Wolf Administration visits TCO Fly Shop in Boiling Springs: Welcoming Nathan Reigner, PA’s first Director of Outdoor Recreation
Several environmental organizations and municipal entities joined Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn, Department of Community and Economic Development Acting Secretary Neil Weaver, and Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaeffer on March 7th to introduce Pennsylvania’s first Director of Outdoor Recreation, Nathan Reigner, and highlight the importance of outdoor recreation for the economy in the state of Pennsylvania. The gathering was held at TCO Fly Shop, situated in front of Boiling Springs scenic Children’s Lake, just off the Appalachian Trail in Cumberland County.
Dunn noted that Reigner’s position will help to ensure that the outdoor recreation sector is supported, thriving, and welcoming to all through equitable access, investments, conservation, collaboration, and business development. Reigner will work with those conserving and managing the lands, waters, and facilities used for these activities; and the institutions, organizations, services, and businesses that support and enable outdoor recreation. Dunn also highlighted the 2.2 million acres of forest land in PA and the recognition that outdoor recreation is a key point for enhancing the quality of life for Pennsylvanians.
Acting Secretary Neil Weaver said, “from mountains to lakes and everything in between, Pennsylvania has an outdoor activity for everyone.” He added, “each region and season provide many activities for residents and visitors alike, and many towns see an economic benefit from tourism each year. With so many wonderful outdoor recreational activities available and our prime northeast location, it’s no wonder many businesses choose to plant their roots in Pennsylvania.” Lenny Gliwa, manager of TCO Fly Shop in Boiling Springs, spoke about his experience as a small business manager for a local outdoor recreation outfitter reiterating these points.
A Q&A followed; Secretary Dunn reiterated that there are options for county economic development agencies to become engaged in this work such as raising its own funds to match DCNR grants. Executive Director Shaeffer added that the Fish and Boat Commission has several programming options to promote fishing and boating those counties can get acquainted with. Reigner also highlighted his plan to advance outdoor recreational opportunities for environmental justice communities sharing that, “the first step is acknowledging Environmental Justice communities as both places and as populations that need more attention and support than they’ve had, and that those of us in state government need to begin from a position of listening and understanding to try to learn what their wants are and how we’ve fallen short of satisfying those wants so we can then establish trust and make progress.”
You can view the full recording of the event here: https://cumberlink.com/news/local/watch-now-wolf-administration-visits-tco-fly-shop-in-boiling-springs/video_70299f5c-ff3c-5bed-952f-e8c5f753ff47.html.
Speakers:
Nathan Reigner, DCNR Director of Outdoor Recreation
Cindy Adams Dunn, DCNR Secretary
David Dickerson, VP of State Government Relations for the National Marine Manufacturers Association
Neil Weaver, DCED Acting Secretary
Lenny Gliwa, manager of TCO Fly Shop in Boiling Springs
Tim Schaeffer, Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director