The 12-county region called the "Pennsylvania Wilds" contains the most valuable natural resources and wild lands in the state. The initiative is a national model for mobilizing and coordinating a wide array of conservation, tourism promotion, economic development and community revitalization interests. By using tourism to promote appropriate stewardship and conservation, we help to revitalize communities while retaining their rural character.

Michael DiBerardinis is secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (askDCNR@state.pa.us).

Why would the commonwealth risk three years of effort and millions of dollars of investments by abandoning our dedication to protecting and conserving these treasured natural resources, as suggested in a Jan. 18 guest commentary, "Not So Wild"?

A recent draft of a study that proposed the construction of an 800-mile all-terrain-vehicle trail through the Pennsylvania Wilds was beyond the scope of work authorized by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant. The real purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility of developing a legal trail system on cooperating private lands, and we will direct that recommended facilities on state lands be stricken from the plans. Our position remains that no new large-scale trail development will take place on state park or state forest lands.

Since the federal government owns less than 10 percent of the mineral rights in the Allegheny National Forest and the rest is privately held, it is difficult for government to control the pace of drilling activity. To respond to this increased activity, the commonwealth has created a work group with Allegheny National Forest staff to look at how we can more effectively address drilling activity. A result of this effort is the recent fine of more than $657,000 levied by the state Department of Environmental Protection against an oil- and gas-drilling company for violations of numerous environmental laws in the Allegheny National Forest.

Gov. Ed Rendell has affirmed his commitment to protecting Pennsylvania's natural resources while encouraging America's energy independence by including funds in this year's budget to hire six new oil and gas inspectors to ensure improved compliance with Pennsylvania's Oil and Gas Act.

It was a dedication to conservation that created the largest block of lands between New York and Chicago open for public enjoyment. We will continue to protect and improve those public lands in the Pennsylvania Wilds both for their inherent value and beauty, and for the opportunities they offer for sustained economic growth and continued investment in the communities in the region.