A state land swap will mean the expansion of recreational activities for area residents and visitors in Benezette Township in Elk County.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission and state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry are proposing to trade 291.43 acres in Elk State Forest, partly so individuals would no longer cross over private land to get onto the Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail.

“We (the Bureau of Forestry) are doing this to eliminate the conflicts with the private property owners,” said Jeanne M. Wambaugh, Elk State Forest district forester with the DCNR.

Under the proposal, the Game Commission wants to convey 291.43 acres of State Game Lands 311 along the north and south sides of Gray Hill Road just west of Benezette, whereas the Bureau of Forestry proposes to convey 291.43 acres of Elk State Forest that is adjacent to State Game Lands 311 and near the Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail just north of Benezette. 

In essence, officials said the plan would expand the trail system. Already, people use the area to ride horses, bicycle and hike. Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail dates back to 1994 and is a non-motorized, shared-use trail.

However, people often trespass on private property — unknowingly — to get to the trail system, she said. Thus, the land switch is being proposed.

Wambaugh said the Bureau of Forestry wants to be a good neighbor to property owners. The land trade proposal has been about seven years in the making, Wambaugh said.

“In addition, there has been wonderful cooperation with the PGC to make trail connections to DCNR lands and to private landowners wishing to access the trail system. I understand this is not their primary mission but they have made great efforts to accommodate other users,” she said.

As the proposal is under way, one new trail is being worked on and should be completed by Memorial Day, Wambaugh said. That trail would lead from Gray Hill Road to the trail system.

Meanwhile, another addition to the trail system should be finished before Labor Day, according to Wambaugh.

“New trail maps are in the process and should be completed soon to show the expanded system,” she said. “A new public use map is in the process but this will take some time.”

Trespassing hasn’t been the only concern along the Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail, though. Bureau of Forestry has its eyes heavily focused on the popular trail.

In a prepared statement, Bureau of Forestry director Daniel Devlin said the agency is moving gradually along the large trail to better cater to horses, bicycles and hikers and at the same time address equestrian impact that includes trespassing reported by private land owners; users developing trails on state and private lands without permission; soil erosion; safety concerns; and group and commercial riding without required agreements.

“Addressing these issues and directing recreational resources in a more sustainable direction remains a top bureau priority,” Devlin said. “We plan to promote more directed and sustainable use of the resource; create a safer environment for visitors; and encourage respect for private landowner rights, all in an attempt to improve our visitors’ experience.

“To accomplish this, we will work with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to establish year-round game land connectivity to the Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail, create one map featuring both the game commission and DCNR trails, improve trail sustainability for a better riding experience, close user-generated trails not associated with the Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail, and require all riders to remain on approved roads and trails.”

Propelled by the growth of the elk herd and the promotion of the surrounding Pennsylvania Wilds, the trail has risen in popularity, Devlin said.

“We know equestrians often travel long distances to Benezette to enjoy the world-class attraction of Pennsylvania’s elk herd and to enjoy the stunning beauty found throughout Elk State Forest,” Devlin said. “Fall weekends, especially, attract hundreds of animals and riders to the many locations both in and around the forest. These changes are directly in line with the bureau’s ongoing efforts to provide all visitors with a quality outdoor experience and conserve our forestlands for sustainable use, both now and in the future.”

The Elk Country Visitors Center connects to the Thunder Mountain Equestrian Trail.

The proposed state trade is subject to a 30-day public inquiry and comment period that begins June 6. Send oral or written comments or questions to Ryan Szuch, Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry, P.O. Box 8552, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8552; 717-787-2980; rszuch@pa.gov.