HARRISBURG, Pa. – Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn recently announced the appointment of Justin Waid to manage Sinnemahoning State Park in Cameron and Potter counties.
(Photo courtesy Susquehannock State Forest Facebook page.)
“I am extremely proud to see Justin take on this role and am confident he will be a good steward of this wonderful park and its resources,” Dunn said. “His can-do attitude, commitment to service, and experience at the park will no doubt be an asset to Sinnemahoning and the surrounding community going forward.”
Waid will oversee the 1,910-acre park located near the center of the Pennsylvania Wilds’ scenic steep valleys region and nestled between the green-shouldered ridges of Pennsylvania’s Elk State Forest and Susquehannock State Forest. The park is long and narrow and includes lands on both sides of First Fork Sinnemahoning Creek — a major tributary to the Sinnemahoning Creek. At the southern end of the park, a 145-acre reservoir created by the George B. Stevenson dam provides excellent fishing and water recreation opportunities. The abundance of wildlife within the park provides visitors with opportunities to view bald eagle, coyote, elk, and bobcat.
“I am humbled and excited for the new responsibility and look forward to tackling this new challenge as the manager at Sinnemahoning,” Waid said. “This is a beautiful, unique park that is a cornerstone of the community. I intend to continue the tradition of excellence and build upon the work of those who came before me.”
Waid served as an assistant manager at Sinnemahoning and replaces Chad McKenrick, who now manages Worlds End State Park. Waid noted that McKenrick taught him a lot about the role, including how to operate the park and staff the visitors center while managing the park and community relations. Prior to becoming an assistant manager, Waid held several roles within DCNR beginning as an intern and including time as a park resource ranger, a ranger trainee, and a park manager trainee.
Hailing from West Sunbury in northern Butler County, Waid studied at Butler Community College before transferring to Slippery Rock University where he earned a degree in park conservation and resource management. He grew up hunting, fishing and spending a lot of time outdoors in the woods with his late grandfather, who he credits for building his love of nature.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about Sinnemahoning State Park or call 814-647-8401 for assistance.
