylvania wildlife.

For a variety of reasons I did not wish to participate in the project, but it was an excellent opportunity so I referred  the company to Paul Staniszewski of Troutville, PA. Paul who is very familiar to regular readers of this blog, has been very active in Pennsylvania elk photography for several years. His work may be seen and purchased at Elk Country Visitor Center as well as other venues.

Rothfield Productions selected Paul for the project and he put them in touch with The Pennsylvania Game Commission and the management at Elk Country Visitor Center.  As a result a cooperative effort all came together on February 11, 2015 when Rotfield Productions spent a day in Pennsylvania Elk Country filming footage for the episode.

Below is a Press Release:

Production Company Films Elk in PA Wilds

On February 11, 2015 the Steve Rotfeld Production Company (SRP) was in Benezette to film an episode of the adventure series "Wild About Animals". The subject of this program was the Pennsylvania elk herd. The morning began with a report of a bull elk located in Scattertown with a swing entangled in his antlers. Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) personnel tranquilized the elk and removed the entangled swing and attached a radio collar around his neck. The purpose of the collar is to allow the PGC to monitor the movements and behavior of the elk herd. The activities were recorded and can be seen on "Wild About Animals"

The filming schedule included interviews with Colleen Shanon, PGC Land and Elk Habitat Manager, and Jeremy Banfield, PGC Elk Biologist. The backdrop for the interviews was the Elk Country Visitor Center managed by the Keystone Country Elk Alliance. CEO Rawley Cogan was interviewed as part of the program at the Visitor Center. The crew then interviewed Paul Staniszewski, a local elk photographer and Pennsylvania Wilds Artisan. He mentioned that in the years that he has been roaming the hills around Benezette photographing elk the thing that impressed him most was the accomplishments of several state agencies. The PA Game Commission, Fish & Boat Commission, Environment Protection Agency, and the Department of Conservation Natural Resources all collaborated to take this land decimated by strip mining and transformed it into a viable habitat for elk. The result is that Benezette is now a popular tourist destination with hundreds of thousands visitors to the area every year.. Additionally he is most appreciative of the hospitality of local residents that give him an opportunity to photograph these majestic animals and share their beauty with others.

"Wild About Animals", hosted by Emmy Award winning actress Mariette Hartley, travels the globe to bring viewers fascinating stories about a variety of animals in their natural environment. SRP is an Emmy Award winning production and national broadcast syndication company. Since its inception in 1985, its programs have appeared on TLC, ESPN, ESPN Classic, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, and other national and international venues.

 Bill Watts, Associate Producer for SRP, noted that he was impressed with the level of cooperation,

accommodation and hospitably exhibited by everyone involved and that this assured the success of this project. Individuals interested in learning about the elk are invited to refer to their cable television scheduling guide and view the upcoming program.

This program will bring national and international attention to the value of our elk herd, introducing viewers to this state treasure and the beauty of this wild and scenic part of Pennsylvania.

Paul Staniszewski

**********************************************************************

I commend  Paul for his efforts in helping bring this project to fruition and look forward to seeing the broadcast.

Originally Published at Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill.

PA Governor Corbett and Keystone Elk Country Alliance Sign Long Term Agreement.

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.

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.

Would a pull-off area prevent problems in this area?

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
###

Update From Pennsylvania Elk Country-Visitor Center Hours

According to Paul Staniszewski, Monday December 20th was an overcast day with steady snow in the Benezette area. He and Ron Saffer traveled there that day to photograph elk and found that the large herd of more than 120 cows and calves were still utilizing the Gilbert Viewing Area.

Paul also says," after the hunt this year, several people mentioned to me that the bull in the photo below, was one of the larger bulls that was shot.... Well, this is a photograph that I took of him in town yesterday and I'm happy to report that he is alive and well."

Bull Resting In Benezette: Photo by Paul Staniszewski

We thank Paul  for sharing this photo with us.  They also saw several more bulls and report that bull #36, "Fred" was spotted on Gray Hill.

 Paul also sent the 20011 schedule of operation for the Visitors Center.  Please verify this information from other sources before traveling to Benezette as changes could be made at any time.

The Keystone Country Elk Alliance has announced the days and hours of operation of the Visitors Center for 2011 as follows:


DAYS and HOURS for 2011:

January – March: Saturday & Sunday Only | 9am – 5pm
April – July: Thursday – Monday | 9am – 9pm
August: Wednesday – Monday | 9am – 9pm
September – October: 7 Days a Week | 8am – 8pm
Grounds open Dawn til Dusk
November – December: Thursday – Sunday | 9am – 5pm

Originally posted at Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill

Elk Country Visitor Center Grand Opening Held Today

Paul Staniszewski reports from Elk County that he arrived at the Elk Country Visitor Center this morning at 8:00 a.m., was given a Keystone Elk Country Alliance vest, and went to work assisting DCNR officers with traffic control and Parking.

