June 18, 2024 - Claysburg, PA
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined Danville Area High School agriculture teacher and forester Van Wagner at Blue Knob State Park in Bedford County to raise awareness of Pennsylvania's hardwood forests, and the investments of the Shapiro Administration in agriculture and recreation to grow help grow Pennsylvania's economy."The value of our forests extends far beyond the $39 billion our hardwoods industry feeds into our economy every year," Secretary Redding said. "Parks like Blue Knob serve as crucial hubs for tourism and recreation, offering opportunities to recharge physically and connect with nature and family. These valuable resources won't be around in the future just because we like them. The Shapiro Administration is investing in the forest management practices that ensure that the forests, and the jobs and families who rely on them will be here in the future."During the hike, Wagner climbed the tallest tree in the park, the 46th climb of his '67 Trees on 67 Mountains in 67 Counties' project.Speakers List:Jon Geyer, Director of Hardwoods Development Council, PA Department of AgricultureVan Wagner, ArboristJason Albright, Department of Conservation & Natural ResourcesNathan Riegner, PA Office of Outdoor RecreationSecretary Russell Redding, PA Department of Agriculture
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