Newsletter of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
June 11, 2026
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Rivers Are Trails, Too: Celebrating Pennsylvania’s Waterways During National Rivers Month |
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When most people hear the word “trail,” they picture dirt under their boots, winding forest paths, and scenic overlooks. But in Pennsylvania, trails also flow. The Commonwealth’s more than 80,000 miles of waterways offer adventure, connection, and community just as powerfully as any land-based trail.
June is National Rivers Month, making it the perfect time to rethink what a trail can be. Our rivers and streams are pathways into nature, heritage, and discovery, and they are an essential part of how Pennsylvanians and visitors experience the outdoors.
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| Recreational Opportunities Expanded on Pine Creek in Lycoming County with New Accessible Fishing Platform |
The fishing platform at the Tomb Flats Campground provides more than 100 linear feet of flat, accessible fishing access to the Pine Creek, and was a part of a project to improve recreational access in the Tiadaghton State Forest.
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$6 Million Investment at Delaware Canal State Park Rebuilds Critical Infrastructure |
Projects at the Lumberville Aqueduct and High Falls Sub-Canal Culvert improve climate resiliency and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities.
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Conestoga River Recognized as Pennsylvania’s 2026 River of the Year |
The Conestoga flows for more than 61 miles, from its headwaters in Berks County down to the Susquehanna River below the Safe Harbor Dam — threading past historic covered bridges, working farms, and small towns.
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Campfires are a timeless summer tradition, but they also come with a big responsibility.
Whether you are camping in a state park or forest or spending time in your backyard, follow these tips to make sure your campfire doesn’t get out of hand:
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Always use a designated fire ring or pit made of metal or stone. Clear everything flammable like dead leaves, grass, and sticks from at least five feet from your fire ring.
- Make sure you have a water source nearby to extinguish your fire.
- Add fuel a little bit at a time, keeping the fire less than three feet high and three feet wide.
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Fully extinguish your fire by pouring lots of water on it until it stops hissing, then stir the ashes well with a shovel. If you see smoldering or red embers, pour more water on it. Repeat until the ashes are cool. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave.
- Never build a campfire in windy, dry conditions. Check your local, county, and state burn bans before planning a campfire.
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Enjoy the season, and remember to never leave a fire unattended!
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Spring and summer are busy times for plants and wildlife in Pennsylvania!
Check out these upcoming state park and forest events to learn more about wildflowers, bats, amphibians, and more:
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A 76-mile bike trek = complete! ✅
Starting at Ohiopyle State Park, these participants recently pedaled through history on a three-day, two-night adventure to the iconic fountain at Point State Park.
Congratulations to everyone who journeyed through the heart of Pennsylvania’s historic Youghiogheny watershed!
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Josh Shapiro, Governor | Cindy Adams Dunn, Secretary
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
www.pa.gov/dcnr
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