Bureau of Recreation and Conservation

Recreation for all.

Featured Project: Lumber Heritage Region Preserves, Shares History of Segregated CCC Camp in Susquehannock State Forest

Established in 1935 and closed in 1941, the Bark Shanty Camp was one of the few all-African American Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps in Pennsylvania.

While these young men made significant contributions—constructing trails, roads, and park infrastructure across northern Pennsylvania—their stories have remained largely absent from public memory.

Until now.

The Lumber Heritage Region, one of Pennsylvania’s 12 designated Heritage Areas, is teaming up with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), and others to document, preserve, and share the history of this site.

Lumber Heritage Region recently released a video documenting the Bark Shanty Camp and the work being done to protect it.

“This site holds enormous historical significance—not just for Potter County, but for our entire state,” said Holly Komonczi, Executive Director of the Lumber Heritage Region.

Anthropology students from IUP played a key role in the fieldwork. They conducted archaeological research, historical mapping, and early-stage documentation of the camp.

“This project is an incredible example of experiential education and intergenerational learning,” said a representative from IUP. “Our students are not just studying history—they’re helping to restore it.”

The Bark Shanty CCC site is in Susquehannock State Forest in Potter County. Future work includes interpretive signs, public education, and continued archeological study.

Video documenting the Bark Shanty Camp and the work being done to protect it

Funding Opportunity: Fall ATV/Snowmobile Grant Round Accepting Applications

snowmobile rider waves while driving on a snow-covered trail

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is accepting applications for its fall round of All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and Snowmobile grants.

Applications will be accepted through 4:00 PM on Tuesday, September 30.

Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, and municipalities in Pennsylvania.

Proposed projects eligible for these grants include planning, land acquisition, development, rehabilitation, maintenance, equipment purchase for maintenance, and educational programs related to snowmobile and ATV trails and facilities.

Funding for these grants comes from the ATV and Snowmobile Restricted Accounts, which are funded through registration fees that riders pay. Match is not required for these grants.

Featured Project: First Phase of Musser Gap Trail Opens

Officials cut the ribbon at the opening of the first phase of the Musser Gap Trail

bike riders travel on the newly opened Musser Gap Trail

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) staff recently joined trail volunteers and local officials to officially open the first 7.5 mile stretch of the new Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, Centre County.

DCNR invested $2.4 million in the trail extension, including more than $365,000 in grant funding from the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program, a federally funded program through the Federal Highway Administration.

“The Musser Gap Trail is a powerful example of what we can achieve when passionate communities, public agencies, and local organizations come together with a shared vision,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.

This milestone is part of a larger, multi-phased vision to develop a 50-mile trail system across Centre and Huntingdon counties.

“The Centre County Commissioners want to thank the Governor and DCNR staff for seeing the value of this project, which will extend the Musser Gap trails by dozens of miles, making attractions spread throughout Rothrock State Forest more accessible for our outdoor-loving community,” said the Centre County Board of Commissioners—Chair Mark Higgins, Amber Concepcion, and Steven G. Dershem—in a joint statement. “We want to encourage the public to come out and take advantage of these developments.”

Construction on Phase 2 of the trail has already begun. It will extend the trail a further 11 miles from Hubler Gap toward Whipple Dam State Park.

Registration Open for Greenways and Trails Summit

Registration is open for the 2025 Pennsylvania Greenways and Trails Summit.

The summit is Pennsylvania’s premier networking, training, and inspirational event for those in engaged in all aspects of trail and greenway work.

The 2025 conference will take place September 21-23 in Harrisburg.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources supports the conference with funding from the Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program.

Graphic promoting the Pennsylvania Greenways and Trails Summit in Harrisburg

Dates to Remember

Sunday – Tuesday, September 21-23 – Pennsylvania Greenways and Trails Summit (Harrisburg)
Tuesday, September 30 – Fall round of all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile grants closes
Thursday, November 6 – Community Conservation Partnerships Program annual grant workshop (virtual)

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