The Laurel Ridge is a mountainous region dividing Fayette and Westmoreland counties from their eastern neighbors, Somerset and Cambria Counties. The region is approximately 60 miles long and extends from Johnstown and the Conemaugh River north to Ohiopyle State Park to the south. The region contains unique natural beauty and resources that make it attractive for recreational activities. Nearly half of the approximately 330 square mile region is publicly owned and contains six state parks.
Tourism is especially important to the economic viability of the region.
The importance of the Laurel Ridge to the economy resulted in the formation of the Laurel Ridge Forum, which is composed, of representatives from various state agencies, industry, local government, water suppliers and business. Their goal is to manage future development of the region to protect the valuable resources. The Land Analysis Laboratory, in cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service and the Somerset and Westmoreland County Conservation Districts, is developing a GIS for the Laurel Ridge that will help plan and mange future development and protect existing resources crucial to the stability of the region. The project involves database development, software and hardware selection and installation, technique development and education and training for local personnel who will eventually assume operation of the completed system. A specific focus of the system is for comprehensive water resource planning.