Forest County Economic Diversification Plan - 2025

Forest County Economic Diversification Plan - 2025

Building a Stronger, More Resilient Future

Forest County is a small but mighty community in the PA Wilds, surrounded by the beauty of the Allegheny National Forest. Like many rural areas, we’ve faced challenges: a shrinking population, business closures, limited housing, and barriers to long-term economic stability.

But we also have incredible strengths—friendly people, a tradition of hard work, thriving outdoor recreation, and a deep sense of community pride.

The Economic Diversification Plan (EDP 2025) is our community’s roadmap to ensure that Forest County is a place where residents can live, work, and thrive for generations to come.

Our Community Vision

“Forest County is a hospitable community that plans for success beyond its wildest dreams. Residents, business owners, educators and other stakeholders promote business opportunities and economic growth to inspire future generations through their active involvement.”

How the Plan Was Built

Over the past year (2024–2025), local leaders, residents, schools, nonprofits, and businesses worked together—supported by the BRECC Challenge program—to create a community-driven plan.

The process included:

• Community listening sessions in Tionesta, Marienville, and local schools
• Resident-led task teams focused on key priorities
• Partnerships with local, regional, state, and federal organizations

This isn’t just a one-time plan—it’s the start of an ongoing cycle of community-led growth and development.

Key Pathways for Growth

The plan focuses on five major pathways to build a stronger local economy and improve quality of life:

1. Local Capacity & Planning

• Strengthening community leadership, communications, and volunteer efforts to carry projects forward.
• AmeriCorps VISTA partnership to boost capacity
• County-wide communications hub
• Community engagement events

2. Downtown Revitalization

Breathing new life into Tionesta and Marienville as vibrant centers of culture, commerce, and connection.

• Facade improvement and beautification projects
• Wayfinding and signage
• Support for local businesses
• Safer pedestrian-friendly streets

3. Housing & Infrastructure

• Expanding housing options and ensuring reliable infrastructure for current and future residents.
• Housing and remote worker study
• Affordable housing initiatives
• Broadband expansion
• Improved EMS and public utilities

4. Outdoor Recreation & Tourism

• Leveraging Forest County’s natural beauty to grow year-round recreation and tourism.
• Expanding ATV, snowmobile, and hiking trails
• Completing the Knox-Kane Rail Trail
• Supporting outfitters and local recreation businesses
• Marketing festivals, events, and “Dark Skies” opportunities

5. Workforce Development & Education

• Creating pathways for residents to learn, train, and access meaningful employment.
• Mapping education and training opportunities
• Building a local & regional training network
• Partnering with schools, colleges, and workforce boards

What Success Looks Like

When these pathways move forward, Forest County will be:

• A place where residents can find safe housing and good jobs
• A county with thriving downtowns and small businesses
• A tourism and recreation hub that attracts visitors year-round
• A community with strong leadership and engaged volunteers
• A region where young people see a future worth staying for

How to Get Involved

This plan belongs to the community. Progress depends on residents, seasonal homeowners, business owners, and partners working together.

Ways to participate:

• Volunteer for a task team
• Share ideas at community meetings
• Support local businesses and events
• Stay informed by subscribing to this blog. 

Learn More

For full details, download the Forest County Economic Diversification Plan 2025. 

Together, we can build a stronger future for Forest County.