The York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) is excited to announce Silas Chamberlin, Vice President, Economic & Community Development has been appointed to the York County Rail Trail Authority.

Chamberlin is a past member of the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee, and has an established career in trail development, conservation, and economic development. His professional roles include director of Stewardship with the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, executive director of the Schuylkill River National Heritage Area, and most recently CEO of Downtown Inc.

“Silas is the ideal fit for this role, and this is a win for the County,” said Kevin Schreiber, President & CEO of the YCEA. “As an advisor with DCNR, Silas helped municipalities and non-profits across 14 counties secure funding for trail development. His knowledge and passion for the County and the trail ecosystem is unparallel.”

Additionally, Chamberlin holds a PhD in environmental history, and wrote both his Masters thesis and doctorial dissertation on the history of trail development. His book, On the Trail: A History of American Hiking, was published by Yale University Press in 2016 and has been called “as important to the future of hiking in America as it is to the past.”

“I look forward to working with my fellow directors to advance development of the York Heritage Rail Trail, the Hanover Trolley Trail, and other trails throughout York County,” said Chamberlin. “Trails attract tourists, increase real estate values, and provide business opportunities in the communities through which they pass. They are an important element of York County’s economic vitality and crucial to our quality of life.”

This past September, Chamberlin and his daughter completed a personal goal of hiking all the trails at Gifford Pinchot State Park. A two-year goal complete, and a love of hiking forever established.

“I have a lifelong passion for trails and their positive impact,” he said. “I am excited to put that passion to work on behalf of the Authority and our County.”

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