The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau (ANFVB), has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the West Penn Energy Fund (WPEF). The funding supports the Sustainable Security & 24/7 Access Pilot, an off-grid solar energy initiative designed for the multi-site “Trolls in the Forest” public art project across McKean County.
The project will deploy self-contained solar power stations across three designated locations in McKean County: the Borough of Kane, the City of Bradford, and within the Allegheny National Forest in the Westline area. These off-grid systems will power high-efficiency LED security lighting and remote surveillance equipment utilizing Starlink/LTE connectivity. By operating entirely on solar energy, the system will protect the public art assets and enable 24-hour visitor access without placing any demand on the local utility grid.
“Trolls in the Forest” features three monumental wooden troll sculptures hand-built from 100% recycled and reclaimed materials by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, constructed alongside local volunteers. On-site build activities for the three sculptures will begin in September 2027, with final project completion scheduled for October 2027. Once open, the installation is projected to serve as a major regional tourism engine, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually to the West Penn Power service territory.
“As we prepare to welcome visitors from across the country to experience Thomas Dambo’s first permanent installation in Pennsylvania, ensuring public safety and protecting these sculptures is essential,” said Rustin Lippincott, Executive Director of the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau. “Utilizing off-grid solar technology allows us to provide illumination and security across our sites in Kane, Bradford, and Westline without trenching through the forest or drawing power from the electrical grid. We are deeply grateful to the West Penn Energy Fund for investing in this sustainable infrastructure.”
Deploying off-grid solar technology in trail and forest environments highlights how clean energy solutions can solve infrastructure challenges for remote recreational facilities.
“WPEF is committed to supporting projects that create lasting benefits for communities while advancing energy efficiency and sustainability,” said Joel Morrison, Fund Administrator for WPEF. “The Trolls in the Forest project brings a creative approach to off-grid solar deployment, protecting a significant community asset, enhancing public safety, and demonstrating zero-load clean energy technologies within the West Penn Power service territory.”
The project aligns with WPEF’s mission of supporting sustainable energy initiatives that strengthen communities, improve economic resilience, and create long-term environmental benefits.
About the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau
The Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau (ANFVB) is the official destination marketing organization for McKean County, Pennsylvania. Operating as Trail Central, the Bureau promotes the region as a premier destination for outdoor recreation, travel, and cultural tourism while championing sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship throughout the Allegheny National Forest region.
About the West Penn Energy Fund
The West Penn Energy Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports transformational projects focused on the deployment of sustainable energy technologies throughout the West Penn Power service region. Funding priorities include sustainable energy technologies, energy efficiency and conservation measures, and projects that facilitate economic development, environmental betterment, and public education related to energy deployment.
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