Elk Country Visitor Center  September 22, 2010:  photo by W.Hill

According to Mr. Staniszewski, "The governor arrived at 10:30AM and the festivities began. After about an hour of speeches from the politicians and refreshments it was over. A few of the notable politicians were, of course, Governor Rendell, U.S. Congressman Glen Thompson, District Representative Matt Gabler, and a lot of candidates that are running for office. Other guests included PA Wilds Director Dan Surra, DCNR Director John Quigley, representatives from the U.S Forest Service, officials representing the village of Benezette, and the general public. Also there were at least 50 people from DCNR all uniformed and the Pennsylvania State Police were present. Noticeably absent was any representation from the Pennsylvania Game Commission either in uniform or not. My best guess estimate is that there were between 350 and 400 people there and at least 25 people from various media outlets recording the event."

"All in all, I think that things went well and everyone was impressed. One of the speakers mentioned that every effort is being made to keep the center open all year round. My hope is that more people become involved in protecting and preserving this national treasure." Paul Staniszewski reporting from Benezette, October 6, 2010

Originally Posted at Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill

Elk Country Visitor Center Now Open, Cogan Named President & CEO Of Keystone Elk Country Alliance

According to a report from Paul Staniszewski , yesterday September 9th was the first day that the Visitor Center was open for the public.

Paul says, "I was shocked because there was no signage indicating that it was open at the entrance and no promotion and yet there were 200 visitors cars in the parking lot and the place was packed.The center will be open 7 days a week and the hours of operation will be 8:00AM and closing will vary with darkness which is currently around8:00PM. The "official" opening is scheduled for mid October."

Paul also reports that according to Pennsylvania's leading elk photographer, Ron Saffer and PGC Elk Biologist Aide Mark Gritzer, the rut and bugling has at least two more weeks to reach the peak.

Bull During Peak Of Rut 2009

In another development the Pennsylvania DCNR announced more information about the Elk Country Visitor Center in the September 1st Issue of their newsletter "Resource" , the most important being that Rawland Cogan was named CEO of The Keystone Elk Country Alliance, also know as KECA, and KECA will operate the visitor center.

Rawland "Rawley" Cogan President And CEO of KECA: photo by W. Hill

The Following is an excerpt from the newsletter, containing the most important part of the release. For the release in its' entirety, click Here!, which will take you to the online version of the news release.

"In September 2009, DCNR entered an agreement with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation to help the department complete the Elk Center after an initial partnership with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation was concluded.
“We appreciate PPFF’s willingness to step in and ensure that the center could be completed in the original time frame,” Quigley said. “It’s a true reflection of the foundation’s commitment to support a shared goal of conservation and connecting people to nature through terrific outdoor experiences.”
“With construction nearing completion, it was clear that DCNR was in need of a new partner to operate the center,” KECA Chairman of the Board John Geissler said. “In December 2009, our organization was created for that purpose. The best part of this effort may be that all the funds we raise in Pennsylvania will remain right here in Pennsylvania’s elk range and at the Elk Center.
“Another great boost to our cause happened the day Rawley Cogan agreed to serve as President and CEO of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance,” Geissler said. “Rawley is a wildlife biologist noted for his work with Pennsylvania elk and their reintroduction into the wild landscape. Rawley played an integral part in the land acquisition and planning of the Elk Mountain Homestead and Elk Country Visitor Center from its inception.”
“I am honored to have been chosen to be the first President and CEO of the new Keystone Elk Country Alliance,” Cogan said. “As we move forward, the alliance will focus its resources in three areas — conservation education,habitat enhancement and permanent land protection. Source: September 1, 2010 PA DCNR Newsletter

Originally posted at Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill

Pennsylvania Elk Country Visitor Center: A More Critical Look

It seems that most written commentary portrays the Elk Country Visitor Center soon to open on Winslow Hill as a positive thing, yet when one scratches below the surface they find quite a bit of apprehension among landowners and many visitors to elk country as to how the opening of the Center will impact Benezette, Winslow Hill, and surrounding areas.

Rawland "Rawley" Cogan alluded to these concerns while setting forth his view of the Visitor Center during the "Wild About Elk" Workshop last June.

