U.S. Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) today introduced the Endless Mountains National Heritage Area Act to designate Pennsylvania’s Endless Mountains region as a National Heritage Area (NHA), a long-sought recognition that would preserve the region’s rich history and natural beauty while boosting economic growth through tourism. The legislation is the Senate companion to a House bill led by Congressman Dan Meuser (R-PA-09).
“Pennsylvania’s Endless Mountains are a cornerstone of our Commonwealth’s history and natural beauty, with a legacy that stretches back to the earliest days of our nation,” said Senator McCormick. “Especially as we approach our nation’s 250th birthday, this designation is a major win for Northeast Pennsylvania—protecting our historic landscapes while growing a tourism economy that supports thousands of hardworking families. I’m proud to work alongside my Pennsylvania colleagues to bring national recognition to this truly world-class destination.”
“Our public lands are some of the very best parts of what our great country has to offer,” said Senator Fetterman. “We have a responsibility to safeguard the Endless Mountains National Heritage Area. I’m proud to help ensure it will be protected and enjoyed for generations to come while supporting economic development throughout the region.”
“The Endless Mountains region is one of Northeast Pennsylvania’s most scenic landscapes, full of history, natural beauty, and local culture. Whether you’re enjoying its fall foliage or its vast forests during summer, it provides some of the most stunning scenery in our Commonwealth. Establishing the Endless Mountains National Heritage Area will help protect that legacy while increasing tourism, encouraging local economic activity, and strengthening relationships among communities, small businesses, and conservation groups across the four counties. I am happy to lead this effort in the House, alongside Senators McCormick and Fetterman in the Senate, to ensure the history and culture of Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties are recognized and supported for generations of Pennsylvanians to come,” said Congressman Meuser.
BACKGROUND
- This bipartisan bill would designate Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Wyoming counties as a National Heritage Area and name Endless Mountains Heritage Region, Inc. (EMHR) as the local coordinating entity.
- As a National Heritage Area, the region would remain a lived-in landscape, with projects led by local communities through public-private partnerships—not federal mandates.
- The legislation does not alter existing land-use regulations and does not grant the National Park Service any zoning authority or eminent domain power.
- Outdoor and heritage tourism in the region already supports nearly 2,000 jobs and generates more than $166 million in annual economic activity. NHA designation would increase national visibility, attract more visitors, unlock additional federal resources, and could generate up to $350 million in annual economic activity.
- The designation would help protect and elevate the legacy of the Munsee-Lenape, Susquehannock, and Iroquois peoples, along with the region’s agricultural and industrial history.
The effort has garnered strong local and statewide support, including formal resolutions from all four counties and backing from a bipartisan group of Pennsylvania state legislators.
“We’re grateful for the support we’ve received from our state and federal legislators—particularly Senator Dave McCormick, Senator John Fetterman, and Congressman Dan Meuser—as we work to achieve a National Heritage Area designation for the Endless Mountains,” said Cain Chamberlin, Executive Director of the Endless Mountains Heritage Region. “This effort reflects years of collaboration, research, and community input, and highlights the region’s unique history, natural beauty, and cultural significance.”
Read the full bill text here.
