LOCAL ANGLES: Two local artists have their talents showcased on
a new item which is about and for the region – “”The Pennsylvania
Wilds”” commemorative pin.[neWLine]

Featured on the tag is a colored-pencil sketch of a bobcat
hand-drawn by Cameron County artist Nelson Haas from an original
photograph taken by Rocky Holland of Eagle-Eye Photography in
Kane.[neWLine]

Rocky sent along his photograph of this McKean County
bobcat:[neWLine]

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The tag itself will be available to residents and visitors
desiring to show their support for the 12-county north central
region known as the Pennsylvania Wilds.[neWLine]

Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, the
sale of the tag is designed to generate revenue and raise awareness
of the more than 1.5 million acres of state forest and game lands,
27 state parks and the darkest skies in the eastern United States
found within the Pennsylvania Wilds.[neWLine]

For a minimum donation of $5, the commemorative pin is now
available at state parks, state forests and through cooperating
partners throughout the region. The pin was produced by the
Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation and proceeds benefit
recreation and conservation efforts in the Pennsylvania
Wilds.[neWLine]

“”These tags are a great way for everyone to show support for
our natural systems and the beautiful and wild areas in the north
central region that are becoming a growing destination for outdoor
recreationists,”” said Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources Secretary Michael DiBeradinis.[neWLine]

“”The donation supports programs and improvements in the
Pennsylvania Wilds, making the commonwealth a better place to live,
work and enjoy.””[neWLine]

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation is a statewide
nonprofit organization committed to the protection, promotion and
enhancement of state parks and forestland.[neWLine]

This is an ongoing program, so collectors can look for new tags
each year, according to Foundation president Marci
Mowery.[neWLine]

“”The tag program not only provides a way for people to show
their support for their Pennsylvania natural heritage, but also
celebrates the talented artists found in our state,”” Mowery
said.