Governor Corbett Concludes Tourism Promotion Trip with Kayak Tour on Bald Eagle Creek in Centre, Clinton Counties and Visit to Bald Eagle State Park

CENTRE/CLINTON COUNTY, Pa., Aug. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Tom Corbett ended a three-day tourism promotion trip of central Pennsylvania today in Centre and Clinton counties to highlight Pennsylvania as a top destination for in-state and out-of-state travelers.

"The tourism industry is critical to our economy and our communities, supporting 6,000 jobs in Centre and Clinton Counties," Corbett said. "I want to bring attention to this industry, do my part to support getting the word out on all Pennsylvania has to offer and encourage out-of-staters and in-staters alike to explore Pennsylvania."

Tourism is Pennsylvania's second largest industry, directly providing almost 300,000 jobs across the state.

Corbett began the day with a morning paddle on Bald Eagle Creek in Centre and Clinton counties.

With more than 85,000 miles of rivers and streams, plus 76 natural lakes, Pennsylvania brings in an estimated $3.3 billion in economic benefit from fishing and boating activities.

Pennsylvania has about 340,000 registered boats and, in 2012, the Fish and Boat Commission sold more than 40,000 launch permits for unpowered boats like kayaks and canoes.

"I take these trips to showcase Pennsylvania as a vast state with an abundance of things to see and do," Corbett said. "There are so many different ways to enjoy Pennsylvania and I am grateful that, for the third year in a row, I can highlight the state's rivers and lakes, state parks and other tourism attractions."

After leaving the water, the governor addressed members of local tourism groups and local business owners at a luncheon at The Nature Inn.

Nestled within the natural beauty of Bald Eagle State Park, The Nature Inn was built to be a model of sustainable practices and green features including: geothermal heating, reduced stormwater runoff, rain gardens, solar panels, water-saving fixtures, energy efficient lighting and sustainably harvested wood.

The inn is filled with regionally created handiwork, including a stained glass mural of a bald eagle, wooden mirrors and ceramic tiles. Furniture for the inn was handcrafted from Pennsylvania hardwoods by inmates serving at SCI Rockview.

Food served at the inn is reflective of its sustainable principles. The lunch for the kayak participants and guests came from locally sourced foods, including Village Acres Farm, Mifflintown; Berks Foods, Reading; Hogs Galore, Philipsburg; Fasta & Ravioli Co., State College, Meyer Dairy, State College; and Tait Farm, Boalsburg.

During the luncheon, Corbett re-affirmed his commitment to the tourism industry.

"Tourism is a big part of Pennsylvania's economic comeback, responsible for an estimated $3.8 billion in state and local tax revenues," Corbett said. "Working together, we can continue to grow this industry for Pennsylvania and all those it employs."

This year's state budget dedicates more than $7 million for tourism marketing across the state. Corbett has also led the way in creating the Pennsylvania Tourism Partnership, which will leverage private and public dollars to provide a more stable funding source for our tourism promotion efforts. 

While at the park, Corbett joined several local children on a park-guided geocaching hike, or outdoor treasure hunt, involving the use of handheld GPS receivers to find the coordinates of a hidden "cache." A typical cache consists of a waterproof container, a log book and trinkets that serve as trade items. The governor and the children searched for caches that were clues to finding the official state fossil.

Geocaches can be found in almost all of Pennsylvania's 20 forest districts and 120 state parks. About 50 of Pennsylvania's state parks, including Bald Eagle, offer outdoor programs related to geocaching and some have GPS units they will loan to visitors for this activity. There are more than two million active geocaches worldwide and more than six million geocachers.

"Not only do our state parks offer outstanding scenic beauty, but they are filled with activities for all ages," Corbett said. "Our state park staff lead thousands of programs each year to help visitors get more out of their outdoor experience."

Currently, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) conducts more than 10,000 environmental and recreation programs annually, attended by nearly 400,000 people. DCNR also has developed urban adventure camps connecting hundreds of youth to outdoor experiences.

"Our state parks are a lot of fun, but they also help to support our communities. Visitors to Pennsylvania's state parks support almost 13,000 direct and indirect jobs and generate more than $1 billion in economic activity in nearby communities," said Corbett.

There are 120 state parks covering almost 300,000 acres in the commonwealth; one within 25 miles of every Pennsylvanian. Pennsylvania state parks attract about 38 million visitors annually. 

The governor was joined at the park by Centre County Commissioners Steve Dersham, Chris Exarchos and Mike Pipie; DCNR Acting Secretary Ellen Ferretti; Department of Environmental Protection Acting Secretary Chris Abruzzo; Department of Community and Economic Development Deputy Secretary for Tourism Carolyn Newhouse; State Parks Regional Manager Alan Lichtenwalner and Bald Eagle State Park Manager Mike Winters.

Media contact:Kelli Roberts, 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor