That’s because he was a former Bulldog, having graduated from Jersey Shore, and had fond memories since he was 5 years old of going up and down the Pine Creek valley.

He knows how valuable the Pine Creek Rail Trail is, not just from an outdoors standpoint, but for a myriad of reasons. He’s on numerous committees in Harrisburg, and each one he feels is more than applicable in regards to the rail trail.

“I’m on four committees there (in Harrisburg) which all point to today: tourism, hunting and fishing, children and youth, and human services,” Flick said. “We can combine all of those. We think of mental health issues, or drug and alcohol issues, or children issues. We bring them here and a lot of those issues disappear.”

Flick was on hand with a number of other individuals and state representatives to take part in a ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony at the Whitetail Recreational Parking Area to reopen the rail trail after a number of extensive renovations the past year.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Newly upgraded facilities are shown at the Whitetail Recreational parking area along the Pine Creek Rail Trail near Avis on Friday, June 21, 2024. DCNR, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce representatives and local politicians gathered for a ribbon cutting event to acknowledged the partners involved and the renovations made to upgrade the facility.

Those improvements included a parking area that accommodates 38 vehicles, lifting the parking site to mitigate flooding impacts, removal of an unused building, a new concrete restroom, a storage building for Pine Creek Rail Trail maintenance and a new trailhead information pavilion.

What Flick touched on regarding various issues rings true. The Pine Creek Rail Trail is a 62-mile trail which extends from Jersey Shore to the Wellsboro Junction and will soon connect to Lock Haven and Williamsport in the not-so-distant future. There’s areas for camping, there’s plenty of sightseeing that those can see in the area and the Tiadaghton State Forest.

Tiadaghton District Forester Tom Casilio was the first speaker on Friday at the ribbon cutting ceremony and noted that he often comes down to the Whitetail Recreational Parking Area and speaks to people who are taking a little rest or grabbing a quick bite to eat and see how they’re doing. So many people take advantage of those trails, and he and others are happy to witness that constantly.

“I’d just like to mention the state forest is welcome to all and this access area is an example of how all Pennsylvanians can experience all DCNR has to offer,” Casilio said.

“Jason (Fink of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce) and others are aware of this campaign in Pennsylvania, the Great American Getaway, rebranding of the state, sort of recognition of how people enjoy Pennsylvania. You might live in New York, you might live in D.C., Philly, Pittsburgh, but you get away for a three-day, four-day trip and spend money. It really helps these rural communities,” DCNR secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Newly upgraded facilities are shown at the Whitetail Recreational parking area along the Pine Creek Rail Trail near Avis on Friday, June 21, 2024. DCNR, Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce representatives and local politicians gathered for a ribbon cutting event to acknowledged the partners involved and the renovations made to upgrade the facility.

Dunn pointed out everything Pennsylvania has to offer in terms of trails. The Pine Creek Rail Trail is part of one of the 20 state forests in the Commonwealth.

“It can be an important basis of our future economy, the thing that makes people come back. It all depends on things like this. … We really appreciate everyone’s support on this and everyone’s interest in this particular project,” Dunn said.

Those issues that Flick noted and how places like Pine Creek Rail Trail can help them disappear? It’s something that many echo. Places like the Whitetail Recreational Access gives individuals something to do and partake in, and it can help mitigate issues such as what Flick pointed out.

“Being able to have an asset like this to be able to stop, grab a bite to eat, is very key. We very much appreciate the continued investment in our region that DCNR makes, and not only here,” Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jason Fink said. “I talk to my colleagues across the Commonwealth, DCNR is truly committed throughout the Commonwealth.”

And that commitment to state forests and trails such as the Pine Creek Rail Trail is more than beneficial to everyone, children and adults alike.

Jon Gerardi is the sports editor at the Sun-Gazette and handles the Outdoors section every week. Email comments to jgerardi@sungazette.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JonGerardi.