Harrisburg, PA -- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the appointment of Matthew Eckle as Assistant Park Manager at the Hickory Run State Park Complex in Carbon and Luzerne Counties.
“Matthew has a strong commitment to public service through nature,” Dunn said. “We look forward to seeing what he accomplishes at the Hickory Run complex and believe his dedication will advance accessibility in the parks.”
Eckle is assisting operations at 15,990-acre Hickory Run State Park, as well as 6,107-acre Lehigh Gorge State Park. Each park, located in the Poconos, features various recreation opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. Hickory Run State Park also has Sand Spring Lake. A popular portion of the Lehigh River runs through Lehigh Gorge State Park for whitewater rafting.
Eckle, who began working at Hickory Run in March, aims to improve the quality of access for all individuals.
“I want to support what people are looking for when they come to a state park, to preserve the serenity of the nature that exists here,” Eckle said.
This includes getting amenities to be ADA-accessible, increase access to parking at trails, and adding structures to promote what individuals are looking for at state parks.
Eckle joined DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks in 2022 as a park manager trainee. He was previously assigned to state parks eastern region. Eckle is a Buffalo, New York native who received an undergraduate degree from Buffalo State University New York (SUNY) in earth science with a concentration in geology and a minor in geography. In his free time, Eckle enjoys playing music.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about
Hickory Run State Park Complex or call 272-808-6192 for assistance. Check out
DCNR’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Wesley Robinson, 717-877-6315
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