Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (2024)

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    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (1)

    Tina Molski | Chair

    Tina is currently the director of operations for REI’s east coast distribution center. Tina enjoys taking advantage of our beautiful State Parks and Forests with her husband by hiking, paddling and backpacking through them. She is passionate about getting outside and appreciates the incredible natural resources we have in Pennsylvania.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (2)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (3)

    Mary Soderberg | Vice Chair

    For all of my life I have enjoyed hiking and canoeing on our public lands. In recent years, owning a cabin in the Michaux Forest has deepened my appreciation for what a precious resource our parks and forests are. As a member of the Parks and Forest Foundation Board, I hope to enable and encourage others to experience the beautiful outdoors of Pennsylvania.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (4)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (5)

    Jessica Lee | Secretary

    Jessica Lee is passionate about leadership, words, and the outdoors – and that makes her a great fit for the PPFF Board.As a Managing Director atCRA | Admired Leadership, she puts her 10 years of experience in strategic communication and leadership development to work for her clients, which a few years ago included PPFF!

    An outdoor enthusiast, Jessica completed a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 2015.“I am incredibly proud of Pennsylvania’s parks and forest system. We have a rich environment, a growing culture of conservation, and a vibrant and diverse outdoor community,” says Jess.“I’ve always been proud to be part of that community as an avid hiker and outdoors-woman, and now I am excited to take this new and even more active role as a member of the Board of Directors.”

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (6)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (7)

    Jim Grace | Treasurer

    Dr. James Grace served as the Goddard Chair in Forestry and Environmental Resources at Penn State, as well as State Forester and Deputy Director of Parks and Forestry at DCNR. Jim was central to championing the effort to designate Pennsylvania’s state forests as one of the nation’s first certified public forests.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (8)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (9)

    Brian Clark | Board

    Brian Clark recently retired as a partner and chair of the environmental practice group at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney. Brian and his family have a passion for the outdoors and enjoy hiking in state parks in both central PA and Bucks County, where he and his wife reside. His passion is to see our state park system continue to provide recreational enjoyment to all Pennsylvanians.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (10)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (11)

    Paul Fogal | Board

    Paul Fogal is one of those lucky people who’ve never worked a day in their life. That’s because he started 3 businesses, namely Pocono Whitewater, Skirmish Paintball, and Pocono Biking, which allow him to spend most of his working time outdoors, doing what he loves. Fogal is excited to do what he can to help Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation grow and improve.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (12)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (13)

    Kate Harper | Board

    Former State Representative Kate Harper has long been an advocate for Pennsylvania’s environment. A partner at Timoney Knox LLP, she believes things get done when people work together. “Pennsylvania’s parks and forests have always been one of its greatest assets. The Foundation is dedicated to keeping them strong, healthy and available for the public.” – Kate Harper

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (14)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (15)

    Matt Hess | Board

    A devastating ATV accident that saw Matt pinned between a tree and his vehicle may have robbed Matt of the use of his legs and crushed his kidneys but it did not take his enthusiasm for the outdoors or sharing his love for getting out there. You can read more about his transplant journey thanks to the National Kidney Registry, for whom he now serves as ambassador and mentor. Matt also serves as a Patient Teacher for University of Pennsylvania LEAPP program, helping three to four 1st-3rd year medical students understand what it’s like to be a patient who deals with chronic medical care. The goal is to get them to see the human behind the textbook.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (16)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (17)

    Mary Hirst | Board

    Mary Hirst retired as park manager from the Ole Bull State Park Complex, and was the first female field park manager in the state park system. A lifelong park user, Hirst now volunteers as the chair and founding member of the Friends of Ole Bull State Park, is an EMT and the President of the Kettle Creek Ambulance Association. During the summer months, she can be found campground hosting, sharing her knowledge of the outdoors with visitors to state parks. With vast knowledge of the workings of our state parks system, her input is valuable to the foundation.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (18)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (19)

