By Amy Cherry

Daily Press Staff Writer

 Various state officials, county commissioners and members of the Pennsylvania Wilds Planning Team convened at the DuBois Country Club on Wednesday to discuss upcoming initiatives of the PA Wilds.
Matt Quesenberry of the Elk County Planning Commission hosted the event as the 2009 PA Wilds Chairman.
“This is an opportunity to report back to our elected officials as many counties provide staff for the team,” Quesenberry said. “This event was part report part thank you  for their efforts.”
Keynote speakers at the event included DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis and Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of Tourism, Mickey Rowley.
As part of the Annual Progress Report and Update for County Commissioners, Legislators and Partners, the event’s agenda included reports presented by numerous tourism organizations.
Among community teams were representatives from the Tuna Valley Association “Team Tuna” from McKean County, the Sylvan Heritage Council in Cameron County, The Vision Project from Clinton County, Greater Renovo area, McKean County Route 6 Development Team representing the communities of Kane, Mt. Jewett, Smethport and Port Allegany, Clarion River Recreation and Revitalization Team, Team Clearfield Northwest part of the DuBois Area Chamber of Commerce and the Food Matrix Community Team.
In addition numerous county commissioners and legislators offered their input on the PA Wilds program.
Quesenberry provided updates of the PA Wilds program while Jason Fink spoke about the PA Wilds Tourism Marketing Corp.
Outreach Specialist Dale Fox and Quesenberry presented information on the new Design Guide for Community Character Stewardship.
The Design Guide  is a voluntary effort to help communities recognize their unique character and maintain their sense of place and quality of life. Created by the PA Wilds Planning Team as a strategy and technical assistance program, the guide focuses on principles to enhance community development activities and promote local economic vitality.
It also acts as a tool for public agencies, property owners, investors/developers, design professionals and community organizations.
The guide can be downloaded or ordered at www.lumberheritage.org.