CEO named to registry

Dingmans Ferry - The directors of The Heritage Registry of “Who’s Who” have announced the inclusion of James A. Rienhardt, Executive Director/CEO of The Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC), in the forthcoming North American 2006-2007 Edition. According to the registry, “the accomplishments and achievements attained by James Rienhardt in the field of Wildlife Environmental Services with the center and the National Park Service warrants inclusion into The Heritage Registry of Who’s Who.” Jim began his environmental career with the U.S. Department of Interior in 1974. Between 1974 and 2001, he worked in several senior management positions at the Northeast Regional Offices in Philadelphia and Boston and at Gateway National Recreation Area in New York City. Jim admits that his biggest accomplishment while working for the National Park Service was managing the historic Ellis Island re-opening in 1990. Jim came to the center in August 2001 with two major goals in mind, to upgrade its infrastructure and help increase its awareness in the Tri-State area. To date, he has obtained $5.3 million from federal, state, local and private entities for the center’s infrastructure improvements. These improvements include: a new 7,300 sq. ft. dining/education facility, 2 new 40-person group lodges, 4 new 12-person family duplex cabins, 8 new 8-12 person Yurts (upscale heavy duty tents with platforms), new outdoor bathroom/shower facility; 3 renovated 4-8 person family cabins; new 60x40 outdoor teaching pavilion; new 16 ft. outdoor teaching gazebo; new ADA boardwalk; new lighted outdoor basketball court; new vehicle front parking area; new roof on the center’s main administration/education building; new septic system; and new multiple ADA trail connections. Jim has also developed valuable public and private partnerships throughout Pa., N.Y. & N.J. to sustain the center’s quality programs. Rienhardt commented, “I feel honored by receiving this recognition, but also humbled, in that every American contributes daily in preserving our fragile natural resources. A balance of smart growth development, with targeted open space preservation and proper education will better guarantee a sustainable Earth for future generations. By working together - We can make a difference.”