    Brad Mallory | Board

    Our immediate past Chair, Brad brings prior experience as a highly skilled former chief executive officer, government leader, and attorney. He views our state parks and forests as a treasure and knows we must invest in this incredible resource to continue to enjoy it. Growing up in northern Pennsylvania, Brad and his family have always enjoyed state parks and forests for hiking, canoeing, and relaxing.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (20)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (21)

    Eric Madden | Board

    Eric Madden is the Vice President and the Deputy Chief Marketing Officer for Johnson, Mirmiran and Thompson, Inc. (JMT), a full-service engineering and architecture firm based in Hunt Valley, Maryland. Eric oversees the all marketing efforts and assists in strategic pursuits in JMT’s north region which includes the states of Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. His career has taken him from Maryland government positions in labor and transportation to Pennsylvania’s Department of Transportation. An avid outdoorsman, Eric is a past member of the Mountain Club of Maryland, the Keystone Trails Association and the U.S. Parachute Association. Mr. Madden is a past-Chairman of the Board for LakeNet, a non-profit organization focused on the preservation of the world’s fresh water lakes.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (22)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (23)

    Maria Montero | Board

    Maria is a first generation American, born and raised in Pennsylvania. Maria’s service milestones lead to an executive appointment in the Commonwealth as the Executive Director for both the Pennsylvania Commission for Women and the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA). Following a stint as the External Affairs Manager for the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, Maria now practices with the law firm of Haggerty,Goldberg, Schleifer & Kupersmith. Maria’s passion is community engagement and public service with a particular affinity as an advocate for conservation in her homeland of Pennsylvania’s beautiful parks and forests.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (24)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (25)

    Marcus Shoffner | Board

    Marcus Shoffner is President & CEO of the Outdoor Inclusion Coalition, an organization focused on developing the outdoor industry to represent the diversity of Pennsylvanians. Marcus resides in Pittsburgh and can be found biking on the Great Allegheny Passage, camping in one of Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests, or skiing at one of the many resorts the state has to offer.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (26)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (27)

    Rep. Jim Struzzi | Board

    State Rep. Jim Struzzi is in his third term of service to residents of the 62nd Legislative District, Indiana County. In addition to PPFF’s board, Jim serves on the board of PENNVEST, funding sewer, stormwater, and drinking water projects across Pennsylvania. Jim’s many years of experience as a journalist, press secretary with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for District 11, and president of the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce shows that he understands the importance of maintaining of good infrastructure. He is committed to improving the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (28)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (29)

    George Asimos | Advisory Board

    George is a real estate lawyer so land is always on his mind. But spending time in the Parks and Forests is his passion. Hiking, camping, canoeing, hunting — you name it — if it’s in a park or forest that’s how he and his family spend their free time. He is also passionate about supporting the Friends groups and growing PPFF to be the major charitable resource for the Park and Forest system.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (30)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (31)

    George Fernandez | Advisory Board

    George’s passion for marketing and Latino/Hispanic culture lead him to create the Latino Connection, a quarterly publication, event planning and translation service. He recently discovered the fun of the outdoors and is enjoying exploring our state parks and forests.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (32)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (33)

    Bill Forrey | Advisory Board

    As a retired state park director I am honored to serve on the PPFF Board to support the state park system through the creation of Friends Groups, promoting stewardship and facilitating events that offer a wonderful array of world class outdoor recreation opportunities.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (34)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (35)

    Mark Longietti | Advisory Board

    Former PA House member from District 7, Mark is Director of Business and Community Development for the City of Hermitage, working to bring new businesses to this northwestern community. With Goddard, McConells Mill, and Moraine state parks and Jennings Environmental Education Center right on Hermitage’s doorstep, Mark knows that parks and forests are key to his mission.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (36)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (37)

    Gary Smith | Advisory Board

    Gary Smith greatly enjoyed a 37-year outdoor recreation career with the National Park Service, Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry and mainly the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks. Both the people and the natural resources provided inspiration and energy. Supporting friend groups so that they may enhance opportunities at state parks and state forests is a great service provided by the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (38)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (39)

    Rob Wonderling | Advisory Board

    Rob is former President & CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and is currently the Executive Director of the Faith & Liberty Discovery Center in Philadelphia. Rob has been involved with PPFF for over ten years including service as our chair. Rob and his family love to spend time enjoying the Commonwealth’s outstanding parks and recreation system and he is strongly committed to the preservation and enhancement of PA’s natural lands.

