Visitors Welcome at New Resource Management Center in Tiadaghton State Forest

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Forest District 12 office is now open at the new Tiadaghton Resource Management Center in Waterville, Lycoming County, which also will serve to welcome visitors to the nearby and popular Pine Creek Rail Trail.

"This new building is the ideal location for our work managing the state forest, as well as interacting with the people visiting our lands to take advantage of the great hiking, biking, hunting and paddling opportunities in the Pine Creek Valley," DCNR State Forester Dan Devlin said. "With its 'green' features, we also hope to engage people who come here to do business or recreate in environmental conservation and stewardship."

The former district office was located in a residential neighborhood in South Williamsport. Devlin noted that the new location allows the Bureau of Forestry to consolidate foresters, maintenance and firefighting staff and equipment for more efficient operations.

In addition to about 30 DCNR staff, the 12,655-square foot building also will house the Pine Creek Watershed Council, will include interpretive exhibits, and offers a conference center for community use. A pathway linked to the Pine Creek Rail Trail offers easy public access.

The facility includes the first green living roof in the DCNR system, planted with various types of sedums, and was built on a previously developed site, which avoided the need to develop vital greenspace. Other green features include geothermal heating, a rainwater reuse system, a landscaping design that incorporates native plants retains stormwater; and sustainably harvested wood.

The new address for the building is 10 Lower Pine Bottom Road, Waterville, PA, 17776. The phone number is 570-753-5409.

For more information about the Tiadaghton State Forest, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us and choose "Find a Forest."

Media contact: Christina Novak, DCNR, 717-772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources