The energy efficient building features exhibits that transform the lobby space into an interactive experience for state forest district visitors.
“Visitors who enter here learn about the forest history of Pennsylvania and the Weiser State Forest,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn noted. “It’s all here -- the unique forest habitat, forest pests, forest products, recreation opportunities, and how the Bureau of Forestry works to conserve the commonwealth’s forests and native plants.”
The facility will be known as the Weiser Forest District Edward W. Helfrick Resource Management Center in honor of former Sen. Edward W. Helfrick.
“Sen. Helfrick was well-known as an outdoors enthusiast who promoted outdoor recreation opportunities,” Dunn said, speaking at a dedication outside the resource center. “He was instrumental in the transfer of land that established the Roaring Creek Tract of the Weiser State Forest to provide recreational opportunities and to conserve the land for the citizens of the commonwealth.”
Sen. W. Helfrick served the 27th Senatorial District from 1981 through 2003.
“Senator Helfrick was an avid outdoorsman who strongly believed that his generation should make sure that there were ample opportunities for the next generation to enjoy the many outdoor activities throughout the Commonwealth,” said Sen. John Gordner (R-Columbia), speaking at the event. “Sen. Helfrick’s involvement in securing the expansion of the Weiser Tract to the Brush Valley area was a perfect example of that belief.”
The new building features sustainable and green elements, including enhanced daylighting and views; automatic energy control systems; native landscaping species; and sustainable stormwater management features.
Like many recent DCNR structures, the new Resource Management Center has been designed under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.
As one of DCNR’s 19 LEED registered projects, it is anticipated the building will receive LEED certification by the end of the year.
Weiser State Forest is located in the ridge-and-valley region of eastern Pennsylvania. Named for the frontier diplomat, Conrad Weiser, the forest covers almost 30,000 acres on 16 tracts throughout the region.
For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog, Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.(Photo: Senators Gordner and Helfrick with Secretary Dunn.)
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