What is the Pennsylvania Wilds Initiative?
The PA Wilds is a strategic effort by many people and organizations that aims to grow the nature and heritage tourism industry across 12 ½ counties of rural Pennsylvania known as the "Pennsylvania Wilds." Our goal is to create jobs, diversify local economies and improve quality of life while inspiring a stewardship ethic in residents and visitors.
Working together
Creative collaboration between local, state and federal partners – and between the public and private sectors -- is a key component of the PA Wilds Initiative.
Marrying conservation with economic development
The PA Wilds Initiative gives entrepreneurs, artisans and others interested in growing tourism an authentic, established brand and network of partners to tie into to help grow their operations and the region’s economy.
Staying true to our way of life
Sustainable tourism is not mass market tourism. It is about sharing local traditions, culture and wild places with visitors in a way that strengthens local communities and economies.
Programs & Services
Latest News
2012 PA Wilds Champions (6296 KB)
2012 PA Wilds Champion Award Nomination (303 KB)
2011 PA Wilds Award Winners (124 KB)
Testimonials
The PA Wilds has provided a common focus that has brought a wide range of federal, state and local agencies together to work on mutual issues we all face. … It has fostered pride in our local communities among the residents, not just visitors.
The PA Wilds has really strengthened the bonds between the communities up here. … We knew we had to put aside our parochial interests about our individual communities and try to do something as a group.
“No initiative exists in the country on this scale and level of strategic thinking.”