HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has announced the recent appointment of Kate Gundersen-Thorpe as the new park operations manager for the French Creek State Park Complex. Gundersen-Thorpe will oversee French Creek and Marsh Creek state parks, two of the most prominent outdoor recreation areas in Berks and Chester counties. She assumed the role in late December, bringing with her extensive management experience and a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Pennsylvania’s state parks.
“Kate is a strong leader and a great fit to oversee one of our largest and most popular state parks,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Her experience and skills will ensure these parks continue to thrive as valued outdoor destinations for Pennsylvanians.”
Covering 7,730 acres in the Schuylkill Highlands, French Creek State Park is renowned for being the largest contiguous forest between Washington, D.C., and New York City. With its diverse landscapes of forests, lakes, wetlands, and fields, the park attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and biking. Nearby Marsh Creek State Park, spanning 1,784 acres in Chester County, offers the 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake, a popular destination for fishing, sailing, and wildlife observation.
Gundersen-Thorpe, a seasoned DCNR professional with deep ties to conservation, expressed enthusiasm about her new role. “I am grateful for the opportunity to manage this incredible park complex and look forward to welcoming visitors to both parks,” she said. “My goal is to support the surrounding communities and build on the exceptional work of our staff in preserving these cherished natural spaces.”
Her career with DCNR includes managing the Neshaminy State Park Complex in Bucks and Philadelphia counties and serving in ranger and assistant manager capacities at various state parks. She holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife conservation from Juniata College and a master’s degree in park and resource management from Slippery Rock University. A native of West Berlin, New Jersey, Gundersen-Thorpe enjoys exploring state parks with her husband, David, and son, Oskar, during her free time.
The transition follows the departure of former operations manager James Wassell, who has moved to a new leadership position overseeing the Susquehanna to Schuylkill Division of State Parks. The division includes several notable sites, such as Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center and Boyd Big Tree Preserve. Wassell reflected on his tenure at French Creek and expressed optimism for the future under Gundersen-Thorpe’s leadership. “I will miss being at the French Creek Complex each day, but I know things are in great hands with Kate,” he remarked. “I’m excited to build teamwork and enhance visitor experiences across the eight parks in my new division.”
Wassell, a Keystone College graduate with a degree in environmental resource management, has had a long-standing connection with DCNR, beginning as an intern at Lackawanna State Park. His career has spanned roles as a ranger, assistant manager, and park manager across various locations before leading the French Creek Complex.
Under Gundersen-Thorpe’s leadership, the French Creek and Marsh Creek state parks promise to continue serving as vital hubs of conservation, recreation, and community engagement. With her expertise and vision, visitors and local communities alike can look forward to the preservation and enhancement of these treasured outdoor spaces for generations to come.
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