Rawley Cogan Explains Position On Economic Development: photo by W.Hill

While many view elk and other wildlife solely from the perspective of wildlife conservation, hunting, and eco-tourism, Mr.Cogan explained the economic importance of the center to an economically depressed region which has seen the loss of a lot of jobs, many of which will not return. Cogan also stressed the need to preserve Benezette from unfettered development. The following is a direct quote by Mr. Cogan:

“Part of our role in Keystone Elk Country Alliance is to drive economic activity throughout the region so when people come here, they need a place to stay. Benezette needs to stay Benezette. It needs to protect its' sense of place. Benezette is a quaint little old coal mining, timbering town that gives you kind of that step back in time feel and you don't want to change that, because if you change it, it's like every other place. So Benezette doesn't have the infrastructure for eco-tourism and the hotels and the restaurants, they've done pretty well with what they have. Our hope is to drive economic activity into places that they already have the infrastructure like St. Marys, and Clearfield, and Ridgway,Johnsonburg, Emporium,and DuBois, that they've got it in place so people will make the day trip into elk country and go to these other towns and cities to spend the night.” Rawland Cogan 06-16-2010

While Mr. Cogan hopes to preserve Benezette and one would presume Winslow Hill as well, it is by no means clear how he proposes to do so. If the influx of tourists comes, what is to prevent much of the private property in the area from being developed to a much greater extent than it is today? Perhaps there is a plan to deal with this but it seems that most are unaware of any such plan. One Winslow Hill resident expressed deep concern that properties on the hill may be seized by eminent domain, but there have been no official statements concerning this that I am aware of. There are only so many options available to control growth, which includes seizing the land for a park type situation, zoning, or the purchase of development rights from landowners. It is certain that hope alone is not going to prevent rampant development.

What Will Protect Remaining Private Land From Development? Photo by W.Hill

Prominent photographer, Bob Shank who has owned a camp on Winslow Hill for twenty years or more, reports that lot prices have skyrocketed lately with lots going for six times what they did in the early 1990s.  Shank feels that a recent steep price increase  is because the company which owns the undeveloped land anticipates a greatly increased demand for campsites with the opening of the visitor center.  Shank also points out several key properties on Winslow Hill that are unprotected from development, and wishes he had the resources to purchase them and eventually turn them over to his son or an organization such as The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, or The Pennsylvania Game Commission so that they would be preserved.

Vulnerable Habitat: Photo by W.Hill

A couple who are long time members of the RMEF also thinks much the same way and ponder if perhaps money spent on building a visitor center would not have been better utilized in buying and protecting more land.

It is possible that the Center will provide a focal point for elk based tourism to such an extent that the casual tourist will not be inclined to explore other areas that are not developed for tourism, and thereby alleviate tourist pressure. This is not a given; however, as it is possible that the network of trails and viewing blinds at the Center will not be able to handle the influx of tourists at peak periods, which could result in increased pressure on  surrounding private property and public lands.

A successful Visitor Center should help counteract those who would like to see a substantial part of the herd on Winslow Hill shot off. There are those who view the elk as a problem and would like to see a drastic reduction in the herd of acclimated elk. This ranges from some in the Pennsylvania Game Commission who either view the elk primarily as a problem, or solely as another hunting opportunity, to the private landowner that may object to elk damage and would rather not have them around, or may actually like the elk, but is so upset by rampant trespassing and traffic congestion that they would prefer to see the elk herd drastically reduced, which in time would cause a marked decrease in tourism. Some who view the elk situation from a hunting opportunity standpoint alone, give the impression that they would like to have the herd on Winslow Hill reduced to the point that it is no longer easily visible, which would result in more of a fair chase hunt, and reduce problems with tourists, but at the expense of viable elk tourism. The Center should also lend increased weight to the demand for more mature bulls and improve the chances for implementation of more strategies to prevent the over-harvest of this class of elk, which has occurred since the elk hunt began in 2001.

More Mature Bulls Needed: Photo by W.Hill

Whatever one's point of view, the Visitor Center is about to become a reality, but there certainly is room for continued debate about where we should go from here and what steps should be taken to preserve the character of the Benezette area.

While the Center apparently did not open for the Labor Day weekend, it appears that they will open to the public later this month, but the official Grand Opening will not be until October.

Originally posted at Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill

Keystone Elk Country Alliance To Decide On Wednesday About Labor Day Weekend Opening

Elk Country Visitor Center: June 16, 2010-photo by W.Hill

There has been a lot of speculation as to when the Elk Country Visitors Center near Benezette, Pa. will open and today Paul Staniszewski, a Juried PA Wilds Artisan, sent the latest news concerning the center and the opening date.

