SMETHPORT (EC) – The Smethport Campus Project Development
Committee, after several months of planning, is now prepared to
review the project initiative with the community and region.

“The initiative is to bring to the region a school dedicated to
forestry studies, which can capitalize on the unique natural
resources and attributes of this region,” said Jack Rosenswie, who
serves on the committee. “Our initial plans are to meet with a
major university forestry school.”

Preliminary discussions have been held with U.S. Rep. John
Peterson R-Pa.; the staffs of U.S. Senators Arlen Specter and Rick
Santorum, R-Pa.; Michael DiBerardinis, secretary of the
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Dr.
James Grace, state forester; and Penny Eddy, executive director of
the McKean County Redevelopment Authority.

Additional discussions and meetings also have been held with a
university school of forestry, regional forest industry personnel
and community leaders.

“Preliminary response and feedback have been very positive,”
according to Rosenswie.

A community-wide meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the
Court of Angels on West Main Street in Smethport. Details of the
initiative will be provided at this time with an opportunity for
open discussions and input.