State park to get new lease on life, who won the Pa. elk lottery, where to fish in Pa.

When a facility no longer makes sense for its surroundings, it’s time to do something different.

That’s what’s happening with a state park in northcentral Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources reports it is planning to convert Denton Hill State Park into a four-season recreational destination in Potter County.

The rural park served as a ski resort dating back more than 70 years ago, but the ski area has been defunct for the past decade.

Fortunately, the state agency has a new private business partner, Denton Go, which will create unique opportunities for the park’s visitors.

According to a news release, Denton Go plans to open a Polaris Adventures Site for the public to rent off-highway Utility Terrain Vehicles for use where allowed in the park and the surrounding Susquehannock State Forest.

The first phase of their work this summer will include the improvement of hiking and biking trails; upgrading and opening traditional tent camping, recreational vehicle sites, and modern cabins; and reopening the iconic lodge as a venue for large events, including weddings. Work at the park also includes the removal of some of the outdated ski lift equipment.

Other areas of improvement the department and Denton Go have identified include relaunching the ski lift operation for downhill skiing and snowboarding; lift-serviced mountain biking; mountaintop dark sky viewing; expanded overnight cabins, recreational vehicle and tent camping opportunities; and numerous additional or expanded daytime recreational activities including improved trail connections.

The DCNR reports all permanent infrastructure at Denton Hill is owned by the department and needs major rehabilitation and modernization. The department is committing $10 million in capital improvements to the park.

It’s nice to see new life coming to this 700-acre public facility for future generations to enjoy.

I also have several stories for you this week that are linked below:

• The Pennsylvania Game Commission has awarded 140 elk licenses for this year’s hunting seasons. I spoke to a couple of the winners who are planning for their rare hunting adventures.
• If you live in a rural area, you may occasionally hear rifle shots being fired at night. I spoke to a retired wildlife conservation officer who just penned a book about his adventures apprehending night-time poachers.
• Do you know where the most popular places for fishing in Pennsylvania are? I have a story that highlights why two waterways are getting the most guided fishing opportunities.
• An Erie angler caught a fish he describes as a unicorn for Lake Erie. The story explains why this salmon is a rare trophy for this Great Lake.
• If you enjoy hiking, colleague Paul Kuehnel of the York Daily Record highlights a revised trail that has been 15 years in the making in southcentral Pennsylvania that is worth your time.

Have a good weekend.

Brian Whipkey is the outdoors columnist for USA TODAY Network sites in Pennsylvania. Contact him with questions about the outdoors or story ideas at bwhipkey@gannett.com or 814-444-5928. Follow him on Facebook @whipkeyoutdoors .

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: State park to get new lease on life, who won the Pa. elk lottery, where to fish in Pa.