Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the appointment of Corie Eckman to serve as the manager at Colonel Denning State Park in Cumberland County.
"I am extremely pleased to see Corie take on the responsibility of managing Colonel Denning and look forward to seeing her continue to grow as a leader within DCNR," Dunn said. "Her thoughtfulness, can-do spirit and love of nature will be a tremendous asset to the local community, staff and visitors alike."
Eckman will manage the 273-acre park that serves as a gateway to the 96,000-acre Tuscarora State Forest. Noted for its beautiful woodlands and 3.5-acre lake, the scenic and historic public lands offer myriad opportunities for outdoor recreation.
"There are a lot of great natural resources in this park that I want to protect and be a good steward of," Eckman said. "I look forward to being a helping hand with our state forest, friends group and community partners to build on what is already happening here and to keep it beautiful for years to come."
A Warren, Pa. native, Eckman grew up spending her time hiking and kayaking in the Allegheny National Forest. She credits her sisters, Rachel and Kelly, for helping to foster her love of nature. Rachel Eckman currently serves as the manager at Black Moshannon State Park.
Corie Eckman earned her bachelor's in environmental biology from Clarion University before attending Slippery Rock University and earning a dual master's in environmental education and park and resource management. After spending a year working for a private forestry company and a three-month stint with the National Outdoor Leadership School, she joined DCNR as a park manager trainee and worked several state parks in western Pennsylvania.
When not working, Eckman enjoys spending time with her fiance, Brady Johnson, and her dog Willow. Gardening, hiking, cooking, mountain biking and exploring central Pennsylvania round out some of her top interests. Eckman noted that the tight-knit community around Colonel Denning has welcomed her with a smile and she is hopeful to build on those relationships in her new role.
Visit DCNR's website for more information about Colonel Denning State Park or call 717-776-5272 for assistance.
Categories: Pennsylvania, General