HIKING NEWS ITEM

PA DCNR Recognizes Two Hikers

FRIDAY, 31 AUGUST 2007

With a total of 780 miles and 18 state forest hiking trails behind them, two Pennsylvania residents have earned recognition from a statewide hiking organization and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Bureau of Forestry.

Jeffrey C. Brethauer of Lancaster and John C. Monn of Carlisle, Cumberland County, are the recipients of the State Forest Trails Award.

DCNR and the Keystone Trails Association unveiled the award, earned by hiking all 780 miles of the 18 state forest hiking trails, four years ago. The hikers will be honored at the association's annual fall meeting on Sept. 29, at Blue Knob Ski Resort, Claysburg, Blair County.

"DCNR teamed up with the trails association to recognize individual hiking achievements while, at the same time, drawing attention to the vast wealth of hiking opportunities offered in this state," said DCNR Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. "These award-winners blazed paths that are sure to be followed by others."

Brethauer and Monn will each receive a certificate, patch and ceremonial wooden walking stick at the KTA's annual meeting.

Regardless of completion time, the award recognizes anyone hiking all of Pennsylvania's 18 state forest hiking trails, totaling 780 miles. There is no requirement on sequence, direction, speed or length of time to complete the system.

Read the full news release on PR Newswire.