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (40)

    Board | Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (2024)

    FAQs

    What age is senior discount at PA state park? ›

    Senior citizens, 62 years of age or older, can receive a discount on the base campsite fee at a Pennsylvania state park by showing proof of age. To receive the reduced price, a senior citizen must be the occupant and responsible party identified in the camping reservation.

    How much does it cost to go to a PA state park? ›

    There are no entrance fees or day use fees for any state park in Pennsylvania. A listing of prices for specific Pennsylvania state park accommodations and activities can be found under the links on this page. These prices are effective as of Saturday, January 31, 2021.

    Who is in charge of PA state parks? ›

    Established on July 1, 1995, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is charged with: Maintaining and protecting 124 state parks.

    Who manages state forests in PA? ›

    DCNR's Bureau of Forestry works to ensure the long-term health, viability, and productivity of the Commonwealth's 2.2 million acre state forest system, which comprises 13 percent of the forested area in the Commonwealth.

    What are freebies for seniors in PA? ›

    Free meals are available at more than 600 senior community centers in Pennsylvania. If you are over the age of 60 and your income is below 130 percent of the U.S. poverty level, you may be eligible to receive a monthly box of food. View eligibility amountsOpens In A New Window on the PA Hunger Resource website.

    What can seniors get for free in PA? ›

    60 years of age or older you may receive free health insurance counseling on Medicare, Medicare HMOs, Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) Policies, Medicaid and Long Term Care Insurance. Call toll-free 1-800-783-7067.

    Where can you camp for free in PA? ›

    10 Places to Camp for Free in Central Pennsylvania
    • Tioga State Forest. ...
    • Susquehannock State Forest. ...
    • Elk State Forest. ...
    • Tiadaghton State Forest. ...
    • Sproul State Forest. ...
    • Moshannon State Forest. ...
    • Bald Eagle State Forest. ...
    • Rothrock State Forest.

    Can you bring alcohol to PA state parks? ›

    State Park Picnicking Rules and Regulations

    Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Pennsylvania state parks. Posting of signs is prohibited without the prior permission of the park manager.

    What is the smallest state park in PA? ›

    The smallest state park in Pennsylvania is Sand Bridge State Park in Union County. At 3 acres in size, it is easy to miss. Yet it makes for a lovely rustic picnic spot along Seven Notch Mountain.

    What is the biggest state park in Pennsylvania? ›

    Pymatuning State Park is the largest state park in Pennsylvania and contains the 17,088 acres (6,915 ha) of Pymatuning Lake, three-quarters of which is in Pennsylvania and one-quarter of which is in Ohio. A 1.7-mile (2.7 km) causeway extends between Pennsylvania and Ohio near the center of the lake.

    Are PA state parks free? ›

    There are no entrance fees or day use fees for any state park in Pennsylvania.

    What is a Ranger PA? ›

    Rangers patrol the parks using fully-equipped patrol vehicles, and they also patrol the parks and trails on foot and on bike. Park rangers also assist visitors in locating park facilities. While they are trained in law enforcement, a large part of park ranger work is to provide emergency services, such as first aid.

    What is the largest state forest in PA? ›

    Sproul State Forest is located in north central Pennsylvania, primarily in western Clinton and northern Centre counties. The largest in the state forest system, Sproul covers 305,450 acres, or slightly more than 476 square miles.

    What is the largest wild area in PA? ›

    Nearly 50,000 acres, the Quehanna Wild Area is a protected wildlife area, home to several species of birds and other animals including elk, deer and coyotes.

    How many state forests are there in PA? ›

    Pennsylvania is divided into 20 forest districts. Each district is responsible for protecting all forest land within the district from: Fire.

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