Newsletter of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
April 2, 2025
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Forests for All: DCNR Unveils New Plan to Connect People to Pennsylvania’s Forests |
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On International Day of Forests on March 21, a day dedicated to recognizing the essential role forests play in sustaining life on Earth, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) launched a new plan to ensure the state’s forests remain healthy, accessible, and resilient for future generations.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Pennsylvania State Forester Seth Cassell unveiled Forests for All – A Plan for Pennsylvania’s Forests and People, a forward-thinking strategy to protect, enhance, and connect Pennsylvanians to the state’s 17 million acres of forests.
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| DCNR Encourages Pennsylvanians and Visitors to Explore Camping and Outdoor Recreation at State Parks and Forests |
With some federal campgrounds closing due to staffing shortages, DCNR encourages visitors to explore Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests for camping and outdoor recreation, which are open and ready for visitors.
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| Shapiro Administration Launches Statewide Program to Replace Invasive Trees and Shrubs |
Pennsylvanians can replace up to five invasive trees and shrubs with native species through the new statewide Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive Program.
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| Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps Expanded, Creating More Workforce Development, Job Training, and Conservation Opportunities |
With a $5 million investment in Governor Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget, the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps is expanding to provide more young people with hands-on job training and conservation experience.
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Trout season begins on April 5, and many people will be headed out to Pennsylvania lakes and streams this year. We ask that anglers help to leave their fishing spots the same as or even better than they found them.
Anglers can leave no trace by following these tips:
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Take out everything that you take in -- litter can be hazardous to wildlife.
- Properly dispose of fishing line -- wildlife can easily become trapped or injured in fishing line. Look for used fishing line receptacles at state and local parks.
- Don’t discard bait at your fishing site -- pack out all leftover live bait, bait cups, and other trash and properly dispose it.
- Know how to identify invasive plants -- avoid fishing near them and be vigilant you aren’t transporting them to a new location.
- Use lead-free tackle -- if you find lead sinkers or jigs, pick them up and properly dispose of them.
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Clean off your gear -- remove plants and mud from boats, waders, and other gear before leaving a site. Wash and dry them before fishing in a new spot.
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Don't forget: a valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required of persons age 16 and over. Anglers do not need to display licenses, but must be able to provide them either in print or on their digital device upon request of an officer.
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April is Earth Month. Consider helping take care of Pennsylvania's natural places by volunteering at state parks and forests!
Check out some of the upcoming volunteer events across the state:
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17 dedicated staff members from DCNR and the Pennsylvania Game Commission recently participated in a successful controlled burn at Jennings Environmental Education Center.
In a groundbreaking achievement, this fire featured possibly the first all-female fire squad within Pennsylvania State Parks history. It consisted of seven women who played vital roles in executing the burn. This milestone highlights not only the dedication of the team but also the increasing representation of women in fire management roles.
The burn spanned approximately 18 acres, including not only the prairie, but also a vital section of the prairie habitat expansion area. This marked the first time this area was burned, a significant step toward enhancing habitat quality for local flora and fauna, including the endangered massasauaga rattlesnake.
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Josh Shapiro, Governor | Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
www.dcnr.pa.gov
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