Mr. Staniszewski reports, "I went up to Benezette this morning (Monday) and saw that a black iron gate like the one going to the Homestead has now been installed at the entrance to the visitors center.... Also, a cinder block base has been constructed to hold the Elk Country Visitors Center sign.... The people at the visitors center tell me that they will decide on Wednesday if they will open for Labor Day week".

The opening date will be posted on The Keystone Elk Country Alliance Website. Be sure to click on the Visitor Center tab.

Paul also reports seeing several bulls and hearing a lot of bugling on Winslow Hill as the rut gets underway.

Pennsylvania Bull Elk: photo courtesy of Paul Stanszewski-all rights reserved

Paul has also heard  that the buildings at the Gilbert Viewing Area are scheduled to be razed very soon as the reclamation project in that area comes to a close.

 Gilbert Buildings Likely Scheduled For Demolition: Photo by W.Hill-Winter 2006

I have referred to this as "The Gilbert Viewing Area" for years, but this is not the official name at present.  It was called The Gilbert Farm when I first went to Elk County in 1995 as it was owned by Kenny Gilbert who spent summers there and winters in Florida.  In 2000 the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation partnered with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to purchase the land.  Later stewardship of the property was transferred to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. At the time of purchase , it was simply referred to as "The Gilbert" and it seemed likely that it would be called "the Gilbert Viewing Area", yet when a sign was erected last year, it was named "The Porcupine Hollow-Winslow Hill Viewing Area".

Porcupine Run-Winslow Hill Elk Viewing Area Sign: photo by W.Hill

We have no other confirmation that the demolition is scheduled, but it is consistent with Game Commission policy as in most cases he PGC does not maintain buildings on lands which it acquire, unless they are suited for a specific need.

Originally posted at Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill

Elk Country Visitor Center To Open September 9th?

Elk Country Visitor Center Under Construction June 16, 2010-photo by W.Hill

Rumors abounded in Pennsylvania elk country during the late 1990's and early 2000's about the future construction of a visitors center for elk tourism on Winslow Hill. At that time the favored spot was in the area known as “The Saddle". This is the area on Winslow Hill, near the Gilbert Farm, which has been the site of a reclamation project for most of this decade. Most assumed that a visitors center would be built and operated by The Pennsylvania Game Commission, but subsequent events proved this to not be the case.

Perhaps the initial happening in a string of events that was to change the situation entirely began in 2002 when Pennsylvania Game Commission Elk Biologist Rawland, “Rawley” Cogan resigned his position as elk biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and went to work for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation as Northeast Lands Program Manager. The next important step was when the RMEF purchased the 245 ace Betta Tree Farm on the lower reaches of Winslow Hill, which became known as Elk Mountain Homestead. It is unclear as to whether the property was purchased with the goal of building a visitor center, but within a short time of the acquisition the possibility was openly discussed and the RMEF Newsletter “Wapiti” featured an article by Julie Cowan in the winter 2007 edition, “Elk foundation, Pennsylvania DCNR Announce Partnership for Visitor Center” , which verified that this was to be the official course of action.

The official groundbreaking for the construction of the center was on September 25, 2008, but actual construction did not begin until late May of 2009 (Source-May 20, 2009 issue DCNR Newsletter “Resource”)

According to the 2007 article by Ms. Cowan, the center was to be open by the fall of 2009, but this was not to be and the project met a major set-back instead when the RMEF abruptly withdrew from the project in September 2009, and transferred ownership of the property to DCNR. It was soon back on track; however, with the founding of the Keystone Elk Country Alliance, which stepped in to fill the void left by the departure of the RMEF and named Cogan as project Manager for the Visitor Center.

"Rawley Cogan" Project Manager For Visitor Center Addresses "Wild About Elk Workshop" June 16, 2010-photo by W.Hill

 The actual opening date has been difficult to pin down, as The Keystone Elk Country Alliance Website has not given a firm opening date until very recently. It now appears that the center should open no later than September 9, 2009 according to Paul Staniszewski, a Juried PA Wilds Artist, who specializes in macro-photography and the production of Floral Note Cards. Mr Staniszewski has been engaged to provide products for the Visitor Center gift shop, and recently received official notification that the “for sure” opening date is September 9th, while Visitor Center Officials are still hoping for sooner if possible. This is further confirmed by the recent updating of the The Keystone Elk Country Alliance Website's Visitor Center Page which now says, “anticipated to open September 9, 2010.

"Wild About Elk" Workshop Participants Observe Elk Near Visitor Center Parking Area-June 16, 2010- photo by W.Hill

I hope to take a closer look at the impact the Visitor Center may have on the Benezette area in the next installment, which should be posted within the next few days.

Originally posted at Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill