Scheduled for April 26-27, the first Laurel Highlands Summit is part of the region's Conservation Landscape Initiative-an effort by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to raise the region's quality of life while crafting a model of sustainable development tied to the natural and cultural assets of the region.

The initiative engages communities and local partners with state agencies and funding partners to conserve and protect the high-quality natural resources and enhance the region's economic viability.  The summit will emphasize that, in a "live where you play" world, the economic development potential in relation to the natural, cultural and heritage resources in the Laurel Highlands region is tremendous.

The Laurel Highlands Conservation Landscape Initiative-one of seven such regional initiatives in the state-encompasses all of Westmoreland, Fayette and Somerset counties and parts of Cambria and Bedford counties. The initiative focuses on four sub-landscapes: Laurel Ridge, Chestnut Ridge, the Great Allegheny Passage and the Stonycreek-Quemahoning corridor.

The summit will be held at the Hidden Valley Four Seasons Resort in Somerset County. Registration is required. The cost per person is $35 for one day or $55 for both days.

For registration and other information on the summit call the National Road Heritage Corridor at (724) 437-9877 or visit www.laurelhighlandscli.info/.

The summit is being planned by DCNR, the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, the National Road Heritage Corridor, the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, The Progress Fund/Trail Towns Program, and Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.