Harrisburg, PA -- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the appointment of Casse Criss as the manager at
Ryerson Station State Park in Greene County.
“Casse is a thoughtful and dedicated leader who understands the importance of connecting the public to nature,” Dunn said. “We are pleased to have her at Ryerson Station and look forward to seeing her work to engage with the community and to continue efforts protecting native species and habitats at the park.”
Criss assumed operations of the Ryerson Station in April, overseeing the 1,164-acre park features a swimming pool, campground, hiking, fishing, picnicking, and winter activities. She said she hopes to grow the friends group and volunteer opportunities, as well as facilitating events at the park.
“I am excited to have this opportunity to manage Ryerson Station because it is the perfect place to get outside, explore nature, reset, and refresh,” Criss said. “I look forward to meeting park visitors, connecting with the community, and empowering our incredible park staff continue to do great work.”
Criss enjoys interacting with park visitors and educating them on the importance of proactive habitat management. She noted that she plans to continue the previous park manager Alan Johnsons’ positive examples of native plantings and habitat improvements to the park.
Criss is an Etna, Pennsylvania native who had a 20-year career in healthcare before going back to school at Slippery Rock University and obtaining a bachelor’s degree in park resource management.
Criss joined DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks in 2020 as a resource ranger at Moraine State Park. She worked as a semiskilled laborer at Moraine in 2021 before being accepted into the manager trainee program in 2022 in state parks’ western region.
When she isn’t working, Criss enjoys spending free time with her husband, Carl IV, son, Carl V, and their two dogs. Her outdoor interests include hiking, swimming, and attending educational programs at state and community parks.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about
state parks, and check out
DCNR’s Calendar of Events for events on public lands.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Wesley Robinson, 717-877-6315
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